[dropcap]D[/dropcap]rivers across the country have been enjoying the experience of driving (err, riding) the highly acclaimed Polaris Slingshot while residents of Texas have had to sit on the sidelines. But as of Friday, May 22, 2015, the company released a statement saying that Texas residents can now join the rest of the country and experience this long-awaited three-wheeled roadster.
The Polaris Slingshot is now available in Texas dealerships after much demand, read the statement. Many Texas fans have been patiently waiting for the state to decide whether the Slingshot would be classified as a motorcycle and therefore able to be sold in Texas. Lawmakers have ruled that the Slingshot is a hybrid motorcycle that will be classified as an autocycle, according to reports.
“Slingshot is an entirely new driving and riding experience designed for one purpose – exhilaration,” said Craig Scanlon, Vice President of Slingshot. “We understand how much excitement was built among Texas residents when the Slingshot first came out. After a long wait, we’re excited to get Slingshot riders on the road in Texas and we encourage them to experience this one-of-a-kind roadster for themselves.”
The complete text of the bill is pasted below:
S.B. No. 449
AN ACT relating to the titling, registration, and operation of an
autocycle.BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 501, Transportation Code,
is amended by adding Section 501.008 to read as follows:
Sec. 501.008. TITLE FOR AUTOCYCLE. (a) In this section,
“autocycle” means a motor vehicle, other than a tractor, that is:
(1) designed to have when propelled not more than
three wheels on the ground;
(2) equipped with a steering wheel;
(3) equipped with seating that does not require the
operator to straddle or sit astride the seat; and
(4) manufactured and certified to comply with federal
safety requirements for a motorcycle.
(b) For purposes of issuing a title under this chapter, an
autocycle is considered to be a motorcycle.
SECTION 2. Subchapter A, Chapter 502, Transportation Code,
is amended by adding Section 502.004 to read as follows:
Sec. 502.004. REGISTRATION OF AUTOCYCLE. (a) In this
section, “autocycle” means a motor vehicle, other than a tractor,
that is:
(1) designed to have when propelled not more than
three wheels on the ground;
(2) equipped with a steering wheel;
(3) equipped with seating that does not require the
operator to straddle or sit astride the seat; and
(4) manufactured and certified to comply with federal
safety requirements for a motorcycle.
(b) For purposes of registering a vehicle under this
chapter, an autocycle is considered to be a motorcycle.
SECTION 3. Section 521.084, Transportation Code, is amended
to read as follows:
Sec. 521.084. CLASS M LICENSE. A Class M driver’s license
authorizes the holder of the license to operate a motorcycle or
moped as defined by Section 541.201.
SECTION 4. Section 521.085(b), Transportation Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(b) Subsection (a) does not prohibit a license holder from
operating a lesser type of vehicle that is a motorcycle described by
Section 521.001(a)(6-a) or an autocycle as defined by Section
501.008.
SECTION 5. Section 545.416, Transportation Code, is amended
by adding Subsection (f) to read as follows:
(f) For purposes of Subsections (c) and (d), an autocycle as
defined by Section 501.008 is considered to be a motorcycle.
SECTION 6. Section 547.617, Transportation Code, is amended
to read as follows:
Sec. 547.617. MOTORCYCLE FOOTRESTS AND HANDHOLDS REQUIRED.
(a) A motorcycle that is designed to carry more than one person
must be equipped with footrests and handholds for use by the
passenger.
(b) This section does not apply to an autocycle as defined
by Section 501.008 or a motorcycle as defined by Section
521.001(a)(6-a).
SECTION 7. Chapter 661, Transportation Code, is amended by
adding Section 661.0015 to read as follows:
Sec. 661.0015. PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR FOR AUTOCYCLE. (a) In
this section, “autocycle” means a motor vehicle, other than a
tractor, that is:
(1) designed to have when propelled not more than
three wheels on the ground;
(2) equipped with a steering wheel;
(3) equipped with seating that does not require the
operator to straddle or sit astride the seat; and
(4) manufactured and certified to comply with federal
safety requirements for a motorcycle.
(b) For purposes of this chapter, an autocycle is considered
to be a motorcycle.
SECTION 8. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2015.
