Assigned to TRANSIT AS PASSED BY COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Third Legislature, Second Regular Session
AMENDED
Purpose
Defines a personal delivery device (device) and creates regulations for the device.
Background
Statute outlines duties and permissions of a pedestrian, which include a person afoot or using an electric personal assistive mobility device or wheelchair. A pedestrian must adhere to traffic control signals at intersections and traffic control ordinances enacted by local authorities. If there is a sidewalk, a pedestrian is required to use it and walk on the right half of the sidewalk. Vehicles are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at marked crosswalks and a pedestrian is prohibited from walking close enough to make it impossible for a vehicle to yield (A.R.S. Title 28, Chapter 3, Article 10).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact on the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Allows a local authority to adopt safety restrictions for devices on roads and highways under its jurisdiction.
2. Requires a device to adhere to all the rights and duties applicable to pedestrians and to yield the right-of-way on crosswalks and sidewalks.
3. Allows a device to operate on sidewalks, within crosswalks and on roadways.
4. Stipulates that a device has all the applicable rights and duties of pedestrians.
5. Exempts a device from motor vehicle registration and insurance requirements.
6. Defines a personal delivery device as an electronically powered device that:
a) is operated primarily on sidewalks and within crosswalks;
b) is designed to transport property;
c) has a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour unless a local authority sets an alternative speed; and
d) can be operated with or without active control of a natural person.
7. Excludes a personal delivery device from being defined as a motor vehicle and vehicle.
8. Makes technical and conforming changes.
9. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Amendments Adopted by Committee
1. Eliminates prescribed device and operation requirements.
2. Allows a local authority to determine an alternative maximum speed at which the device may operate.
3. Eliminates language prohibiting devices from operating on state- or locally-established nonmotorized trails or bicycle paths.
4. Exempts a device from being prohibited on sidewalks.
5. Adds roadways to areas where a device is permitted to operate.
6. Eliminates and modifies defined terms.
7. Makes technical and conforming changes.
House Action Senate Action
TI 2/7/18 DP 8-0-0-0 TRANSIT 2/27/18 DPA 7-0-0
3rd Read 2/15/18 52-7-1
Prepared by Senate Research
February 27, 2018
KN/CU/lb