Tiny homes revisited,

[Lakota Wolf]

I got to talk with a trooper from the Texas Dept, of Transportation about these tiny homes.. He somewhat agreed they are kinda cool and its an on going FAD. But according to T.D.O.T. They CANNOT be transported on any Hwy, or Freeway in the state of Texas. They are allowed to be transported on FTM (Farm to Market roads), 2 lane back roads, and NOT to exceed 50mph. Before being transported, they MUST pass a Vehicle inspection and be Registered. In order for them to pass inspection, they must have a GVW sticker, Which can be obtained from T.D.O.T. offices.

The vehicle must have an EMPTY weight and a GROSS weight stamped certificate from a certified scale. They must have brake,running lights with turn signals and lic plate light. Also Clearance lights front side and back. On Home built, (Not factory built) Must have a (HUD and or U.L ) certificate. The roof height must NOT exceed 11 foot at the highest point and must not exceed 8 feet wide.

The officer explained he has issued tickets and impounded several of these tiny homes, due to equipment failure or lack of,,,Exceeding axle capaicities including tires not rated for the load. And the most common, was UNSECURED load,,, loose screens on windows and shingles comming off, posing a hazard to other motorists.

RV parks here in the state of Texas refuse to allow them,, excluding a few that dont abide by laws and let just about anything that can somewhat roll in.