Are high beams required for neighborhood electric vehicles?

The requirement for high beams in neighborhood electric vehicles is determined by specific regulations governing this category of vehicle. Neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) are designed primarily for low-speed urban and suburban driving, typically under 35 miles per hour. The law generally does not mandate the use of high beams for NEVs, as these vehicles are equipped with standard low-beam headlights sufficient for such driving conditions.

Furthermore, the purpose of high beams is to provide greater visibility over longer distances at higher speeds, which aligns more with vehicles operating on highways or rural roads. As NEVs are intended for use in residential areas and typically have limited speed and operational scope, the requirement for high beams does not apply in the same manner. Therefore, it's essential for safety inspectors and operators to understand that while these vehicles must have functioning headlights, the use of high beams is not a legal requirement for them under regular driving conditions.