OFF-ROAD VEHICLE REGISTRATION S.B. 491:
COMMITTEE SUMMARY
Senate Bill 491 (as introduced 9-12-13)
Sponsor: Senator Jack Brandenburg
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to require the Secretary of State (SOS) to refuse issuance of a registration or title for an off-road vehicle unless the application included written certification that the vehicle could be modified for on-road use.
The Code specifies grounds under which the SOS must refuse to issue a registration or transfer of registration, and grounds under which the SOS must refuse to issue a certificate of title or a salvage certificate.
Under the bill, these grounds would include an application for a vehicle that was an off-road vehicle manufactured exclusively for off-road use as indicated by either the original vehicle identification number, or one that the SOS assigned to the vehicle. "Off-road vehicle" would include a golf cart.
The bill would make an exception for an off-road vehicle that could be modified for on-road use, if the application were accompanied by a written statement from the vehicle's manufacturer certifying that the vehicle could be modified for on-road use.
MCL 257.219 Legislative Analyst: Glenn Steffens
FISCAL IMPACT
The Secretary of State has issued a minimal number of registrations and/or titles for off-road vehicles that have been modified to meet the requirements of a motor vehicle under the provision of the motor vehicle code. However, the exact number of such off-road vehicles is indeterminate. The Department of State anticipates that the bill would have negligible impact on the amount of revenue received by the Department for the registration or titling of such modified off-road vehicles.
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.