Whereas, recent advances in technology have allowed the development of certain low-speed vehicles; and

Whereas, these low-speed vehicles are important as they represent the cutting edge of transportation technology that does not rely solely on gasoline or diesel fuel, reducing both pollution and the State's reliance on oil-based fuel; and

Whereas, the advancement of this technology relies on public relations efforts and competition in the form of rallies and races, which take place primarily during the summer; and

Whereas, the effective date of this legislation would fall after the season for low-speed vehicle rallies and races; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §501, sub-§2-A, as amended by PL 2001, c. 197, §4, is further amended to read:

2-A. Island vehicles and golf carts. The following provisions apply to vehicles operating on islands that have no public ways maintained or supported by the State.

A. Notwithstanding subsection 1, an automobile may be registered for an annual fee of $4. A low-speed vehicle or golf cart may be registered for an annual fee of $4. The registrant must show evidence of payment of the excise tax required by Title 36, section 1482. The municipality may collect an additional $4 fee annually to defray the cost of removing abandoned vehicles or golf carts.

B. A low-speed vehicle or golf cart may be operated on an island if the governing body of the municipality allows. A low-speed vehicle or golf cart may be operated only on a road or street where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. A low-speed vehicle or golf cart may cross, at an intersection, a road or street with a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour.