Operation of low-speed vehicles on highway, permitted when — exemptions

1. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, a low-speed vehicle may be operated upon a highway in the state if it meets the requirements of this section. Every person operating a low-speed vehicle shall be granted all the rights and shall be subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of any other motor vehicle except as to the special regulations in this section and except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application. 2. The operator of a low-speed vehicle shall observe all traffic laws and local ordinances regarding the rules of the road. A low-speed vehicle shall not be operated on a street or a highway with a posted speed limit greater than thirty-five miles per hour. The provisions of this subsection shall not prohibit a low-speed vehicle from crossing a street or highway with a posted speed limit greater than thirty-five miles per hour. 3. A low-speed vehicle shall be exempt from the requirements of sections 307.350 to 307.402 for purposes of titling and registration. Low-speed vehicles shall comply with the standards in 49 CFR 571.500, as amended. 4. Every operator of a low-speed vehicle shall maintain financial responsibility on such low-speed vehicle as required by chapter 303 if the low-speed vehicle is to be operated upon the highways of this state. 5. Each person operating a low-speed vehicle on a highway in this state shall possess a valid driver's license issued pursuant to chapter 302. 6. For purposes of this section a "low-speed vehicle" shall have the meaning ascribed to it in 49 CFR, section 571.3, as amended. 7. All low-speed vehicles shall be manufactured in compliance with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards for low-speed vehicles in 49 CFR 571.500, as amended. 8. Nothing in this section shall prevent county or municipal governments from adopting more stringent local ordinances governing low-speed vehicle operation if the governing body of the county or municipality determines that such ordinances are necessary in the interest of public safety. The department of transportation may prohibit the operation of low-speed vehicles on any highway under its jurisdiction if it determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of public safety.