Relating to the titling, registration, and operation of a miniature vehicle.

BILL ANALYSIS

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Miniature vehicles include mini cars, trucks, vans, and buses that have been defined by their design to propel itself with four or more tires, comply with applicable federal law, and not be an off-highway vehicle. In April 2024, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reversed their ban on the registration and operation of Kei miniature vehicles on public roads. S.B. 1816 seeks to provide clarity about the registration and highway operation of Kei vehicles in Texas.

As proposed, S.B. 1816 amends current law relating to the titling, registration, and operation of a miniature vehicle.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 501, Transportation Code, by adding Section 501.039, as follows:

Sec. 501.039. TITLE FOR MINIATURE VEHICLE. (a) Defines "miniature vehicle."

(b) Provides that, for the purposes of issuing a title under Chapter 501 (Certificate of Title Act), a miniature vehicle is considered to be a motor vehicle.

(c) Provides that this section applies only to a miniature vehicle that was 25 years of age or older at the time of import into the United States or 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. Amends Section 502.001, Transportation Code, by adding Subdivision (21-a) to define "miniature vehicle."

SECTION 3. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 502, Transportation Code, by adding Section 502.006, as follows:

Sec. 502.006. REGISTRATION OF MINIATURE VEHICLE. (a) Provides that, for purposes of registering a vehicle under Chapter 502 (Registration of Vehicles), a miniature vehicle is considered to be a motor vehicle.

(b) Provides that this section applies only to a miniature vehicle that was 25 years of age or older at the time of import into the United States or 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. Amends Subchapter I, Chapter 545, Transportation Code, by adding Section 545.429, as follows:

Sec. 545.429. OPERATION OF MINIATURE VEHICLE. (a) Defines "miniature vehicle."

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(b) Provides that a person is authorized to operate a miniature vehicle on a public highway only if the vehicle has been registered and titled in accordance with the laws of this state and the vehicle is capable of operating in compliance with applicable traffic laws in this title.

SECTION 5. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 547, Transportation Code, by adding Section 547.106, as follows:

Sec. 547.106. MINIATURE VEHICLE EQUIPMENT STANDARDS. (a) Defines "miniature vehicle."

(b) Requires that a miniature vehicle be equipped with certain items in compliance with Chapter 547 (Vehicle Equipment).

(c) Provides that a provision of this chapter that requires equipment not listed in Subsection (b) does not apply to a miniature vehicle unless the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles by rule specifically applies the provision to miniature vehicles.

SECTION 6. Effective date: September 1, 2025.