EXCLUDE "ELECTRIC CARRIAGES"
FROM THE TERM "MOTOR VEHICLE"
House Bill 4254 (reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Rep. John Walsh
Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
Complete to 3-12-13
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4254 REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE ON 3-5-13
The bill would amend Section 33 of the Motor Vehicle Code (MCL 257.33) to exclude an "electric carriage" from the definition of motor vehicle.
An "electric carriage" would be defined to mean a horse-drawn carriage that has been retrofitted to be propelled by an electronic motor instead of by a horse that is used to provide taxi service.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
According to testimony from the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, the bill would allow Andre's Carriage Tours to operate statewide. The Chamber says, the company has "retrofitted a horse drawn carriage by adding an electric motor. This allows them to offer the service and ambience of a carriage ride without the horses, which are often not allowed at certain sites. [The company] has asked for legislation which would exempt them from vehicle registration since they are not an automobile and are used for events and other recreational purposes." According to testimony from Andre's Carriage Tours, "the carriage is a full scale replica of horse carriages used in the 16th and 17th centuries, converted to operate electrically and emissions free." The company says that an inspection by the Detroit Mounted Police Division found the carriage safe to operate on the streets of Detroit. A photo provided by the company is included below.
FISCAL IMPACT:
House Bill would not have a significant fiscal impact on the Department of State.
POSITIONS:
The Detroit Regional Chamber submitted written testimony in support of the bill. (3-5-13)
City of Detroit indicated support for the bill. (3-5-13)
Wayne County indicated support for the bill. (3-5-13)
Andres' Carriage Tours supports the bill. (3-5-13)
The Secretary of State is neutral on the bill. (3-5-13)
Fiscal Analyst: Paul Holland
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.