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.