S.B. No. 1816 introduces new regulations regarding the titling, registration, and operation of miniature vehicles in Texas. The bill defines a "miniature vehicle" and establishes that such vehicles are to be treated as motor vehicles for the purposes of titling and registration. Specifically, Section 501.009 is added to the Transportation Code, stating that a miniature vehicle is considered a motor vehicle when issuing a title. Additionally, Section 502.001 is amended to include a definition of a miniature vehicle, which must have four or more tires, comply with federal law, and not fall under the categories of custom vehicles, neighborhood electric vehicles, golf carts, or off-highway vehicles.

Furthermore, the bill adds Section 502.006, which reiterates that miniature vehicles are classified as motor vehicles for registration purposes, and Section 545.429, which outlines the conditions under which a miniature vehicle may be operated on public highways. These conditions include the requirement for the vehicle to be registered and titled according to state laws and to comply with applicable traffic laws. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 502.001 (Transportation Code 502)
Senate Committee Report: Transportation Code 502.001 (Transportation Code 502)
Engrossed: Transportation Code 502.001 (Transportation Code 502)
House Committee Report: Transportation Code 502.001 (Transportation Code 502)
Enrolled: Transportation Code 502.001 (Transportation Code 502)