Colorado Vehicle Driving Restrictions
Low-Speed Electric Vehicle (EV) Access to Roadways
A low-speed EV is a self-propelled vehicle using electricity as its primary propulsion method, has at least three wheels in contact with the ground, does not use handlebars to steer, and meets manufacturer requirements as defined in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 565. A low-speed EV may be operated only on a roadway with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour (mph) or less; a low-speed EV may directly cross a roadway with a speed limit greater than 35 mph.
A Class B low-speed EV is defined as a low-speed EV which is capable of traveling at greater than 25 mph but less than 45 mph and may be operated only on a roadway with a speed limit of 45 mph or less; a Class B low-speed EV may directly cross a roadway with a speed limit greater than 45 mph. Neither a low-speed EV nor a Class B low-speed EV may be operated on a limited-access highway. The Colorado Department of Revenue may not register or issue a title for a Class-B low-speed EV until after the U.S. Department of Transportation has adopted a federal motor vehicle safety standard for low-speed EVs that authorizes operation at greater than 25 mph but less than 45 mph.
Low-speed EVs may not be sold or offered for sale unless they comply with state vehicle safety requirements.
(Reference Senate Bill 075, 2009, and Colorado Revised Statutes 12-6-120, 42-1-102, 42-4-109.5, 42-4-109.6)
