| |
| |
|
|
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
|
|
|
AN ACT
|
|
|
relating to the operation of certain three-wheeled vehicles in this |
|
|
state. |
|
|
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
|
|
SECTION 1. Section 521.001(a), Transportation Code, is |
|
|
amended by adding Subdivision (6-a) to read as follows: |
|
|
(6-a) "Motorcycle" includes an enclosed three-wheeled |
|
|
passenger vehicle that: |
|
|
(A) is designed to operate with three wheels in |
|
|
contact with the ground; |
|
|
(B) has an unladen weight of at least 900 pounds; |
|
|
(C) has a single cab with an enclosed passenger |
|
|
seating area and seats similar to those of a passenger vehicle; |
|
|
(D) at a minimum, is equipped with: |
|
|
(i) an automotive steering system and a |
|
|
steering wheel used to maneuver the vehicle; |
|
|
(ii) a motor unit or power train located in |
|
|
front of or behind the operator; |
|
|
(iii) a safety belt for each passenger; |
|
|
(iv) a windshield and windshield wipers; |
|
|
and |
|
|
(v) a roll bar; and |
|
|
(E) is produced by its manufacturer in a minimum |
|
|
number of 100 in any calendar year. |
|
|
SECTION 2. Section 521.166, Transportation Code, is amended |
|
|
by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows: |
|
|
(c) An applicant is not required to comply with Subsection |
|
|
(a) if the motorcycle of the applicant is: |
|
|
(1) of the type described by Section 521.001(a)(6-a); |
|
|
and |
|
|
(2) equipped with a seat and a safety belt for both the |
|
|
applicant and the license examiner. |
|
|
SECTION 3. Section 680.013, Transportation Code, is amended |
|
|
to read as follows: |
|
|
Sec. 680.013. USE OF PREFERENTIAL LANE BY MOTORCYCLE. A |
|
|
motorcycle, including a motorcycle described by Section |
|
|
521.001(a)(6-a), may be operated in a preferential lane that is not |
|
|
closed to all vehicular traffic. |
|
|
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009. |