Metcalf Miniature Vehicle Bill Covers Only Ones Made In Japan

The text as introduced · 595 words

89R1815 AJZ-F

By: Metcalf
H.B. No. 4578

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 B, Chapter 501, Transportation Code,

is amended by adding Section 501.039 to read as follows:

Sec. 501.039. TITLE FOR MINIATURE VEHICLE. (a) In this

section, "miniature vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section

502.001.

(b) For the purposes of issuing a title under this chapter,

a miniature vehicle is considered to be a motor vehicle.

(c) This section applies only to a miniature vehicle that:

(1) was 25 years of age or older at the time of import

into the United States; or

(2) at the time of the issuance of the title, is 25

years of age or older and has previously been issued a valid title

in the United States.

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 car,

truck, van, or bus manufactured in Japan that:

(A) is powered by an internal combustion engine

with a displacement of 1,200 cubic centimeters or less;

(B) has a width of 60 inches or less;

(C) has a length of 140 inches or less;

(D) has a height of 80 inches or less;

(E) has a top speed of at least 50 miles per hour;

(F) is designed to propel itself with four or

more tires in contact with the ground;

(G) is equipped with:

(i) a speedometer; and

(ii) all equipment required for miniature

vehicles under Section 547.106 or rules adopted by the Department

of Public Safety under Section 547.106; and

(H) has a manufacturer's permanent vehicle

identification number, as defined by Section 501.002.

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. (a) For

purposes of registering a vehicle under this chapter, a miniature

vehicle is considered to be a motor vehicle.

(b) This section applies only to a miniature vehicle that:

(1) was 25 years of age or older at the time of import

into the United States; or

(2) at the time of registration is 25 years of age or

older and has previously been issued a valid title in the United

States.

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. Subchapter B, Chapter 547, Transportation Code,

is amended by adding Section 547.106 to read as follows:

Sec. 547.106. MINIATURE VEHICLE EQUIPMENT STANDARDS. (a)

In this section, "miniature vehicle" has the meaning assigned by

Section 502.001.

(b) A miniature vehicle must be equipped with the following

items in compliance with this chapter:

(1) headlamps;

(2) stoplamps;

(3) turn signal lamps;

(4) tail lamps;

(5) parking brake;

(6) rearview mirror; and

(7) windshield wipers.

(c) A provision of this chapter that requires equipment not

listed in Subsection (b) does not apply to a miniature vehicle

unless the department by rule specifically applies the provision to

miniature vehicles.

SECTION 6. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.