By: Hancock, Eckhardt S.B. No. 1816
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the titling, registration, and operation of a miniature
vehicle.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 501, Transportation Code,
is amended by adding Section 501.009 to read as follows:
Sec. 501.009. TITLE FOR MINIATURE VEHICLE. (a) In this
section, "miniature vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section
502.001.
(b) For purposes of issuing a title under this chapter, a
miniature vehicle is considered to be a motor vehicle.
SECTION 2. Section 502.001, Transportation Code, is amended
by adding Subdivision (21-a) to read as follows:
(21-a) "Miniature vehicle" means a miniature motor
vehicle that:
(A) is designed to propel itself with four or
more tires in contact with the ground;
(B) complies with applicable federal law; and
(C) is not a custom vehicle or street rod, as
those terms are defined by Section 504.501, a neighborhood electric
vehicle, as defined by Section 551.301, a golf cart, as defined by
Section 551.401, or an off-highway vehicle, as defined by Section
551A.001.
SECTION 3. Subchapter A, Chapter 502, Transportation Code,
is amended by adding Section 502.006 to read as follows:
Sec. 502.006. REGISTRATION OF MINIATURE VEHICLE. For
purposes of registering a vehicle under this chapter, a miniature
vehicle is considered to be a motor vehicle.
SECTION 4. Subchapter I, Chapter 545, Transportation Code,
is amended by adding Section 545.429 to read as follows:
Sec. 545.429. OPERATION OF MINIATURE VEHICLE. (a) In this
section, "miniature vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section
502.001.
(b) A person may operate a miniature vehicle on a public
highway only if:
(1) the vehicle has been registered and titled in
accordance with the laws of this state; and
(2) the vehicle is capable of operating in compliance
with applicable traffic laws in this title.
SECTION 5. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.