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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 16, 2017 11:40 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Michael K. Hanna |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Regulating Kei class light duty trucks |
| In the near future, I will reintroduce legislation that would amend Title 75 (Vehicles) to specifically address the use of Kei class light duty trucks on public roads. A Kei class light duty truck is a four-wheeled, fuel-powered vehicle with a maximum speed of not more than 45 miles per hour. It is primarily designed for the transportation of small loads. This truck is known by several names, including Japanese minitruck, Kei truck, microtruck, and utility transportation vehicle. These light duty trucks are typically sold as off-road vehicles for farms and construction sites, and are far smaller than conventional small trucks sold for on-the-road use. As a result, federal safety standards do not apply to them, even though twenty-one states including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine and neighboring Ohio now allow their operation on specific portions of public roads. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is still not one of these states. My legislation would establish equipment requirements for Kei class light duty trucks that are operated on any highway or roadway in this Commonwealth. Under my bill, Kei trucks may not be operated on highways or roadways under the jurisdiction of PennDOT, if the speed limit is in excess of 45 miles per hour. Additionally, these trucks would not be permitted on any highway or roadway under the jurisdiction of a local authority, if the speed limit is in excess of 55 miles per hour. The Secretary of PennDOT and any local authority may, by order or ordinance, limit or permit the use of these trucks on certain roads. This proposal would regulate the intersection and crossing of certain highways and roadways, and for safety purposes, would include passenger limitations, and license and registration requirements. There would also be a requirement for the manufacturer, agent or dealer of a Kei class light duty truck to notify purchasers of the potentially hazardous characteristics of such vehicles. The safety of our citizens should always be a top legislative priority. I hope you will join me by co-sponsoring this important legislation. Thank you in advance for your consideration. If you have any questions, please contact Lynette Perkins via email at LMPerkins@pahouse.net or by phone at 717-772-2283. |
Introduced as HB1373