Texas DMV Outlaws the Slingshot

The Texas Dept of Public Safety has pulled the plug on the Polaris Slingshot, saying it doesn't qualify as a motorcycle and doesn't have the necessary safety equipment to be considered a "car" so it can't be sold and titled in Texas to operate on the public highways.  

 The issue is that the Texas Dept of Public Safety is stuck on the definition of a motorcycle as having a "saddle" instead of a car style seat, which the Slingshot has.  

 Polaris notifed their dealer network of the change saying that "despite having received prior approval...customers in..the state of Texas...will not be allowed to register Slingshot vehicles as a street legal motorcycle."  

 Here's the update.

 

Polaris Slingshot Texas Dealer Memo

The TPS ruling does not affect the T-Rex as it features a roll bar and other safety equipment and can be registered as a auto.

The Slingshot starts at $20,000, with an SL model up to  $24,000 for a fully accessorized version.   The three-wheeler is powered by a 173 horsepower 2.4 EcoTec engine hooked up to a five-speed transmission for a "slingshot" driving / riding experience. 

What do you think?  Should these vehicles be given a motorcycle title?

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17 comments

Its not a motorcycle. Side-by-side bench seating, three wheels….its a car. Three wheeled cars are already out there. If it can’t meet the safety standards for a car, then keep it on the track.

John Johnston

That country is this when they can control a vehicle that you pay tax and have a tag on it, but you can ride a two wheel bicycle down the middle of the road hold up traffic run to stop lights and stop signs and get mad at people that are in four wheels because you toot your horn at the idiot that is on the bicycle getting away with laws when the person on a bikcycle that pays nothing to any state for driving on public roads and causing traffic tie ups… So yes single out the MOTORCYCLES.

Vernon Allred

I understand why it is not a motorcycle to me it is a high powered go cart as is the T-Rexi agree with Texas these vehicles need either their own class or be registered as a automobile

Andrew

That country is this when they can control a vehicle that you pay tax and have a tag on it, but you can ride a two wheel bicycle down the middle of the road hold up traffic run to stop lights and stop signs and get mad at people that are in four wheels because you toot your horn at the idiot that is on the bicycle getting away with laws when the person on a bikcycle that pays nothing to any state for driving on public roads and causing traffic tie ups… So yes single out the MOTORCYCLES.

Vernon Allred

yes they should give motorcycle title

Ryan

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