Polaris Slingshot can't be sold in Texas

[jcthorne]

What I would like to know is why can the T-Rex be sold in Texas but the Slingshot cannot? What is the difference between the two? Is it the roll cage on the T-Rex?

Good question and part of the problem legislators are grappling with. Is the T-Rex a car or a bike? Why. It could be reclassified as a car and no longer be legal in Texas either. I think the 'saddle' term in the Polaris letter is part of the new language the state is trying to use to differentiate. Could Polaris install saddle style seats in the Slingshot frame and just work around the law? Who knows where this will lead. It is doubtful they would make existing vehicles already titled illegal. They could but not likely. A grand-father clause perhaps.

 

[daveinva]

What I would like to know is why can the T-Rex be sold in Texas but the Slingshot cannot? What is the difference between the two? Is it the roll cage on the T-Rex?

BTW, that TerraCraft Motors trike is very cool looking. And...you can get AC on it.

No difference, legally. Both the T-Rex and Morgan have been sold and titled in Texas as motorcycles.

IANAL, but assuming the Polaris letter is accurate-- and why wouldn't it be? They're a global company that did their research-- they have the documentation that shows the state of Texas approved Slingshot sales. While the law as written will trump that interpretation, i.e. the state will likely claim a bureaucratic error, Polaris will have a viable case to argue for damages in the near term (particularly as, again, T-Rex and Morgan can be titled as motorcycles), and a strong political argument to lobby for a change to the law (it appears that other states use "seat or saddle" rather than just "saddle.")

As a practical matter, we can all be cute and recognize that of course the Slingshot is NOT a motorcycle, but a three-wheel car. That said, as a *legal* matter, the Slingshot is recognized as a motorcycle in nearly every state (48, IIRC-- believe CT and now Texas are the holdouts). I for one don't want any state looking at the Slingshot and determining that it is a car, as that will strangle three-wheel innovation.

Anyway, my guess is Polaris will quickly and successfully find a member of the Texas state legislature to change the law to accommodate the earlier agreement, and bring Texas law into alignment with the other states. But it'll be pucker factor for the dealers and buyers in the meantime.

P.S. Gotta love the tinfoil-hat wack-a-doodles over at the Slingshot forums arguing that it was *BRP* who ratted Polaris out, as if the language of the law isn't plain for anyone to see.

 

[arntufun]

Indiana is now in the same boat as Texas......


Most state laws reads seat or saddle, but the folks in Texas and Indiana are not so lucky.....




Dave be careful about talking smack, Some of those tinfoil people are members here........BRP was behind this because the Slingshot is out selling the new F3 !!!!!!!!!!! I just know it !!!!!!:roflblack:

 

[Bob Denman]

........BRP was behind this because the Slingshot is out selling the new F3 !!!!!!!!!!! I just know it !!!!!!:roflblack:

":lecturef_smilie: "Knowing it", without proof: is knowing less than nothing.
I have no doubt that it'll all get sorted out. It looks like a fun vehicle, and I'd love the opportunity to try one on for size! :thumbup:

 

[retread]

The biggest difference between the T-rex and Ace, and the Slingshot; the Rex and Ace use motorcycle engines, the Slingshot uses a car engine.
I think maybe the problems are coming from people wanting "special variations" in the states refusing to allow the sales, most of the reasons for disallowing sales seem to be people really stretching things. Maybe they don't have anything better to do.

john

 

[Oldmanzues]

This is a interesting "mess". I wonder if the "roll bar" on the T-Res (if my memory is right) would do something. I do know it has only been a couple years since the "saddle" only has been changed in Ohio. Now a seat is allowed in threeled motorcycles. The VW (and othe car enginesed) trike crowd had to license them as a car for years. Friend of mine had/has one.
A "car" has all kinds of fed safety rules, including ( I believe) a roll bar and 3 point seat harness.
Oldmanzues

 

[Bfromla]

Legal crap to be argued by someone else!! Does bring concerns over how it will affect spyders, one main reasons i joined ABATE! Let them fight for us on bikes, this topic was discussed in detail and WOW all the stuff i didnt know on federal vs state,& what happens when out of your state, (if the cop has a bad day, everyone does!). Fyi look up & join your local ABATE good all around & gives us a much needed voice[emoji41]


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[SPECTACUALR SPIDERMAN]

I'm glad i have a life so i don't have to worry about something i don't own and doesn't effect me.

 

[bscrive]

I'm glad i have a life so i don't have to worry about something i don't own and doesn't effect me.

Good for you, now move along and let us have our fun. :lecturef_smilie:

 

[Bfromla]

I'm glad i have a life so i don't have to worry about something i don't own and doesn't effect me.

Problem is in legal description! It can come to affect you, all of us, if it continues this path. "Less than 4wheels is a bike" vs saddle seat or bucket seat, Handlebar or steering wheel, roll bar or helmet, all important factors &getting mixed in legal muck.


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[Jeriatric]

Texas explains why the Polaris Slingshot missed the mark

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2014...olaris-slingshot-missed-mark/?intcmp=HPBucket

 

[kyspyder]

It will be deemed legal in Texas as soon as Polaris spreads some more money around, count on it!

 

[Oldmanzues]

This should be simple fix, just add seat as Ohio did a few years ago, as my other post
Oldmanzues

 

[wyliec]

It will be deemed legal in Texas as soon as BRP spreads some more money around. (US not Canadian $), count on it!

Why would BRP spread money around for Polaris?

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: :shocked: :dontknow:

 

[arntufun]

The four states now that will not sell the Slingshot until the laws are changed are..... Indiana, Texas, Connecticut and Maryland. :cus::yikes::lecturef_smilie::banghead:


I read on the internet BRP was the corporation responsible for blowing the whistle (tattletale) on these loopholes in the law trying to sink Polaris. I don't know if it's true, just what I read.


Polaris is working with lawmakers, but there are plenty of disappointed people in four states that have already put down deposits not knowing when they will get their SS. opcorn:

 

[Bob Denman]

Well.... It MUST be true!

:roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:

 

[retread]

I have some questions about the excuses TX is using; first, are there any Ace Cycle Cars or Morgan Trikes registered? Second, Campanga (sp?) the company that makes the TRex, also makes at least one model that doesn't have a roof, are any of them registered? If there are, I can see some legal action coming.
IN, on the other hand, is hung up on the "ape-hanger" specs, but doesn't enforce it on anything else.

john