Senate Bill No. 1816 introduces new provisions regarding the titling, registration, and operation of miniature vehicles in Texas. The bill defines a "miniature vehicle" and establishes that it is considered a motor vehicle for the purposes of titling and registration. Specifically, Section 501.009 and Section 502.006 are added to the Transportation Code, clarifying that miniature vehicles must be titled and registered similarly to other motor vehicles. Additionally, a new definition for "miniature vehicle" is provided in Section 502.001, which outlines specific criteria that these vehicles must meet, including compliance with federal law and exclusion from classifications such as custom vehicles, neighborhood electric vehicles, golf carts, and off-highway vehicles.

Furthermore, the bill includes regulations for the operation of miniature vehicles on public highways, as detailed in Section 545.429. It stipulates that individuals may only operate a miniature vehicle if it has been properly registered and titled, and if it complies with applicable traffic laws. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

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)