GOLF CARTS & SCOOTERS; INSURANCE H.B. 5636 (H-1):
SUMMARY OF HOUSE-PASSED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
House Bill 5636 (Substitute H-1 as passed by the House)
Sponsor: Representative Kevin Cotter
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Insurance Code to exclude a golf cart, motorized wheelchair, scooter, or other similar device from the definition of "motor vehicle" for purposes of the Code's requirement to maintain auto insurance.
The bill is tie-barred to House Bill 5045. (House Bill 5045 (H-3), as passed by the House, would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to allow the use of golf carts on city, township, or village streets, provided certain conditions were met.)
The Code provides that the owner or registrant of a motor vehicle required to be registered in this State must maintain security for payment of benefits under personal protection insurance, property protection insurance, and residual liability insurance. Security is only required during the period the vehicle is driven or moved on a highway. "Motor vehicle" means a vehicle, including a trailer, that is operated or designed for operation on a public highway by power other than muscular power and has more than two wheels. The term does not include a motorcycle, a moped, a farm tractor or other implement of husbandry that does not have to be registered under the Michigan Vehicle Code, or an off-road vehicle.
The bill specifies that the term "motor vehicle" would not include a golf cart. "Golf cart" would mean "a vehicle designed for transportation while playing the game of golf".
The bill also provides that "motor vehicle" would not include a motorized wheelchair, scooter, or other similar device designed to assist in the personal mobility of an individual and not for operation on a public highway. This provision would have to be applied retroactively.
MCL 500.3101 Legislative Analyst: Jeff Mann
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on local or State government.
Fiscal Analyst: Glenn Steffens
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.