SB253 Summary

• Establishes a new license plate category for mini-trucks with annual license taxes and registration fees identical to private passenger automobiles, distributed in the same manner.

• Prohibits mini-trucks from operating on interstate highways and requires proper license tags indicating "restricted low speed use" for operation on any public highway, road, or street.

• Defines a mini-truck as a four-wheeled reduced dimension truck at least 48 inches wide, weighing at least 1,500 pounds unladen, equipped with a fully enclosed metal cab, speed governor limiting maximum speed to 25 miles per hour, and required safety equipment including headlamps, brake lights, turn signals, tail lamps, reflectors, parking brake, mirrors, windshield, and seat belts.

• Exempts mini-trucks from certificate of title requirements by adding them to the list of vehicles for which no title shall be issued.

• Becomes effective January 1, 2012, following passage and approval by the Governor.