§ 27-14-726 - Mini-trucks.

27-14-726. Mini-trucks.

(a) As used in this section:

(1) "Low pressure tire" means a pneumatic tire six inches (6'') or more in width designed for use on a wheel with a rim diameter of twelve inches (12'') or less and utilizing an operating pressure of ten pounds per square inch (10 p.s.i.) or less as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer; and

(2) (A) "Mini-truck" means a motor vehicle that is:

(i) At least forty-eight inches (48'') in width;

(ii) Not more than one hundred thirty-five inches (135'') in length including the bumper;

(iii) At least one thousand five hundred pounds (1,500 lbs.) in unladen weight, including fuel and fluids;

(iv) Equipped with:

(a) Four (4) or more low pressure tires or pneumatic rubber tires that are used on motor vehicles;

(b) A steering wheel;

(c) Seating for at least two (2) people to sit side-by-side in the front seating area;

(d) A fully enclosed metal or metal-reinforced cab with glass and mirrors that complies with 27-37-301 -- 27-37-305 regarding safety glass and mirrors;

(e) Metal doors with functioning handle locks that are similar to the handle locks on motor vehicles;

(f) Head lamps as required under 27-36-209;

(g) Tail lamps as required under 27-36-215;

(h) Signal lamps as provided under 27-36-216;

(i) A working horn as required under 27-37-202(a);

(j) Seat belts as provided under 27-37-701 et seq.; and

(k) Front and rear bumpers.

(B) A mini-truck may be equipped with a bed or cargo box for hauling materials.

(C) A mini-truck is not an all-terrain vehicle under 27-20-201 et seq. and 27-21-101 et seq.

(b) (1) The owner of a mini-truck may register and license it as a Class Eight farm vehicle under 27-14-601(a)(3)(H).

(2) In the application to register the mini-truck, the owner of the mini-truck shall provide:

(A) The same affidavit as required under 27-14-601(a)(3)(H)(v) and 27-14-601(a)(3)(H)(xi);

(B) Proof of insurance as required under the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act, 27-19-101 et seq., and 27-22-101 et seq.; and

(C) Proof of ownership that is in the English language, to include a bill of sale and an export certificate or a title.

(3) The fees for registering and licensing a mini-truck shall be the same as for registering a Class Eight farm vehicle under 27-14-601(a)(3)(H)(ii)(a).

(4) The driver of a mini-truck shall have a valid driver's license.

(5) The driver of a mini-truck that is registered and licensed under this section shall comply with and is subject to the same penalties for violating the rules of the road as provided under 27-51-101 et seq.

(6) A mini-truck is a motor vehicle for the purposes of minimum insurance liability under the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act, 27-19-101 et seq., and 27-22-101 et seq.

(c) A mini-truck shall not be operated on an interstate highway.

(d) A mini-truck shall not be operated on a road or highway if:

(1) The operation of mini-trucks is prohibited;

(2) The road is a controlled-access highway;

(3) The posted speed limit is more than fifty-five (55) miles per hour; or

(4) The mini-truck cannot maintain a speed equal to the posted speed limit.