Existing law provides pedestrians on or near a highway with certain rights and imposes certain duties. (NRS 484B.280-484B.297) Existing law authorizes the operation of a mobile carrying device on sidewalks and in crosswalks and provides that such a device has, in general, the rights and duties of a pedestrian. (NRS 484B.790) Section 3 of this bill defines the term “personal delivery device” to mean an electrically powered device that: (1) is intended primarily to transport cargo on sidewalks, crosswalks and other pedestrian areas; and (2) is equipped with technology that allows navigation with or without the active control or monitoring of a natural person. Section 1 of this bill provides that a personal delivery device is not a “vehicle” for purposes of existing law governing travel on public highways. (NRS 482.135) Section 5 of this bill provides that a personal delivery device may only be operated at an institution within the Nevada System of Higher Education or on a sidewalk or crosswalk directly adjacent to such an institution while servicing the institution. Section 5: (1) authorizes a personal delivery device to operate on highways only if crossing at an intersection or within a crosswalk; (2) prohibits such a device from transporting hazardous material, transporting a person or unreasonably interfering with pedestrians or vehicle traffic; and (3) provides that such a device has, in general, the rights and duties of a pedestrian. Section 5 also requires a personal delivery device to include a unique identifying number and a means of identifying and contacting the personal delivery device operator. Section 4 of this bill defines the term “personal delivery device operator” to mean a person or entity that exercises control or monitoring over the operation and navigation of a personal delivery device, not including a person who solely: (1) requests or receives a delivery; (2) arranges for or dispatches a delivery; or (3) stores, charges or maintains a personal delivery device. Section 6 of this bill requires a personal delivery device operator to maintain a policy of general liability insurance to cover any damages caused by the operation of personal delivery devices under the control of the operator. Section 8 of this bill provides that a violation of the provisions of section 5 or 6 is a civil infraction. Section 7 of this bill makes a conforming change to indicate the proper placement of sections 3 and 4 in the Nevada Revised Statutes. Existing law authorizes the governing body of a county or city, respectively, to enact ordinances which regulate the time, place and manner of operation of mobile carrying devices. (NRS 244.3565, 268.41015) Sections 9 and 10 of this bill create similar authority for personal delivery devices.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 482.135, 484B.003, 484B.760, 244.3565, 268.41015
Reprint 1: 482.135, 484B.003, 484B.760, 244.3565, 268.41015
Reprint 2: 482.135, 484B.003, 484B.760, 244.3565, 268.41015
As Enrolled: 482.135, 484B.003, 484B.760, 244.3565, 268.41015
BDR: 482.135, 484B.003, 484B.760, 244.3565, 268.41015