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Motorist protection act and atv's
Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 1:46 pm
by bcdudley
I am just wondering if the motorist protection act would cover a person riding an atv. This would be in a very rural area and would include riding on some county roads as well as public trails.
Re: Motorist protection act and atv's
Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 1:51 pm
by JCole
I don't know for sure, but I would bet not. The statue says that the exception is for a person "inside of or directly en route to a motor vehicle
that is owned by the person or under the person ’s control."
Is it even legal to ride an ATV on a public road?
Re: Motorist protection act and atv's
Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 1:54 pm
by WildBill
Is an ATV classified as a motor vehicle in Texas? I think that is the clue to answer your question.
Re: Motorist protection act and atv's
Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 2:05 pm
by alvins
WildBill wrote:Is an ATV classified as a motor vehicle in Texas? I think that is the clue to answer your question.
Is it even legal to ride an ATV on a public road?
no and no.
Re: Motorist protection act and atv's
Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 2:14 pm
by WildBill
alvins wrote:WildBill wrote:Is an ATV classified as a motor vehicle in Texas? I think that is the clue to answer your question.
Is it even legal to ride an ATV on a public road?
no and no.
I guess that alvins three words cover it.
Re: Motorist protection act and atv's
Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 2:26 pm
by MasterOfNone
Transportation Code 601.002(5):
601.002(5) wrote:"Motor vehicle" means a self-propelled vehicle designed for use on a highway, a trailer or semitrailer designed for use with a self-propelled vehicle, or a vehicle propelled by electric power from overhead wires and not operated on rails. The term does not include:
(A) a traction engine;
(B) a road roller or grader;
(C) a tractor crane;
(D) a power shovel;
(E) a well driller;
(F) an implement of husbandry; or
(G) an electric personal assistive mobility device, as defined by Section 551.201.
I emphasized the part that I think makes an ATV no covered as a motor vehicle.
Re: Motorist protection act and atv's
Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 2:33 pm
by WildBill
MasterOfNone wrote:Transportation Code 601.002(5):
601.002(5) wrote:"Motor vehicle" means a self-propelled vehicle designed for use on a highway, a trailer or semitrailer designed for use with a self-propelled vehicle, or a vehicle propelled by electric power from overhead wires and not operated on rails. The term does not include:
(A) a traction engine;
(B) a road roller or grader;
(C) a tractor crane;
(D) a power shovel;
(E) a well driller;
(F) an implement of husbandry; or
(G) an electric personal assistive mobility device, as defined by Section 551.201.
I emphasized the part that I think makes an ATV no covered as a motor vehicle.
But aren't "dirt bikes" [motorcycles] considered motor vehicles?
Re: Motorist protection act and atv's
Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 2:40 pm
by JCole
But aren't "dirt bikes" [motorcycles] considered motor vehicles?
I bet only if they're registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
Re: Motorist protection act and atv's
Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 2:43 pm
by alvins
JCole wrote:But aren't "dirt bikes" [motorcycles] considered motor vehicles?
I bet only if they're registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
yes but street legal dirtbikes have head lights,turn signals, horn. i dont think their is anyway to make an atv street legal.
Re: Motorist protection act and atv's
Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 2:54 pm
by bcdudley
Yes, I completely agree that the line "designed for use on a highway" would exclude ATV's. We are going on a day long expedition this weekend and I was wanting to know if I could carry. Some of the areas we ride are public land, but nearby residents consider it their own since it is not maintained by the state.
ATV's cannot be made street legal in Texas, period. Already seen that discussed in ATV forums numerous times.
Thank you
Re: Motorist protection act and atv's
Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 2:56 pm
by WildBill
bcdudley wrote:Yes, I completely agree that the line "designed for use on a highway" would exclude ATV's. We are going on a day long expedition this weekend and I was wanting to know if I could carry. Some of the areas we ride are public land, but nearby residents consider it their own since it is not maintained by the state.
ATV's cannot be made street legal in Texas, period. Already seen that discussed in ATV forums numerous times.
Thank you
It sounds like you need to get a CHL!
Re: Motorist protection act and atv's
Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 2:59 pm
by bcdudley
Already took the class and applied over a month ago. On hold with Austin right now actually checking the status. I have been told that my background check came back last week, but the "tech" processing it has not gotten to it yet. I am waiting on hold for her now to see what the status is or if there is a problem.
Re: Motorist protection act and atv's
Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 3:05 pm
by alvins
although i do think its a load of bull people can have those stupid golf carts on the streets. i pay a ton of money to have my motorcycle, but golf carts require very little to be made legal. the registration for my motorcycle costs almost as my 6000 pound truck. bull
Re: Motorist protection act and atv's
Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 3:08 pm
by WildBill
alvins wrote:although i do think its a load of bull people can have those stupid golf carts on the streets. i pay a ton of money to have my motorcycle, but golf carts require very little to be made legal. the registration for my motorcycle costs almost as my 6000 pound truck. bull
People who play golf seem to have more political clout than motorcycle drivers.
Re: Motorist protection act and atv's
Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 3:10 pm
by alvins
hehe. i prefer some skeet or trap shooting. much more challenging.
