By the end of this year, a new generation of mass-manufactured electric cars will be rolling down Snohomish County streets. People here will be some of the first in the country to buy Nissan’s Leaf, an entirely electric plug-in car. In Western Washington, more than 1,000 people have added their names to a waiting list to buy one. The Chevrolet’s plug-in hybrid Volt also is supposed to hit the market shortly. In the next two years, at least nine other auto manufacturers plan to roll out electric or hybrid plug-in cars.
For more on this story click here: http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20101011/NEWS01/710119909/1122
So, with the obvious increase in electric vehicles the question in the DUI context is whether driving an electric car still falls under the DUI statute?
The Legislature has approved an amendment to the following statute but basically, the answer is that the electric vehicles to be manufacture by Nissan, Chevrolet, and Tesla DO fall under the Statute. So, if you do drive an electric vehicle do not drive buzzed!
RCW 46.04.670
Vehicle. (Effective July 1, 2011.)
"Vehicle" includes every device capable of being moved upon a public highway and in, upon, or by which any persons or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a public highway, including bicycles. "Vehicle" does not include power wheelchairs or devices other than bicycles moved by human or animal power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. Mopeds are not considered vehicles or motor vehicles for the purposes of chapter 46.70 RCW. Bicycles are not considered vehicles for the purposes of chapter 46.12, *46.16, or 46.70 RCW or RCW 82.12.045. Electric personal assistive mobility devices are not considered vehicles or motor vehicles for the purposes of chapter 46.12, *46.16, 46.29, 46.37, or 46.70 RCW. A golf cart is not considered a vehicle, except for the purposes of chapter 46.61 RCW.
For information on your Washington State DUI please contact our Snohomish County DUI attorneys, Whatcom County DUI attorneys, King County DUI attorneys, Whatcom Island County DUI attorneys, Island County DUI attorneys, or Skagit County DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com
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