Introduced Version
House Concurrent Resolution 76 History
| Email
Key: Green = existing Code. Red = new code to be enacted
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 76
(By
Delegates Hrutkay
, Stephens, Romine, Schadler, Argento,
Burdiss, Crosier, Ennis, Klempa, Martin, Michael, Pethtel, Pino,
Shook, Wells, Duke, Evans, Porter, and Tansill)
(Originating in the Committee on Roads and Transportation)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the
feasibility of providing for the motor vehicle registration
and licensing of mini trucks for restricted use on public
roads and highways.
Whereas,
Mini Trucks are becoming increasingly popular in this
state and are becoming increasingly available via importation from
abroad and are currently marketed in this state by farm and
recreational equipment retailers for off-road use; and
Whereas, Motor vehicles commonly referred to as mini trucks are
small four-wheel drive vehicles configured as a truck with a bed
and enclosed cab and are typically equipped with engines ranging in
size of about 550cc to 650cc and developing 35 to 45 horsepower,
capable of speeds of around 25 miles per hour, weighing up to about
1800 pounds and being about 10 feet long, 5 feet high and four feet
wide with a bed approximately 4 feet by 6 feet, although some mini trucks may vary from these general specifications
; and
Whereas, Mini trucks
possess many unique and desirable
features; they are reliable and fuel efficient; their hauling
capacity combined with 4x4 wheel drive makes these vehicles an
inexpensive alternative to larger trucks, utility vehicles or ATV's
for outdoors persons, farmers and other off-road recreational and
commercial applications; and
W
HEREAS
, The recent dramatic increase in the cost of gasoline,
has generated an increased interest by the citizens of this state
in allowing the use of m
ini trucks on public roads and highways as
a fuel efficient vehicle for daily transportation; and
W
HEREAS
, Mini trucks are designed for non-highway, off road use
and do not meet U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards set forth in 49 CFR 571 or Federal EPA
emissions standards; and
W
HEREAS
, Mini trucks are currently being imported for resale
as non-road farm and recreational use vehicles thereby avoiding any
determination of what safety and environmental standards may be
lacking in the on-road use of these vehicles; and
Whereas, Under current law, mini trucks may not be titled,
registered or licensed as motor vehicles in West Virginia; and
W
HEREAS
, Proposed legislation authorizing the registration,
licensure and use of mini trucks upon the roads and highways of
this state raises questions regarding their fitness for on-road use
; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the feasibility of providing for the motor
vehicle registration and licensing of mini trucks for restricted
use on public roads and highways
; and, be it
Further Resolved, The Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the Legislature, on the first day of the regular
session,
two thousand nine, on its findings, conclusions and
recommendations together with drafts of any legislation to
effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.