Do Roxor's not sort of automatically qualify as an "assembled" vehicle since they are "hand built"? I would think the "designed for off highway use" would plague the dune buggies as well? Sorry if those are stupid questions...I'm a blind squirrel trying to find a nut in this road legal mess in Texas. I want so bad to pull the trigger on a Roxor, but just can't if its sketchy street "legalish".
Buzz09, This comment was made in more than one thread here on this forum. "If you want a street legal jeep, go buy a jeep." That being said, Not all of us bought or will buy for a street vehicle. I did not buy for the street but would like to be able to drive on the street when needed or desired. In my research before I acquired mine, I was led to believe from reading on the state web sites that getting the Roxor registered as a replica would be a straight forward process. Add the missing safety items and get the state recognized ASE mechanic to sign off on it and badabing. NOT SO!
The main issue here in Texas and I am sure in other states is the fact that Mahindra markets these as UTV's. They are playing a big, BIG game with the legal issues the big 3 auto makers have against any company trying to weasel in on their territory. Mahindra chose to try and get a foot in the door and get their products out to us, the public, in a cut throat world of big industry. Mahindra can only offer us the Roxor in the OFF ROAD ONLY form because of all the NATSA or whatever the federal agencies are that govern all the BS and regulations all new cars and trucks must meet to get certified road worthy. Crash tests, Air bags, Back up cameras, Seat belts, Turn signals, Mirrors and so on and so on.
If Mahindra would have introduced the Roxor as a new and competitive vehicle for the road and off road to compete DIRECTLY with the REAL JEEP, Mahindra would have had to spend countless more dollars and testing to meet all the BS everyone else has to meet. The price of the Roxor would have been at least double what its cost is now. Would you be willing to pay double what the cost is now? Some would, some would not.
That being said, the Roxor is a vehicle with many attributes attributed to the original version's of the early jeeps. Those jeeps can still be found driving, registered as on road vehicles even though they do not meet current new production standards as previously mentioned. Myself as well as the ASE mechanic that certified my modified Roxor road worthy and safe for on road use per the state of Texas rules for every other classic, hot rod or replica vehicle can under stand why a vehicle that is built to the same standards as the original are having these issues.
In Texas it all comes down to that dam section of the title that states For Off-HIGHWAY USE ONLY. Hidden deep down in the Texas DMV rules in a single line that states: NO OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE MAY BE REGISTERED FOR STEET USE REGARDLESS OF MODIFICATIONS. This little generic line was intended to keep 4 wheelers, quads, side by sides, razors and all the other recreational vehicles like those off the road. I get that! I don't want some 16 year old kid passing me on a bad ass toy on the highway at 60 mph. I get that! But the Roxor is NOT the same type vehicle as those and should NOT be categorized as those types of OFF ROAD vehicles. Its a REPLICA at the least!
Some or most of the definitions in HB 1755 classify someone like ourselves as HOBBYISTS. The bill centers most of its applications around a vehicle assembled by a HOBBYIST. The Roxor is not built by a HOBBYIST in its original store bought form but it can be and in my case WAS MODIFIED BY A HOBBYIST! I see it as modified to meet state standards by me, a hobbyist. My state reps office agrees.
So with all that said, I will continue to follow these Assembled vehicle guys path through the states legal system. I will continue to work with my state reps office in my journey to get my Roxor on the road. I will keep everyone abreast as things progress. It is a sloooooooow road for sure.
BDRAG