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Neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV)

An NEV is an electric vehicle that meets the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, for a “low speed vehicle.” An NEV must have a certification label stating that the vehicle meets low speed vehicle standards.

An NEV:

• has four wheels
• has a top attainable speed in 1 mile of more than 20 mph and not more than 25 mph on a paved level surface
• has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds
• is self-propelled by electric power

A golf cart, or a low-speed vehicle powered other than by an electric engine, is not considered an NEV.

When operated on public roads, an NEV must be:

• titled and registered through the Department of Transportation (WisDOT), Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
• operated by a licensed driver, and
• operated only on local roads specifically approved for NEV operation by local ordinance

Operation on local roads

NEVs may be operated on local roads that have a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less, provided the municipality that has maintains the road has passed an ordinance allowing NEV operation on those specific routes. Contact your local government for additional information on routes.

Title and registration

For operation on public roads, an NEV must be titled and registered through the DMV.

• The biennial registration fee is $23, with expiration on April 30 of even-numbered years.
• The registered owner may transfer the plate to another NEV when the vehicle is sold.
• The title fee for NEVs is $53.
• Unless exempt, NEVs are subject to state and local sales and use tax.

NEV’s registered prior to December 4, 2007
State law changed in December 2007 to require title and registration of NEVs by WisDOT, instead of by municipalities. Any person with a valid municipal NEV registration, issued before December 4, 2007, may register the NEV with WisDOT through April 2010 for no registration fee.

To receive NEV title and registration, you must mail a completed MV14 application form for title and registration and fees to the DMV. All title and registration applications for NEVs must be sent to the central office in Madison for processing. Local DMV customer service centers cannot provide title and registration services for these vehicles.

Keep a copy of the application in your vehicle until you receive the Certificate of Registration and license plate. When you receive the title, keep it in a secure place – not in the vehicle.

To apply, send:

1. The original Certificate of Title, or Manufacturer Certificate (or Statement) of Origin signed by the previous owner or dealer
2. Completed and signed form MV14 (Keep a copy of the completed form for your records)
3. A photograph of the federal certification label on the vehicle. The certification label reads “this vehicle conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle standards…”
4. License plate fee , if the vehicle does not have current Wisconsin plates. If the NEV has current registration issued by your municipality, send a copy of the Certificate of Registration and you will receive a NEV plate valid through April 2010.
5. $53 title fee
6. Sales tax (if applicable)
7. Local sales tax (if applicable)
8. Check or money order made payable to Registration Fee Trust
9. Mail the application and fee to:

Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Research and Information Unit
P.O. Box 8070
Madison, WI 53708-8070

NEV disabled parking information

Customers who have and display a valid disabled parking identification (DISID) card may park an NEV in public parking spaces reserved for individuals with a disability that impairs the ability to walk. However, to prevent the theft of the DisID card, WisDOT does not recommend using the card in an NEV if the vehicle cannot be securely locked. Current state law does not allow the issuance of license plates for NEVs for disabled parking privileges.

'Opt Out' - withhold your name and address from mailing lists

WisDOT uses the information provided on the MV1 and other forms to title and register vehicles in Wisconsin, collect fees, and enforce Wisconsin laws. Under open records laws, WisDOT must make nonexempt information available upon request. WisDOT makes some information available to companies for business purposes. If you want your name and address withheld from such business mailing lists, download form MV3592 Request to Withhold Name and Address or obtain one from any DMV service center. Complete and return to the address given on the form.

Driver license

The operator of an NEV must have a valid regular or probationary driver license and must follow all traffic laws. A slow moving vehicle sign is not required on an NEV.

If you have questions:

• E-mail: bur-veh-services.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
  • Because WisDOT may have to research your question before replying, please allow 4 business days for an e-mail response. Please do not send a second e-mail.
  • If you e-mail us about a specific vehicle, we will not be able to respond to your inquiry unless you provide us with the license plate number or the vehicle identification number.
• Call: (608) 266-1466, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

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Questions about the content of this page:
Bureau of Vehicle Services, bur-veh-services.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
Last modified: March 30, 2009