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Regulations
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NHTSA Ruling Clears the Way for GEM Vehicle Street Use
The GEM Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) is included in a classification of federally approved "low-speed vehicles" which can be driven on community streets posted at 35 mph or less* if they meet certain safety criteria, according to a ruling announced in June, 1998 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The ruling affects NEVs and other electric vehicles that have top speeds of 20 to 25 miles an hour. (GEM cars travel at speeds up to 25 mph.)
Under the rule, electric vehicles, including thousands of golf carts now used for transportation in retirement communities and on golf courses, are required to have seat belts, headlights, windshield wipers and other safety devices before they can be used for street travel.
GEM cars, however, already come with anchored three-point safety belts, headlamps and windshield wipers as standard equipment. The GEM car's other standard safety features include four-wheel hydraulic brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, automotive safety glass, front-wheel drive, taillights, front and rear turn signals and stop lamps.
GEM cars are the first multi-purpose NEV automotive engineered for both street and turf use. The NHTSA ruling was intended to set up safety criteria for low-speed vehicles (LSVs) and provide individual states with the uniform regulatory guidelines. The ruling does not alter the ability of states and local governments to decide for themselves whether to permit on-road use of LSVs. Please check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles for use requirements in your area.
*In most states; subject to state-specific regulations.
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Where GEM Cars Can Be Driven
Currently, GEM cars are street-legal in almost all 50 states across the U.S. on roads posted at 35 mph or less. In addition, many countries around the world are using GEM cars as a mode of transportation. For more information on where GEM cars are street-legal in your area, please contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles.
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