MI HB5639

Secretary of State must issue vehicle identification numbers and certificates of title to assembled vehicles that meet specific equipment requirements, including headlights, turn signals, taillights, brake lights, horn, windshield wipers and washers, safety glass windshield, rearview mirrors, tires with minimum 2/32-inch tread, and properly functioning exhaust systems.

Additional equipment requirements vary by vehicle type: safety belts required for 1965 and newer model vehicles, bumpers (14-22 inches above ground) required for passenger vehicles, and outside rearview mirrors on each side required for trucks with half-ton or more capacity.

Department of State Police must conduct a safety study from January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2020 tracking traffic crash fatalities, serious injuries, and other safety data involving these assembled vehicles, with findings reported to the governor and legislature by April 1, 2021.

"Assembled vehicle" definition includes vehicles built from new or used materials by non-manufacturers, vehicles substantially altered from original configuration, vehicles with replaced body units, kit-built vehicles, and off-road vehicles, but excludes military surplus vehicles, gray market off-road minitrucks, and four-wheeled all-terrain vehicles with straddle seats.

Act takes effect 90 days after enactment.