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�	H.B.�No.�3599

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�	AN ACT
�	relating to the operation of certain three-wheeled vehicles in this
�	state.
�	�������BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
�	�������SECTION�1.��Section 521.001(a), Transportation Code, is
�	amended by adding Subdivision (6-a) to read as follows:
�	�������������(6-a)��"Motorcycle" includes an enclosed three-wheeled
�	passenger vehicle that:
�	�������������������(A)��is designed to operate with three wheels in
�	contact with the ground;
�	�������������������(B)��has a minimum unladen weight of 900 lbs.;
�	�������������������(C)��has a single, completely enclosed, occupant
�	compartment;
�	�������������������(D)��at a minimum, is equipped with:
�	�������������������������(i)��seats that are certified by the vehicle
�	manufacturer to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle
�	Safety Standard No. 207, 49 C.F.R. Section 571.207;
�	�������������������������(ii)��a steering wheel used to maneuver the
�	vehicle;
�	�������������������������(iii)��a propulsion unit located in front of
�	or behind the enclosed occupant compartment;
�	�������������������������(iv)��a seat belt for each vehicle occupant
�	certified by the manufacturer to meet the requirements of Federal
�	Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 209, 49 C.F.R. Section 571.209;
�	�������������������������(v)��a windshield and one or more windshield
�	wipers certified by the manufacturer to meet the requirements of
�	Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205, 49 C.F.R. Section
�	571.205, and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 104, 49
�	C.F.R. Section 571.104; and
�	�������������������������(vi)��a vehicle structure certified by the
�	vehicle manufacturer to meet the requirements of Federal Motor
�	Vehicle Safety Standard No. 216, 49 C.F.R. Section 571.216; and
�	�������������������(E)��is produced by its manufacturer in a minimum
�	quantity of 300 in any calendar year.
�	�������SECTION�2.��Section 521.085, Transportation Code, is amended
�	to read as follows:
�	�������Sec.�521.085.��TYPE OF VEHICLE AUTHORIZED.�(a) Unless
�	prohibited by Chapter 522, and except as provided by Subsection
�	(b), the license holder may operate any vehicle of the type for
�	which that class of license is issued and any lesser type of vehicle
�	other than a motorcycle or moped.
�	�������(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).
�	�������SECTION�3.��Section 661.001(1), Transportation Code, is
�	amended to read as follows:
�	�������������(1)��"Motorcycle" means a motor vehicle designed to
�	propel itself with not more than three wheels in contact with the
�	ground, and having a saddle for the use of the rider. The term does
�	not include a tractor or a three-wheeled vehicle equipped with a cab
�	or occupant compartment, seat, and seat belt and designed to
�	contain the operator in the cab or occupant compartment.
�	�������SECTION�4.��Section 680.013, Transportation Code, is amended
�	to read as follows:
�	�������Sec.�680.013.��USE OF PREFERENTIAL LANE BY MOTORCYCLE. �A
�	motorcycle, including a motorcycle described by Section
�	521.001(a)(6-a), may be operated in a preferential lane that is not
�	closed to all vehicular traffic.
�	�������SECTION�5.��This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.
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�	______________________________	______________________________
�	���President of the Senate	Speaker of the House�����
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�	�������I certify that H.B. No. 3599 was passed by the House on April
�	28, 2009, by the following vote:��Yeas 149, Nays 0, 1 present, not
�	voting.
�
�	______________________________
�	Chief Clerk of the House���
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�	�������I certify that H.B. No. 3599 was passed by the Senate on May
�	27, 2009, by the following vote:��Yeas 31, Nays 0.
�
�	______________________________
�	Secretary of the Senate����
�	APPROVED:��_____________________
�	�������������������Date����������
�	�
�	����������_____________________
�	�����������������Governor�������