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.