TRANSPORTATION CODETITLE 7. VEHICLES AND TRAFFICSUBTITLE A. CERTIFICATES OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION OF VEHICLESCHAPTER 502. REGISTRATION OF VEHICLESSUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONSSec. 502.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:(1) "All-terrain vehicle" means a motor vehicle that is:(A) equipped with a saddle for the use of:(i) the rider; and(ii) a passenger, if the motor vehicle is designed by the manufacturer to transport a passenger;(B) designed to propel itself with three or more tires in contact with the ground;(C) designed by the manufacturer for off-highway use; and(D) not designed by the manufacturer primarily for farming or lawn care. Text of subdivision as added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933, Sec. 2E.01 (1-a) "Board" means the board of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Text of subdivision as added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1173, Sec. 1 (1-a) "Commercial fleet" means a group of at least 25 nonapportioned motor vehicles owned by a corporation, limited or general partnership, limited liability company, or other business entity and used for the business purposes of that entity.(2) "Commercial motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, designed or used primarily to transport property. The term includes a passenger car reconstructed and used primarily for delivery purposes. The term does not include a passenger car used to deliver the United States mail.(3) "Department" means the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.(4) "Farm semitrailer" means a semitrailer designed and used primarily as a farm vehicle.(5) "Farm tractor" means a motor vehicle designed and used primarily as a farm implement for drawing other implements of husbandry.(6) "Farm trailer" means a trailer designed and used primarily as a farm vehicle.(7) "Golf cart" means a motor vehicle designed by the manufacturer primarily for transporting persons on a golf course.(8) "Implements of husbandry" means farm implements, machinery, and tools as used in tilling the soil, including self-propelled machinery specifically designed or adapted for applying plant food materials or agricultural chemicals but not specifically designed or adapted for the sole purpose of transporting the materials or chemicals. The term does not include a passenger car or truck.(9) "Light truck" means a commercial motor vehicle that has a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of one ton or less.(10) "Moped" has the meaning assigned by Section 541.201.(11) "Motor bus" includes every vehicle used to transport persons on the public highways for compensation, other than:(A) a vehicle operated by muscular power; or(B) a municipal bus.(12) "Motorcycle" means a motor vehicle designed to propel itself with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground. The term does not include a tractor.(13) "Motor vehicle" means a vehicle that is self-propelled.(14) "Municipal bus" includes every vehicle, other than a passenger car, used to transport persons for compensation exclusively within the limits of a municipality or a suburban addition to the municipality.(15) "Operate temporarily on the highways" means to travel between:(A) different farms;(B) a place of supply or storage and a farm; or(C) an owner's farm and the place at which the owner's farm produce is prepared for market or is marketed.(16) "Owner" means a person who:(A) holds the legal title of a vehicle;(B) has the legal right of possession of a vehicle; or(C) has the legal right of control of a vehicle.(17) "Passenger car" means a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, golf cart, light truck, or bus, designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons.(18) "Public highway" includes a road, street, way, thoroughfare, or bridge:(A) that is in this state;(B) that is for the use of vehicles;(C) that is not privately owned or controlled; and(D) over which the state has legislative jurisdiction under its police power.(19) "Public property" means property owned or leased by this state or a political subdivision of this state.(19-a) "Recreational off-highway vehicle" means a motor vehicle that is:(A) equipped with a non-straddle seat for the use of:(i) the rider; and(ii) a passenger, if the vehicle is designed by the manufacturer to transport a passenger;(B) designed to propel itself with four or more tires in contact with the ground;(C) designed by the manufacturer for off-highway use by the operator only; and(D) not designed by the manufacturer primarily for farming or lawn care.(20) "Road tractor" means a vehicle designed for the purpose of mowing the right-of-way of a public highway or a motor vehicle designed or used for drawing another vehicle or a load and not constructed to carry:(A) an independent load; or(B) a part of the weight of the vehicle and load to be drawn.(21) "Semitrailer" means a vehicle designed or used with a motor vehicle so that part of the weight of the vehicle and its load rests on or is carried by another vehicle.(22) "Trailer" means a vehicle that:(A) is designed or used to carry a load wholly on its own structure; and(B) is drawn or designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle.(23) "Truck-tractor" means a motor vehicle:(A) designed and used primarily for drawing another vehicle; and(B) not constructed to carry a load other than a part of the weight of the vehicle and load to be drawn.(24) "Vehicle" means a device in or by which a person or property is or may be transported or drawn on a public highway, other than a device used exclusively on stationary rails or tracks.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 625, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 586, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1280, Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933, Sec. 2E.01, eff. September 1, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1173, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1232, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 502.002. REGISTRATION REQUIRED; GENERAL RULE. (a) The owner of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer shall apply for the registration of the vehicle for:(1) each registration year in which the vehicle is used or to be used on a public highway; and(2) if the vehicle is unregistered for a registration year that has begun and that applies to the vehicle and if the vehicle is used or to be used on a public highway, the remaining portion of that registration year.(b) The application must be made to the department through the county assessor-collector of the county in which the owner resides.(c) A provision of this chapter that conflicts with this section prevails over this section to the extent of the conflict.(d) A county assessor-collector, a deputy county assessor-collector, or a person acting on behalf of a county assessor-collector is not liable to any person for:(1) refusing to register a motor vehicle because of the person's failure to submit evidence of residency that complies with the department's rules; or(2) registering a motor vehicle under this section.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.44(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 502.0021. RULES AND FORMS. (a) The department may adopt rules to administer this chapter.(b) The department shall:(1) prescribe forms determined by the department to be necessary for the administration of this chapter; and(2) provide each county assessor-collector with an adequate supply of each form necessary for the performance of a duty under this chapter by the assessor-collector.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 625, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Renumbered from Sec. 502.009 by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 19.01(100), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 502.0023. EXTENDED REGISTRATION OF COMMERCIAL FLEET MOTOR VEHICLES. (a) Notwithstanding Section 502.158(c), the department shall develop and implement a system of registration to allow an owner of a commercial fleet to register the motor vehicles in the commercial fleet for an extended registration period of not less than one year or more than eight years. The owner may select the number of years for registration under this section within that range and register the commercial fleet for that period. Payment for all registration fees for the entire registration period selected is due at the time of registration.(b) A system of extended registration under this section must allow the owner of a commercial fleet to register:(1) an entire commercial fleet in the county of the owner's residence or principal place of business; or(2) the motor vehicles in a commercial fleet that are operated most regularly in the same county.(c) In addition to the registration fees prescribed by Subchapter D, an owner registering a commercial fleet under this section shall pay:(1) an annual commercial fleet registration fee of $10 per motor vehicle in the fleet; and(2) except as provided by Subsection (e), a one-time license plate manufacturing fee of $1.50 for each fleet motor vehicle license plate.(d) A license plate issued under this section:(1) may, on request of the owner, include the name or logo of the business entity that owns the vehicle;(2) must include the expiration date of the registration period; and(3) does not require an annual registration insignia to be valid.(e) In addition to all other applicable registration fees, an owner registering a commercial fleet under this section shall pay a one-time license plate manufacturing fee of $8 for each set of plates issued that includes on the legend the name or logo of the business entity that owns the vehicle instead of the fee imposed by Subsection (c)(2).(f) If a motor vehicle registered under this section has a gross weight in excess of 10,000 pounds, the department shall also issue a registration card for the vehicle that is valid for the selected registration period.(g) The department shall adopt rules to implement this section, including rules on suspension from the commercial fleet program for failure to comply with this section or rules adopted under this section.(h) The department and the counties in their budgeting processes shall consider any temporary increases and resulting decreases in revenue that will result from the use of the process provided under this section.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1173, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1232, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 502.0025. EFFECT OF CERTAIN MILITARY SERVICE ON REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT. (a) This section applies only to a motor vehicle that is owned by a person who:(1) is a resident of this state;(2) is on active duty in the armed forces of the United States;(3) is stationed in or has been assigned to another nation under military orders; and(4) has registered the vehicle or been issued a license for the vehicle under the applicable status of forces agreement by:(A) the appropriate branch of the armed forces of the United States; or(B) the nation in which the person is stationed or to which the person has been assigned.(b) Unless the registration or license issued for a vehicle described by Subsection (a) is suspended, canceled, or revoked by this state as provided by law:(1) Section 502.002(a) does not apply; and(2) the registration or license issued by the armed forces or host nation remains valid and the motor vehicle may be operated in this state under that registration or license for a period of not more than 90 days after the date on which the vehicle returns to this state.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 836, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 502.003. REGISTRATION BY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION PROHIBITED. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a political subdivision of this state may not require an owner of a motor vehicle to:(1) register the vehicle;(2) pay a motor vehicle registration fee; or(3) pay an occupation tax or license fee in connection with a motor vehicle.(b) This section does not affect the authority of a municipality to:(1) license and regulate the use of motor vehicles for compensation within the municipal limits; and(2) impose a permit fee or street rental charge for the operation of each motor vehicle used to transport passengers for compensation, other than a motor vehicle operating under a registration certificate from the department or a permit from the federal Surface Transportation Board.(c) A fee or charge under Subsection (b) may not exceed two percent of the annual gross receipts from the vehicle.(d) This section does not impair the payment provisions of an agreement or franchise between a municipality and the owners or operators of motor vehicles used to transport passengers for compensation.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.45, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 502.004. COLLECTION OF FEES. A person may not collect a registration fee under this chapter unless the person is:(1) an officer or employee of the department; or(2) a county assessor-collector or a deputy county assessor-collector.
Sec. 502.005. REFUSAL TO REGISTER UNSAFE VEHICLE. (a) The department may refuse to register a motor vehicle and may revoke a registration if the department determines that a motor vehicle is unsafe, improperly equipped, or otherwise unfit to be operated on a public highway.(b) The department may refuse to register a motorcycle and may suspend or revoke the registration of a motorcycle if the department determines that the motorcycle's braking system does not comply with Section 547.408.
Sec. 502.006. CERTAIN OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person may not register an all-terrain vehicle or a recreational off-highway vehicle, with or without design alterations, for operation on a public highway.(b) The state, a county, or a municipality may register an all-terrain vehicle or a recreational off-highway vehicle for operation on a public beach or highway to maintain public safety and welfare.(c) A recreational off-highway vehicle registered as provided by Subsection (b) may be operated on a public or private beach in the same manner as a golf cart may be operated on a public or private beach under Section 502.0071. The operator must hold and have in the operator's possession a driver's license issued under Chapter 521 or a commercial driver's license issued under Chapter 522.(d) Section 502.172 does not apply to an all-terrain vehicle or a recreational off-highway vehicle.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 311, Sec. 1, eff. May 29, 1999.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1280, Sec. 6, eff. June 15, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2009.
Text of section effective until September 01, 2011Sec. 502.007. MOPEDS. (a) For the registration purposes of this chapter, a moped is treated as if it were a motorcycle.(b) A license plate issued for a moped must have a distinctive lettering designation and include the word "moped."
Sec. 502.0072. MANUFACTURED HOUSING. Manufactured housing, as defined by Section 1201.003, Occupations Code, is not a vehicle subject to this chapter.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 502.0073. POWER SWEEPERS. (a) An owner of a power sweeper is not required to register the power sweeper.(b) In this section, "power sweeper" means an implement, with or without motive power, designed for the removal by broom, vacuum, or regenerative air system of debris, dirt, gravel, litter, or sand from asphaltic concrete or cement concrete surfaces, including surfaces of parking lots, roads, streets, highways, and warehouse floors. The term includes a vehicle on which the implement is permanently mounted if the vehicle is used only as a power sweeper.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 502.0074. MOTORIZED MOBILITY DEVICE. The owner of a motorized mobility device, as defined by Section 542.008, as amended by Chapter 497, Acts of the 77th Legislature, Regular Session, 2001, is not required to register the motorized mobility device.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 502.0075. ELECTRIC BICYCLES. (a) In this section, "electric bicycle" has the meaning assigned by Section 541.201.(b) This chapter does not require the owner of an electric bicycle to register the electric bicycle.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1085, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 502.0078. VEHICLES OPERATED ON PUBLIC HIGHWAY SEPARATING REAL PROPERTY UNDER VEHICLE OWNER'S CONTROL. Where a public highway separates real property under the control of the owner of a motor vehicle, the operation of the motor vehicle by the owner or the owner's agent or employee across the highway is not a use of the motor vehicle on the public highway.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 502.0079. VEHICLES OPERATED BY CERTAIN NONRESIDENTS. (a) A nonresident owner of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer that is registered in the state or country in which the person resides may operate the vehicle to transport persons or property for compensation without being registered in this state, if the person does not exceed two trips in a calendar month and each trip does not exceed four days.(b) A nonresident owner of a privately owned vehicle that is not registered in this state may not make more than five occasional trips in any calendar month into this state using the vehicle. Each occasional trip into this state may not exceed five days.(c) A nonresident owner of a privately owned passenger car that is registered in the state or country in which the person resides and that is not operated for compensation may operate the car in this state for the period in which the car's license plates are valid. In this subsection, "nonresident" means a resident of a state or country other than this state whose presence in this state is as a visitor and who does not engage in gainful employment or enter into business or an occupation, except as may otherwise be provided by any reciprocal agreement with another state or country.(d) This section does not prevent:(1) a nonresident owner of a motor vehicle from operating the vehicle in this state for the sole purpose of marketing farm products raised exclusively by the person; or(2) a resident of an adjoining state or country from operating in this state a privately owned and registered vehicle to go to and from the person's place of regular employment and to make trips to purchase merchandise, if the vehicle is not operated for compensation.(e) The privileges provided by this section may be allowed only if, under the laws of the appropriate state or country, similar privileges are granted to vehicles registered under the laws of this state and owned by residents of this state.(f) This section does not affect the right or status of a vehicle owner under any reciprocal agreement between this state and another state or country.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 502.008. RELEASE OF INFORMATION IN VEHICLE REGISTRATION RECORDS. (a) The department or a county may not release to any person information contained in vehicle registration records in response to a telephone inquiry by license number. The department or a county may release information only if the person:(1) submits in writing a request that:(A) provides the person's name and address; and(B) states that the use of the information is for a lawful and legitimate purpose; or(2) enters into a written service agreement with the department or county to receive the information.(b) This section does not apply to the release of information to:(1) a peace officer, as defined in Article 2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure, acting in an official capacity; or(2) an official of this state or a political subdivision of this state if the official is requesting the information for:(A) tax purposes; or(B) the purpose of determining eligibility for a state public assistance program.(c) The department shall provide a dedicated line to its vehicle registration record database for use by other state agencies. The access to or transmission of information under this subsection does not affect whether the information is subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code.(d) This section does not authorize the release of information that is prohibited from disclosure under Chapter 730.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.46(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1187, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 502.009. MOTOR VEHICLE EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS. (a) The Department of Public Safety shall ensure compliance with the motor vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program through a vehicle inspection sticker-based enforcement system except as provided by this section or Section 548.3011. Subsections (b)-(e) apply only if the United States Environmental Protection Agency determines that the state has not demonstrated, as required by 40 C.F.R. Section 51.361, that sticker-based enforcement of the program is more effective than registration-based enforcement and gives the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission or the governor written notification that the reregistration-based enforcement of the program, as described by those subsections, will be required. If Subsections (b)-(e) are made applicable as provided by this subsection, the department shall terminate reregistration-based enforcement of the program under those subsections on the date the United States Environmental Protection Agency gives the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission or a person the commission designates written notification that reregistration-based enforcement is not required for the state implementation plan.(b) The department may not register a motor vehicle if the department receives from the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission or the Department of Public Safety notification that the registered owner of the vehicle has not complied with Subchapter F, Chapter 548.(c) The county tax assessor-collector may not register a vehicle denied registration under Subsection (b) unless the tax assessor-collector has verification that the registered vehicle owner is in compliance with Subchapter F, Chapter 548.(d) The department, the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, and the Department of Public Safety shall enter an agreement regarding the responsibilities for costs associated with implementing this section.(e) A county tax assessor-collector is not liable to any person for refusing to register a motor vehicle because of the person's failure to provide verification of the person's compliance with Subchapter F, Chapter 548.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1069, Sec. 3, eff. June 19, 1997. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1075, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
SUBCHAPTER B. STATE ADMINISTRATIONSec. 502.051. DEPOSIT OF REGISTRATION FEES IN STATE HIGHWAY FUND. Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, the board and the department shall deposit all money received from registration fees in the state treasury to the credit of the state highway fund.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933, Sec. 2E.02, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 502.052. DESIGN OF LICENSE PLATES AND REGISTRATION INSIGNIA; REFLECTORIZED MATERIAL. (a) The department shall prepare the designs and specifications of license plates and devices selected by the board to be used as the registration insignia.(b) The department shall design each license plate to include a design at least one-half inch wide that represents in silhouette the shape of Texas and that appears between letters and numerals. The department may omit the silhouette of Texas from specially designed license plates.(c) To promote highway safety, each license plate shall be made with a reflectorized material that provides effective and dependable brightness for the period for which the plate is issued. The purchase of reflectorized material shall be submitted to the comptroller for approval.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 937, Sec. 1.113, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933, Sec. 2E.03, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 502.053. COST OF MANUFACTURING LICENSE PLATES OR REGISTRATION INSIGNIA. (a) The department shall reimburse the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the cost of manufacturing license plates or registration insignia as the license plates or insignia and the invoice for the license plates or insignia are delivered to the department.(b) When manufacturing is started, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the department, and the comptroller, after negotiation, shall set the price to be paid for each license plate or insignia. The price must be determined from:(1) the cost of metal, paint, and other materials purchased;(2) the inmate maintenance cost per day;(3) overhead expenses;(4) miscellaneous charges; and(5) a previously approved amount of profit for the work.(c) The annual profit received by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice from all contracts for the manufacturing of license plates or related manufacturing may not be less than the profit received by the Texas Department of Corrections for manufacturing license plates for use in 1974.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1056, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 937, Sec. 1.114, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933, Sec. 2E.04, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 502.054. AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER JURISDICTIONS; OFFENSE. (a) The department, through its director, may enter into an agreement with an authorized officer of another jurisdiction, including another state of the United States, a foreign country or a state, province, territory, or possession of a foreign country, to provide for:(1) the registration of vehicles by residents of this state and nonresidents on an allocation or mileage apportionment plan, as under the International Registration Plan; and(2) the exemption from payment of registration fees by nonresidents if residents of this state are granted reciprocal exemptions.(b) The department may adopt and enforce rules to carry out the International Registration Plan or other agreement under this section.(c) To carry out the International Registration Plan or other agreement under this section, the department shall direct that fees collected for other jurisdictions under the agreement be deposited to the credit of the proportional registration distributive fund in the state treasury and distributed to the appropriate jurisdiction through that fund.(d) This section prevails to the extent of conflict with another law relating to the subject of this section.(e) A person commits an offense if the person owns or operates a vehicle not registered in this state in violation of:(1) an agreement under this section; or(2) the applicable registration laws of this state, in the absence of an agreement under this section.(f) An offense under Subsection (e) is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $200.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1215, Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 502.055. DETERMINATION OF WEIGHT. (a) The weight, net weight, or gross weight of a vehicle, as determined by the department, is the correct weight for registration purposes, regardless of any other purported weight of the vehicle.(b) The department may require an applicant for registration under this chapter to provide the department with evidence of:(1) the manufacturer's rated carrying capacity for the vehicle;(2) the nominal tonnage rating of the vehicle;(3) the gross weight rating of the vehicle; or(4) any combination of information described in Subdivisions (1)-(3).
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 625, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 502.056. DISPUTED CLASSIFICATION OF VEHICLE. In a disputed case, the department may determine:(1) the classification to which a vehicle belongs; and(2) the amount of the registration fee for the vehicle.
SUBCHAPTER C. COUNTY ADMINISTRATIONSec. 502.101. REGISTRATION BY MAIL OR ELECTRONIC MEANS; SERVICE CHARGE. (a) A county assessor-collector may collect a service charge of $1 from each applicant registering a vehicle by mail. The service charge shall be used to pay the costs of handling and postage to mail the registration receipt and insignia to the applicant.(b) With the approval of the commissioners court of a county, a county assessor-collector may contract with a private entity to enable an applicant for registration to use an electronic off-premises location. A private entity may charge an applicant not more than $1 for the service provided.(c) The department may adopt rules to cover the timely application for and issuance of registration receipts and insignia by mail or through an electronic off-premises location.
Sec. 502.102. DISPOSITION OF FEES GENERALLY. (a) Except as provided by Sections 502.103 and 502.104, this section applies to all fees collected by a county assessor-collector under this chapter.(b) Each Monday, a county assessor-collector shall credit to the county road and bridge fund an amount equal to the net collections made during the preceding week until the amount so credited for the calendar year equals the total of:(1) $60,000;(2) $350 for each mile of county road maintained by the county, according to the most recent information available from the department, not to exceed 500 miles; and(3) an additional amount of fees equal to the amount calculated under Section 502.1025.(c) After the credits to the county road and bridge fund equal the total computed under Subsection (b), each Monday the county assessor-collector shall:(1) credit to the county road and bridge fund an amount equal to 50 percent of the net collections made during the preceding week, until the amount so credited for the calendar year equals $125,000; and(2) send to the department an amount equal to 50 percent of those collections.(d) After the credits to the county road and bridge fund equal the total amounts computed under Subsections (b) and (c)(1), each Monday the county assessor-collector shall send to the department all collections made during the preceding week.(e) Each Monday the county assessor-collector shall send to the department a copy of each receipt issued the previous week for a registration fee under this chapter.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 9.02, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.
Sec. 502.1025. CALCULATION OF ADDITIONAL FEE AMOUNTS RETAINED BY A COUNTY. (a) The county tax assessor-collector each calendar year shall calculate five percent of the tax and penalties collected by the county tax assessor-collector under Chapter 152, Tax Code, in the preceding calendar year. In addition, the county tax assessor-collector shall calculate each calendar year an amount equal to five percent of the tax and penalties that the comptroller:(1) collected under Section 152.047, Tax Code, in the preceding calendar year; and(2) determines are attributable to sales in the county.(b) A county tax assessor-collector shall retain under Section 502.102(b) fees based on the following percentage of the amounts calculated under subsection (a) during each of the following fiscal years:(1) in fiscal year 2006, 90 percent;(2) in fiscal year 2007, 80 percent;(3) in fiscal year 2008, 70 percent;(4) in fiscal year 2009, 60 percent;(5) in fiscal year 2010, 50 percent;(6) in fiscal year 2011, 40 percent;(7) in fiscal year 2012, 30 percent;(8) in fiscal year 2013, 20 percent;(9) in fiscal year 2014, 10 percent;(10) in fiscal year 2015 and succeeding years, 0 percent.(c) The county shall credit the amounts retained under Subsection (b) to the county road and bridge fund. Money credited to the fund under this section may only be used for:(1) county road construction, maintenance, and repair;(2) bridge construction, maintenance, and repair;(3) the purchase of right-of-way for road or highway purposes; or(4) the relocation of utilities for road or highway purposes.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 9.03, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.
Sec. 502.103. DISPOSITION OF OPTIONAL COUNTY ROAD AND BRIDGE FEE. Each Monday a county assessor-collector shall apportion the collections for the preceding week for a fee imposed under Section 502.172 by:(1) crediting an amount equal to 97 percent of the collections to the county road and bridge fund; and(2) sending to the department an amount equal to three percent of the collections to defray the department's costs of administering Section 502.172.
Sec. 502.104. DISPOSITION OF CERTAIN SPECIAL FEES. Each Monday a county assessor-collector shall send to the department an amount equal to collections for the preceding week for:(1) each transfer fee collected under Section 502.175; and(2) each fee collected under Section 502.169(b), 502.1715, or 502.279.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 19B.02, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 502.105. REPORT OF FEES COLLECTED. Together with each remittance of fees under Sections 502.102, 502.103, and 502.104, a county assessor-collector shall send to the department a complete report of the fees collected and the disposition of those fees. The department shall prescribe the form and the content requirements of the report.
Sec. 502.106. DEPOSIT OF FEES IN INTEREST-BEARING ACCOUNT. (a) Except as provided by Sections 502.103 and 502.104, a county assessor-collector may:(1) deposit the fees in an interest-bearing account or certificate in the county depository; and(2) send the fees to the department not later than the 34th day after the date the fees are due under Section 502.104.(b) The county owns all interest earned on fees deposited under this section. The county treasurer shall credit the interest to the county general fund.
Sec. 502.107. INTEREST ON FEES. (a) A fee required to be sent to the department under this chapter bears interest for the benefit of the state highway fund at an annual rate of 10 percent beginning on the 60th day after the date the county assessor-collector collects the fee.(b) The department shall audit the registration and transfer fees collected and disbursed by each county assessor-collector and shall determine the exact amount of interest due on any fee not sent to the department.(c) The state has a claim against a county assessor-collector and the sureties on the assessor-collector's official bond for the amount of interest due on a fee.
Sec. 502.108. USE OF REGISTRATION FEES RETAINED BY COUNTY. (a) Money credited to the county road and bridge fund under Section 502.102 or 502.103 may not be used to pay the compensation of the county judge or a county commissioner. The money may be used only for the construction and maintenance of lateral roads in the county, under the supervision of the county engineer.(b) If there is not a county engineer, the commissioners court of the county may require the services of the department's district engineer or resident engineer to supervise the construction and surveying of lateral roads in the county.(c) A county may use money allocated to it under this chapter to:(1) pay obligations issued in the construction or improvement of any roads, including state highways in the county;(2) improve the roads in the county road system; or(3) construct new roads.(d) To the maximum extent possible, contracts for roads constructed by a county using funds provided under this chapter should be awarded by competitive bids.(e) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 9.04, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.(f) Repealed by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.47, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.47, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 9.04, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 502.109. COMPENSATION OF ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR. (a) A county assessor-collector shall receive a fee of $1.90 for each receipt issued under this chapter. If the assessor-collector may be compensated by fees, a fee received is compensation for services under this chapter. The assessor-collector shall deduct the fee weekly from the gross collections made under this chapter.(b) A county assessor-collector who is compensated under this section shall pay the entire expense of issuing registration receipts and license plates under this chapter from the compensation allowed under this section.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.44(b), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 502.110. CONTINGENT PROVISION FOR DISTRIBUTION OF FEES BETWEEN STATE AND COUNTIES. If the method of distributing vehicle registration fees collected under this chapter between the state and counties is declared invalid because of inequality of collection or distribution of those fees, 60 percent of each fee shall be distributed to the county collecting the fee and 40 percent shall be sent to the state in the manner provided by this chapter.
Sec. 502.111. BRANCH OFFICES. (a) The commissioners court of a county may authorize the county assessor-collector to:(1) establish a suboffice or branch office for vehicle registration at one or more locations in the county other than the county courthouse; or(2) appoint a deputy to register vehicles in the same manner and with the same authority as though done in the office of the assessor-collector.(b) The report of vehicles registered through a suboffice or branch office shall be made through the office of the county assessor-collector.
Sec. 502.112. DEPUTY ASSESSOR-COLLECTORS. (a) A county assessor-collector, with the approval of the commissioners court of the county, may deputize an individual or business entity to:(1) issue motor vehicle registration receipts as a limited-service deputy; or(2) issue motor vehicle registration receipts and prepare or accept applications for title transfers as a full-service deputy.(b) An individual or business entity is eligible to be deputized as a limited-service deputy if the person:(1) is trained to issue registration receipts by the county assessor-collector; and(2) posts a bond payable to the county assessor-collector:(A) in an amount determined by the assessor-collector; and(B) conditioned on the person's proper accounting and remittance of all fees the person collects.(c) An individual or business entity is eligible to be deputized as a full-service deputy if the person:(1) meets the requirements of Subsection (b); and(2) has experience in title transfers.(d) A person deputized under this section shall keep a separate account of the fees collected and a record of daily receipts.
Sec. 502.113. LIMITED-SERVICE DEPUTIES. (a) A limited-service deputy appointed under Section 502.112 may only accept registration renewal cards provided by the department and may not prepare or accept an application for title transfer.(b) The county assessor-collector may pay a limited-service deputy an amount not to exceed the fee the assessor-collector could collect under Section 502.109(a) for each registration receipt issued. The commissioners court of the county may permit a limited-service deputy to charge and retain an additional fee not to exceed $1 for each registration receipt issued.
Sec. 502.114. FULL-SERVICE DEPUTIES. (a) A full-service deputy appointed under Section 502.112 shall accept any application for registration, registration renewal, or title transfer that the county assessor-collector may accept.(b) A full-service deputy may charge and retain an additional motor vehicle registration fee not to exceed $5 for each motor vehicle registration issued.(c) A county assessor-collector may delegate to a full-service deputy, in the manner selected by the assessor-collector, the authority to use data processing equipment and software provided by the department for use in the titling and registration of motor vehicles. The department may not limit a county assessor-collector's ability to delegate the assessor-collector's functions regarding the titling and registration of motor vehicles to a qualified full-service deputy in the manner the assessor-collector considers appropriate.
SUBCHAPTER D. REGISTRATION PROCEDURES AND FEESSec. 502.151. APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION. (a) An application for vehicle registration must:(1) be made on a form furnished by the department;(2) contain the full name and address of the owner of the vehicle;(3) contain a brief description of the vehicle;(4) contain any other information required by the department; and(5) be signed by the owner.(b) For a new motor vehicle, the description of the vehicle must include the vehicle's:(1) trade name;(2) year model;(3) style and type of body;(4) weight, if the vehicle is a passenger car;(5) net carrying capacity and gross weight, if the vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle;(6) vehicle identification number; and(7) date of sale by the manufacturer or dealer to the applicant.(c) An applicant for registration of a commercial motor vehicle, truck-tractor, trailer, or semitrailer must deliver to the county assessor-collector an affidavit showing the weight of the vehicle, the maximum load to be carried on the vehicle, and the gross weight for which the vehicle is to be registered. The assessor-collector shall keep the affidavit on file.(d) In lieu of filing an application during a year as provided by Subsection (a), the owner of a vehicle registered in any state for that year or the preceding year may present the registration receipt and transfer receipt, if any. The county assessor-collector shall accept the receipt as an application for renewal of the registration if the receipt indicates the applicant owns the vehicle.(e) If an owner or claimed owner has lost or misplaced the registration receipt or transfer receipt for the vehicle, the county assessor-collector shall register the vehicle on the person's furnishing to the assessor-collector satisfactory evidence, by affidavit or otherwise, that the person owns the vehicle.(f) A county assessor-collector shall date each registration receipt issued for a vehicle with the date on which the application for registration is made.
Sec. 502.1515. OUTSOURCING PRODUCTION OF RENEWAL NOTICES; PAID ADVERTISING. The board may authorize the department to enter into a contract with a private vendor to produce and distribute motor vehicle registration renewal notices. The contract may provide for the inclusion of paid advertising in the registration renewal notice packet.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281, Sec. 2.85, eff. June 14, 2005.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933, Sec. 2E.05, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 502.152. CERTIFICATE OF TITLE REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION. (a) The department may not register or renew the registration of a motor vehicle for which a certificate of title is required under Chapter 501 unless the owner:(1) obtains a certificate of title for the vehicle; or(2) presents satisfactory evidence that a certificate of title was previously issued to the owner by the department or another jurisdiction. (b) This section does not apply to an automobile that was purchased new before January 1, 1936.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 67, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 502.153. EVIDENCE OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (j), the owner of a motor vehicle, other than a trailer or semitrailer, for which evidence of financial responsibility is required by Section 601.051 or a person who represents the owner for purposes of registering a motor vehicle shall submit evidence of financial responsibility with the application for registration under Section 502.151. A county assessor-collector may not register the motor vehicle unless the owner or the owner's representative submits the evidence of financial responsibility.(b) The county assessor-collector shall examine the evidence of financial responsibility to determine whether it complies with Subsection (c). After examining the evidence, the assessor-collector shall return the evidence unless it is in the form of a photocopy or an electronic submission.(c) In this section, evidence of financial responsibility may be:(1) a document listed under Section 601.053(a);(2) a liability self-insurance or pool coverage document issued by a political subdivision or governmental pool under the authority of Chapter 791, Government Code, Chapter 119, Local Government Code, or other applicable law in at least the minimum amounts required by Chapter 601;(3) a photocopy of a document described by Subdivision (1) or (2); or(4) an electronic submission of a document or the information contained in a document described by Subdivision (1) or (2).(d) A personal automobile policy used as evidence of financial responsibility under this section must comply with Article 5.06 or 5.145, Insurance Code.(e) At the time of registration, the county assessor-collector shall provide to a person registering a motor vehicle a separate statement that the motor vehicle being registered may not be operated in this state unless:(1) liability insurance coverage for the motor vehicle in at least the minimum amounts required by law remains in effect to insure against potential losses; or(2) the motor vehicle is exempt from the insurance requirement because the person has established financial responsibility in a manner described by Section 601.051(2)-(5) or is exempt under Section 601.052.(f) A county assessor-collector is not liable to any person for refusing to register a motor vehicle to which this section applies because of the person's failure to submit evidence of financial responsibility that complies with Subsection (c).(g) A county, a county assessor-collector, a deputy county assessor-collector, a person acting for or on behalf of a county or a county assessor-collector, or a person acting on behalf of an owner for purposes of registering a motor vehicle is not liable to any person for registering a motor vehicle under this section.(h) This section does not prevent a person from registering a motor vehicle by mail or through an electronic submission.(i) To be valid under this section, an electronic submission must be in a format that is:(1) submitted by electronic means, including a telephone, facsimile machine, or computer;(2) approved by the department; and(3) authorized by the commissioners court for use in the county.(j) This section does not apply to a vehicle registered pursuant to Section 501.0234.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 28, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 206, Sec. 21.45, eff. June 11, 2003.
Sec. 502.1535. EVIDENCE OF VEHICLE EMISSIONS INSPECTION. A county assessor-collector may not register a motor vehicle subject to Section 548.3011 unless proof that the vehicle has passed a vehicle emissions test as required by that section, in a form authorized by that section, is presented to the county assessor-collector with the application for registration.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1075, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 502.154. REPORT BY COUNTY ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR. A county assessor-collector shall submit an annual report to the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission and the department that shows:(1) the number of registrations denied because of the applicant's failure to provide an original emissions inspection certificate or a valid waiver;(2) the number of registrations denied because of the failure to provide proof of residency; and(3) an itemized accounting of the costs to the county of administering Sections 502.002 and 502.006(a), (b), and (c).
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.44(c), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 502.156. STATEMENT REQUIRED FOR REBUILT VEHICLES. A county assessor-collector shall require an applicant for registration of a rebuilt vehicle to provide a statement that the vehicle is rebuilt and that states the name of each person from whom the parts used in assembling the vehicle were obtained.
Sec. 502.157. INITIAL REGISTRATION. (a) Notwithstanding Section 502.002, when a motor vehicle must be registered before an application for a certificate of title will be accepted, the owner of the vehicle may concurrently apply for a certificate of title and for registration through the county assessor-collector of the county in which:(1) the owner resides; or(2) the vehicle is purchased or encumbered.(b) The first time an owner applies for registration of a vehicle, the owner may demonstrate compliance with Section 502.153(a) as to the vehicle by showing proof of financial responsibility in any manner specified in Section 502.153(c) as to:(1) any vehicle of the owner; or(2) any vehicle used as part of the consideration for the purchase of the vehicle the owner applies to register.
Sec. 502.158. REGISTRATION YEAR. (a) The department shall designate a vehicle registration year of 12 consecutive months to begin on the first day of a calendar month and end on the last day of the 12th calendar month.(b) The department shall designate vehicle registration years so as to distribute the work of the department and the county assessor-collectors as uniformly as possible throughout the year. The department may establish separate registration years for any vehicle or classification of vehicle and may adopt rules to administer the year-round registration system.(c) The department may designate a registration period of less than 12 months. The registration fee for a registration period of less than 12 months is computed at a rate of one-twelfth the annual registration fee multiplied by the number of months in the registration period. The department may not designate a registration period of more than 12 months, but:(1) with the consent of the department, an owner may pay registration fees for a designated period of more than 12 months; and(2) an owner of a vehicle may pay registration fees for a designated period of 12, 24, or 36 months.(d) An application for registration shall be made during the two months preceding the date on which the registration expires.(e) The fee to be paid for renewing a registration is the fee that will be in effect on the first day of the vehicle registration year.(f) Repealed by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 641, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 1999.(g) The department shall issue the applicant for registration who pays registration fees for a designated period of 24 or 36 months a registration receipt and registration insignia that are valid until the expiration of the designated period.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 433, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 641, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 638, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 502.1585. DESIGNATION OF REGISTRATION PERIOD BY OWNER. (a) This section applies only to a person who owns more than one motor vehicle or trailer that is subject to registration under this chapter.(b) Notwithstanding Section 502.158, the owner of a motor vehicle or a trailer may designate an initial or a renewal registration period for that vehicle so that the registration period for the vehicle or trailer expires on the same date as the registration period for another vehicle or trailer previously registered by that owner.(c) A registration period designated under this section must begin on the first day of a calendar month and end on the last day of a calendar month and may not be for less than 12 months.(d) The registration fee for a registration period designated under this section is computed at a rate of one-twelfth the annual registration fee multiplied by the number of months in the designated registration period.(e) The department shall issue an applicant for registration who pays registration fees for a designated period under this section a registration receipt and registration insignia that are valid until the expiration of the designated period.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1197, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 502.1586. REGISTRATION PERIOD FOR TRUCK-TRACTOR OR COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE TRANSPORTING SEASONAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS. (a) The department shall provide for a monthly registration period for a truck-tractor or a commercial motor vehicle that:(1) is used exclusively to transport a seasonal agricultural product; and(2) would otherwise be registered for a vehicle registration year.(b) The department shall adopt forms for registration under this section. An applicant must indicate the number of months registration is applied for.(c) The department shall design, prescribe, and furnish a registration receipt that is valid until the expiration of the designated registration period.(d) The registration fee for a registration under this section is computed at a rate of one-twelfth the annual registration fee under Section 502.162, 502.163, or 502.167, as applicable, multiplied by the number of months in the registration period specified in the application for the registration.(e) A person issued a registration under this section commits an offense if the person, during the registration period for the truck-tractor or commercial motor vehicle, uses the truck-tractor or commercial motor vehicle for a purpose other than to transport a seasonal agricultural product.(f) A truck-tractor or commercial motor vehicle may not be registered under this section for a registration period that is less than one month or longer than six months.(g) For purposes of this section, "to transport a seasonal agricultural product" includes any transportation activity necessary for the production, harvest, or delivery of an agricultural product that is produced seasonally.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 732, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 832, Sec. 1, 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Renumbered from Sec. 502.1585 by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 21.001(105), eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 502.159. SCHEDULE OF FEES. The department shall compile and furnish to each county assessor-collector a complete schedule of registration fees to be collected on the various makes, models, and types of vehicles.
Text of section effective until September 01, 2011Sec. 502.160. FEE: MOTORCYCLE. The fee for a registration year for registration of a motorcycle is $30.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 17, eff. September 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on September 01, 2011Sec. 502.160. FEE: MOTORCYCLE OR MOPED. The fee for a registration year for registration of a motorcycle or moped is $30.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 17, eff. September 1, 2011.
Text of section effective until September 01, 2011Sec. 502.161. FEE: PASSENGER CAR, MUNICIPAL BUS, PRIVATE BUS. (a) The fee for a registration year for registration of a passenger car, a municipal bus, or a private bus that weighs 6,000 pounds or less is:(1) $40.50 for a vehicle the model year of which is more than six years before the year in which the registration year begins;(2) $50.50 for a vehicle the model year of which is more than three years but is six years or less before the year in which the registration year begins; or(3) $58.50 for a vehicle the model year of which is three years or less before the year in which the registration year begins.(b) The fee for a registration year for registration of a passenger car, a municipal bus, or a private bus that weighs more than 6,000 pounds is $25 plus 60 cents for each 100 pounds.(c) For registration purposes, the weight of a passenger car, a municipal bus, or a private bus is the weight generally accepted as its correct shipping weight plus 100 pounds.(d) In this section, "private bus" has the meaning assigned by Section 502.294.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 625, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 18, eff. September 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on September 01, 2011Sec. 502.161. FEE: VEHICLES THAT WEIGH 6,000 POUNDS OR LESS. (a) The fee for a registration year for registration of a vehicle with a gross weight of 6,000 pounds or less is $50.75, unless otherwise provided in this chapter.(b) Repealed by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 39(2), eff. September 1, 2011.(c) For registration purposes, the weight of a passenger car, a municipal bus, or a private bus is the weight generally accepted as its correct shipping weight plus 100 pounds.(d) In this section, "private bus" has the meaning assigned by Section 502.294.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 625, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 18, eff. September 1, 2011.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 19, eff. September 1, 2011.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 39(2), eff. September 1, 2011.
Text of section effective until September 01, 2011Sec. 502.162. FEE: COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE OR TRUCK-TRACTOR. (a) The fee for a registration year for registration of a commercial motor vehicle or truck-tractor is $25 plus an amount determined according to the vehicle's gross weight and tire equipment, as follows:
Gross weight
Fee for each 100 pounds or
in pounds
fraction of 100 pounds
Equipped with
Equipped with
pneumatic tires
solid tires
1-6,000
$0.44
$0.55
6,001-8,000
0.495
0.66
8,001-10,000
0.605
0.77
10,001-17,000
0.715
0.88
17,001-24,000
0.77
0.99
24,001-31,000
0.88
1.10
31,001 and over
0.99
1.32
(b) The gross weight of a vehicle is the actual weight of the
vehicle, fully equipped with a body and other equipment, as
certified by a public weigher or a license and weight inspector
of the Department of Public Safety, plus its net carrying
capacity.
(c) The net carrying capacity of a vehicle other than a bus is
the heaviest net load to be carried on the vehicle, but not less
than the manufacturer's rated carrying capacity.
(d) The net carrying capacity of a bus is computed by
multiplying its seating capacity by 150 pounds. The seating
capacity of a bus is:
(1) the manufacturer's rated seating capacity, excluding the
operator's seat; or
(2) if the manufacturer has not rated the vehicle for seating
capacity, a number computed by allowing one passenger for each 16
inches of seating on the bus, excluding the operator's seat.
TRANSPORTATION CODETITLE 7. VEHICLES AND TRAFFICSUBTITLE A. CERTIFICATES OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION OF VEHICLESCHAPTER 502. REGISTRATION OF VEHICLESSUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONSSec. 502.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:(1) "All-terrain vehicle" means a motor vehicle that is:(A) equipped with a saddle for the use of:(i) the rider; and(ii) a passenger, if the motor vehicle is designed by the manufacturer to transport a passenger;(B) designed to propel itself with three or more tires in contact with the ground;(C) designed by the manufacturer for off-highway use; and(D) not designed by the manufacturer primarily for farming or lawn care. Text of subdivision as added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933, Sec. 2E.01 (1-a) "Board" means the board of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Text of subdivision as added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1173, Sec. 1 (1-a) "Commercial fleet" means a group of at least 25 nonapportioned motor vehicles owned by a corporation, limited or general partnership, limited liability company, or other business entity and used for the business purposes of that entity.(2) "Commercial motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, designed or used primarily to transport property. The term includes a passenger car reconstructed and used primarily for delivery purposes. The term does not include a passenger car used to deliver the United States mail.(3) "Department" means the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.(4) "Farm semitrailer" means a semitrailer designed and used primarily as a farm vehicle.(5) "Farm tractor" means a motor vehicle designed and used primarily as a farm implement for drawing other implements of husbandry.(6) "Farm trailer" means a trailer designed and used primarily as a farm vehicle.(7) "Golf cart" means a motor vehicle designed by the manufacturer primarily for transporting persons on a golf course.(8) "Implements of husbandry" means farm implements, machinery, and tools as used in tilling the soil, including self-propelled machinery specifically designed or adapted for applying plant food materials or agricultural chemicals but not specifically designed or adapted for the sole purpose of transporting the materials or chemicals. The term does not include a passenger car or truck.(9) "Light truck" means a commercial motor vehicle that has a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of one ton or less.(10) "Moped" has the meaning assigned by Section 541.201.(11) "Motor bus" includes every vehicle used to transport persons on the public highways for compensation, other than:(A) a vehicle operated by muscular power; or(B) a municipal bus.(12) "Motorcycle" means a motor vehicle designed to propel itself with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground. The term does not include a tractor.(13) "Motor vehicle" means a vehicle that is self-propelled.(14) "Municipal bus" includes every vehicle, other than a passenger car, used to transport persons for compensation exclusively within the limits of a municipality or a suburban addition to the municipality.(15) "Operate temporarily on the highways" means to travel between:(A) different farms;(B) a place of supply or storage and a farm; or(C) an owner's farm and the place at which the owner's farm produce is prepared for market or is marketed.(16) "Owner" means a person who:(A) holds the legal title of a vehicle;(B) has the legal right of possession of a vehicle; or(C) has the legal right of control of a vehicle.(17) "Passenger car" means a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, golf cart, light truck, or bus, designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons.(18) "Public highway" includes a road, street, way, thoroughfare, or bridge:(A) that is in this state;(B) that is for the use of vehicles;(C) that is not privately owned or controlled; and(D) over which the state has legislative jurisdiction under its police power.(19) "Public property" means property owned or leased by this state or a political subdivision of this state.(19-a) "Recreational off-highway vehicle" means a motor vehicle that is:(A) equipped with a non-straddle seat for the use of:(i) the rider; and(ii) a passenger, if the vehicle is designed by the manufacturer to transport a passenger;(B) designed to propel itself with four or more tires in contact with the ground;(C) designed by the manufacturer for off-highway use by the operator only; and(D) not designed by the manufacturer primarily for farming or lawn care.(20) "Road tractor" means a vehicle designed for the purpose of mowing the right-of-way of a public highway or a motor vehicle designed or used for drawing another vehicle or a load and not constructed to carry:(A) an independent load; or(B) a part of the weight of the vehicle and load to be drawn.(21) "Semitrailer" means a vehicle designed or used with a motor vehicle so that part of the weight of the vehicle and its load rests on or is carried by another vehicle.(22) "Trailer" means a vehicle that:(A) is designed or used to carry a load wholly on its own structure; and(B) is drawn or designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle.(23) "Truck-tractor" means a motor vehicle:(A) designed and used primarily for drawing another vehicle; and(B) not constructed to carry a load other than a part of the weight of the vehicle and load to be drawn.(24) "Vehicle" means a device in or by which a person or property is or may be transported or drawn on a public highway, other than a device used exclusively on stationary rails or tracks.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 625, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 586, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1280, Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933, Sec. 2E.01, eff. September 1, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1173, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1232, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 502.002. REGISTRATION REQUIRED; GENERAL RULE. (a) The owner of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer shall apply for the registration of the vehicle for:(1) each registration year in which the vehicle is used or to be used on a public highway; and(2) if the vehicle is unregistered for a registration year that has begun and that applies to the vehicle and if the vehicle is used or to be used on a public highway, the remaining portion of that registration year.(b) The application must be made to the department through the county assessor-collector of the county in which the owner resides.(c) A provision of this chapter that conflicts with this section prevails over this section to the extent of the conflict.(d) A county assessor-collector, a deputy county assessor-collector, or a person acting on behalf of a county assessor-collector is not liable to any person for:(1) refusing to register a motor vehicle because of the person's failure to submit evidence of residency that complies with the department's rules; or(2) registering a motor vehicle under this section.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.44(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 502.0021. RULES AND FORMS. (a) The department may adopt rules to administer this chapter.(b) The department shall:(1) prescribe forms determined by the department to be necessary for the administration of this chapter; and(2) provide each county assessor-collector with an adequate supply of each form necessary for the performance of a duty under this chapter by the assessor-collector.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 625, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Renumbered from Sec. 502.009 by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 19.01(100), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 502.0023. EXTENDED REGISTRATION OF COMMERCIAL FLEET MOTOR VEHICLES. (a) Notwithstanding Section 502.158(c), the department shall develop and implement a system of registration to allow an owner of a commercial fleet to register the motor vehicles in the commercial fleet for an extended registration period of not less than one year or more than eight years. The owner may select the number of years for registration under this section within that range and register the commercial fleet for that period. Payment for all registration fees for the entire registration period selected is due at the time of registration.(b) A system of extended registration under this section must allow the owner of a commercial fleet to register:(1) an entire commercial fleet in the county of the owner's residence or principal place of business; or(2) the motor vehicles in a commercial fleet that are operated most regularly in the same county.(c) In addition to the registration fees prescribed by Subchapter D, an owner registering a commercial fleet under this section shall pay:(1) an annual commercial fleet registration fee of $10 per motor vehicle in the fleet; and(2) except as provided by Subsection (e), a one-time license plate manufacturing fee of $1.50 for each fleet motor vehicle license plate.(d) A license plate issued under this section:(1) may, on request of the owner, include the name or logo of the business entity that owns the vehicle;(2) must include the expiration date of the registration period; and(3) does not require an annual registration insignia to be valid.(e) In addition to all other applicable registration fees, an owner registering a commercial fleet under this section shall pay a one-time license plate manufacturing fee of $8 for each set of plates issued that includes on the legend the name or logo of the business entity that owns the vehicle instead of the fee imposed by Subsection (c)(2).(f) If a motor vehicle registered under this section has a gross weight in excess of 10,000 pounds, the department shall also issue a registration card for the vehicle that is valid for the selected registration period.(g) The department shall adopt rules to implement this section, including rules on suspension from the commercial fleet program for failure to comply with this section or rules adopted under this section.(h) The department and the counties in their budgeting processes shall consider any temporary increases and resulting decreases in revenue that will result from the use of the process provided under this section.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1173, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1232, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 502.0025. EFFECT OF CERTAIN MILITARY SERVICE ON REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT. (a) This section applies only to a motor vehicle that is owned by a person who:(1) is a resident of this state;(2) is on active duty in the armed forces of the United States;(3) is stationed in or has been assigned to another nation under military orders; and(4) has registered the vehicle or been issued a license for the vehicle under the applicable status of forces agreement by:(A) the appropriate branch of the armed forces of the United States; or(B) the nation in which the person is stationed or to which the person has been assigned.(b) Unless the registration or license issued for a vehicle described by Subsection (a) is suspended, canceled, or revoked by this state as provided by law:(1) Section 502.002(a) does not apply; and(2) the registration or license issued by the armed forces or host nation remains valid and the motor vehicle may be operated in this state under that registration or license for a period of not more than 90 days after the date on which the vehicle returns to this state.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 836, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 502.003. REGISTRATION BY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION PROHIBITED. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a political subdivision of this state may not require an owner of a motor vehicle to:(1) register the vehicle;(2) pay a motor vehicle registration fee; or(3) pay an occupation tax or license fee in connection with a motor vehicle.(b) This section does not affect the authority of a municipality to:(1) license and regulate the use of motor vehicles for compensation within the municipal limits; and(2) impose a permit fee or street rental charge for the operation of each motor vehicle used to transport passengers for compensation, other than a motor vehicle operating under a registration certificate from the department or a permit from the federal Surface Transportation Board.(c) A fee or charge under Subsection (b) may not exceed two percent of the annual gross receipts from the vehicle.(d) This section does not impair the payment provisions of an agreement or franchise between a municipality and the owners or operators of motor vehicles used to transport passengers for compensation.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.45, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 502.004. COLLECTION OF FEES. A person may not collect a registration fee under this chapter unless the person is:(1) an officer or employee of the department; or(2) a county assessor-collector or a deputy county assessor-collector.
Sec. 502.005. REFUSAL TO REGISTER UNSAFE VEHICLE. (a) The department may refuse to register a motor vehicle and may revoke a registration if the department determines that a motor vehicle is unsafe, improperly equipped, or otherwise unfit to be operated on a public highway.(b) The department may refuse to register a motorcycle and may suspend or revoke the registration of a motorcycle if the department determines that the motorcycle's braking system does not comply with Section 547.408.
Sec. 502.006. CERTAIN OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person may not register an all-terrain vehicle or a recreational off-highway vehicle, with or without design alterations, for operation on a public highway.(b) The state, a county, or a municipality may register an all-terrain vehicle or a recreational off-highway vehicle for operation on a public beach or highway to maintain public safety and welfare.(c) A recreational off-highway vehicle registered as provided by Subsection (b) may be operated on a public or private beach in the same manner as a golf cart may be operated on a public or private beach under Section 502.0071. The operator must hold and have in the operator's possession a driver's license issued under Chapter 521 or a commercial driver's license issued under Chapter 522.(d) Section 502.172 does not apply to an all-terrain vehicle or a recreational off-highway vehicle.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 311, Sec. 1, eff. May 29, 1999.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1280, Sec. 6, eff. June 15, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2009.
Text of section effective until September 01, 2011Sec. 502.007. MOPEDS. (a) For the registration purposes of this chapter, a moped is treated as if it were a motorcycle.(b) A license plate issued for a moped must have a distinctive lettering designation and include the word "moped."
Sec. 502.0072. MANUFACTURED HOUSING. Manufactured housing, as defined by Section 1201.003, Occupations Code, is not a vehicle subject to this chapter.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 502.0073. POWER SWEEPERS. (a) An owner of a power sweeper is not required to register the power sweeper.(b) In this section, "power sweeper" means an implement, with or without motive power, designed for the removal by broom, vacuum, or regenerative air system of debris, dirt, gravel, litter, or sand from asphaltic concrete or cement concrete surfaces, including surfaces of parking lots, roads, streets, highways, and warehouse floors. The term includes a vehicle on which the implement is permanently mounted if the vehicle is used only as a power sweeper.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 502.0074. MOTORIZED MOBILITY DEVICE. The owner of a motorized mobility device, as defined by Section 542.008, as amended by Chapter 497, Acts of the 77th Legislature, Regular Session, 2001, is not required to register the motorized mobility device.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 502.0075. ELECTRIC BICYCLES. (a) In this section, "electric bicycle" has the meaning assigned by Section 541.201.(b) This chapter does not require the owner of an electric bicycle to register the electric bicycle.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1085, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 502.0078. VEHICLES OPERATED ON PUBLIC HIGHWAY SEPARATING REAL PROPERTY UNDER VEHICLE OWNER'S CONTROL. Where a public highway separates real property under the control of the owner of a motor vehicle, the operation of the motor vehicle by the owner or the owner's agent or employee across the highway is not a use of the motor vehicle on the public highway.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 502.0079. VEHICLES OPERATED BY CERTAIN NONRESIDENTS. (a) A nonresident owner of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer that is registered in the state or country in which the person resides may operate the vehicle to transport persons or property for compensation without being registered in this state, if the person does not exceed two trips in a calendar month and each trip does not exceed four days.(b) A nonresident owner of a privately owned vehicle that is not registered in this state may not make more than five occasional trips in any calendar month into this state using the vehicle. Each occasional trip into this state may not exceed five days.(c) A nonresident owner of a privately owned passenger car that is registered in the state or country in which the person resides and that is not operated for compensation may operate the car in this state for the period in which the car's license plates are valid. In this subsection, "nonresident" means a resident of a state or country other than this state whose presence in this state is as a visitor and who does not engage in gainful employment or enter into business or an occupation, except as may otherwise be provided by any reciprocal agreement with another state or country.(d) This section does not prevent:(1) a nonresident owner of a motor vehicle from operating the vehicle in this state for the sole purpose of marketing farm products raised exclusively by the person; or(2) a resident of an adjoining state or country from operating in this state a privately owned and registered vehicle to go to and from the person's place of regular employment and to make trips to purchase merchandise, if the vehicle is not operated for compensation.(e) The privileges provided by this section may be allowed only if, under the laws of the appropriate state or country, similar privileges are granted to vehicles registered under the laws of this state and owned by residents of this state.(f) This section does not affect the right or status of a vehicle owner under any reciprocal agreement between this state and another state or country.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 502.008. RELEASE OF INFORMATION IN VEHICLE REGISTRATION RECORDS. (a) The department or a county may not release to any person information contained in vehicle registration records in response to a telephone inquiry by license number. The department or a county may release information only if the person:(1) submits in writing a request that:(A) provides the person's name and address; and(B) states that the use of the information is for a lawful and legitimate purpose; or(2) enters into a written service agreement with the department or county to receive the information.(b) This section does not apply to the release of information to:(1) a peace officer, as defined in Article 2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure, acting in an official capacity; or(2) an official of this state or a political subdivision of this state if the official is requesting the information for:(A) tax purposes; or(B) the purpose of determining eligibility for a state public assistance program.(c) The department shall provide a dedicated line to its vehicle registration record database for use by other state agencies. The access to or transmission of information under this subsection does not affect whether the information is subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code.(d) This section does not authorize the release of information that is prohibited from disclosure under Chapter 730.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.46(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1187, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 502.009. MOTOR VEHICLE EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS. (a) The Department of Public Safety shall ensure compliance with the motor vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program through a vehicle inspection sticker-based enforcement system except as provided by this section or Section 548.3011. Subsections (b)-(e) apply only if the United States Environmental Protection Agency determines that the state has not demonstrated, as required by 40 C.F.R. Section 51.361, that sticker-based enforcement of the program is more effective than registration-based enforcement and gives the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission or the governor written notification that the reregistration-based enforcement of the program, as described by those subsections, will be required. If Subsections (b)-(e) are made applicable as provided by this subsection, the department shall terminate reregistration-based enforcement of the program under those subsections on the date the United States Environmental Protection Agency gives the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission or a person the commission designates written notification that reregistration-based enforcement is not required for the state implementation plan.(b) The department may not register a motor vehicle if the department receives from the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission or the Department of Public Safety notification that the registered owner of the vehicle has not complied with Subchapter F, Chapter 548.(c) The county tax assessor-collector may not register a vehicle denied registration under Subsection (b) unless the tax assessor-collector has verification that the registered vehicle owner is in compliance with Subchapter F, Chapter 548.(d) The department, the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, and the Department of Public Safety shall enter an agreement regarding the responsibilities for costs associated with implementing this section.(e) A county tax assessor-collector is not liable to any person for refusing to register a motor vehicle because of the person's failure to provide verification of the person's compliance with Subchapter F, Chapter 548.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1069, Sec. 3, eff. June 19, 1997. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1075, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
SUBCHAPTER B. STATE ADMINISTRATIONSec. 502.051. DEPOSIT OF REGISTRATION FEES IN STATE HIGHWAY FUND. Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, the board and the department shall deposit all money received from registration fees in the state treasury to the credit of the state highway fund.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933, Sec. 2E.02, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 502.052. DESIGN OF LICENSE PLATES AND REGISTRATION INSIGNIA; REFLECTORIZED MATERIAL. (a) The department shall prepare the designs and specifications of license plates and devices selected by the board to be used as the registration insignia.(b) The department shall design each license plate to include a design at least one-half inch wide that represents in silhouette the shape of Texas and that appears between letters and numerals. The department may omit the silhouette of Texas from specially designed license plates.(c) To promote highway safety, each license plate shall be made with a reflectorized material that provides effective and dependable brightness for the period for which the plate is issued. The purchase of reflectorized material shall be submitted to the comptroller for approval.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 937, Sec. 1.113, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933, Sec. 2E.03, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 502.053. COST OF MANUFACTURING LICENSE PLATES OR REGISTRATION INSIGNIA. (a) The department shall reimburse the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the cost of manufacturing license plates or registration insignia as the license plates or insignia and the invoice for the license plates or insignia are delivered to the department.(b) When manufacturing is started, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the department, and the comptroller, after negotiation, shall set the price to be paid for each license plate or insignia. The price must be determined from:(1) the cost of metal, paint, and other materials purchased;(2) the inmate maintenance cost per day;(3) overhead expenses;(4) miscellaneous charges; and(5) a previously approved amount of profit for the work.(c) The annual profit received by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice from all contracts for the manufacturing of license plates or related manufacturing may not be less than the profit received by the Texas Department of Corrections for manufacturing license plates for use in 1974.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1056, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 937, Sec. 1.114, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933, Sec. 2E.04, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 502.054. AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER JURISDICTIONS; OFFENSE. (a) The department, through its director, may enter into an agreement with an authorized officer of another jurisdiction, including another state of the United States, a foreign country or a state, province, territory, or possession of a foreign country, to provide for:(1) the registration of vehicles by residents of this state and nonresidents on an allocation or mileage apportionment plan, as under the International Registration Plan; and(2) the exemption from payment of registration fees by nonresidents if residents of this state are granted reciprocal exemptions.(b) The department may adopt and enforce rules to carry out the International Registration Plan or other agreement under this section.(c) To carry out the International Registration Plan or other agreement under this section, the department shall direct that fees collected for other jurisdictions under the agreement be deposited to the credit of the proportional registration distributive fund in the state treasury and distributed to the appropriate jurisdiction through that fund.(d) This section prevails to the extent of conflict with another law relating to the subject of this section.(e) A person commits an offense if the person owns or operates a vehicle not registered in this state in violation of:(1) an agreement under this section; or(2) the applicable registration laws of this state, in the absence of an agreement under this section.(f) An offense under Subsection (e) is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $200.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1215, Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 502.055. DETERMINATION OF WEIGHT. (a) The weight, net weight, or gross weight of a vehicle, as determined by the department, is the correct weight for registration purposes, regardless of any other purported weight of the vehicle.(b) The department may require an applicant for registration under this chapter to provide the department with evidence of:(1) the manufacturer's rated carrying capacity for the vehicle;(2) the nominal tonnage rating of the vehicle;(3) the gross weight rating of the vehicle; or(4) any combination of information described in Subdivisions (1)-(3).
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 625, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 502.056. DISPUTED CLASSIFICATION OF VEHICLE. In a disputed case, the department may determine:(1) the classification to which a vehicle belongs; and(2) the amount of the registration fee for the vehicle.
SUBCHAPTER C. COUNTY ADMINISTRATIONSec. 502.101. REGISTRATION BY MAIL OR ELECTRONIC MEANS; SERVICE CHARGE. (a) A county assessor-collector may collect a service charge of $1 from each applicant registering a vehicle by mail. The service charge shall be used to pay the costs of handling and postage to mail the registration receipt and insignia to the applicant.(b) With the approval of the commissioners court of a county, a county assessor-collector may contract with a private entity to enable an applicant for registration to use an electronic off-premises location. A private entity may charge an applicant not more than $1 for the service provided.(c) The department may adopt rules to cover the timely application for and issuance of registration receipts and insignia by mail or through an electronic off-premises location.
Sec. 502.102. DISPOSITION OF FEES GENERALLY. (a) Except as provided by Sections 502.103 and 502.104, this section applies to all fees collected by a county assessor-collector under this chapter.(b) Each Monday, a county assessor-collector shall credit to the county road and bridge fund an amount equal to the net collections made during the preceding week until the amount so credited for the calendar year equals the total of:(1) $60,000;(2) $350 for each mile of county road maintained by the county, according to the most recent information available from the department, not to exceed 500 miles; and(3) an additional amount of fees equal to the amount calculated under Section 502.1025.(c) After the credits to the county road and bridge fund equal the total computed under Subsection (b), each Monday the county assessor-collector shall:(1) credit to the county road and bridge fund an amount equal to 50 percent of the net collections made during the preceding week, until the amount so credited for the calendar year equals $125,000; and(2) send to the department an amount equal to 50 percent of those collections.(d) After the credits to the county road and bridge fund equal the total amounts computed under Subsections (b) and (c)(1), each Monday the county assessor-collector shall send to the department all collections made during the preceding week.(e) Each Monday the county assessor-collector shall send to the department a copy of each receipt issued the previous week for a registration fee under this chapter.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 9.02, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.
Sec. 502.1025. CALCULATION OF ADDITIONAL FEE AMOUNTS RETAINED BY A COUNTY. (a) The county tax assessor-collector each calendar year shall calculate five percent of the tax and penalties collected by the county tax assessor-collector under Chapter 152, Tax Code, in the preceding calendar year. In addition, the county tax assessor-collector shall calculate each calendar year an amount equal to five percent of the tax and penalties that the comptroller:(1) collected under Section 152.047, Tax Code, in the preceding calendar year; and(2) determines are attributable to sales in the county.(b) A county tax assessor-collector shall retain under Section 502.102(b) fees based on the following percentage of the amounts calculated under subsection (a) during each of the following fiscal years:(1) in fiscal year 2006, 90 percent;(2) in fiscal year 2007, 80 percent;(3) in fiscal year 2008, 70 percent;(4) in fiscal year 2009, 60 percent;(5) in fiscal year 2010, 50 percent;(6) in fiscal year 2011, 40 percent;(7) in fiscal year 2012, 30 percent;(8) in fiscal year 2013, 20 percent;(9) in fiscal year 2014, 10 percent;(10) in fiscal year 2015 and succeeding years, 0 percent.(c) The county shall credit the amounts retained under Subsection (b) to the county road and bridge fund. Money credited to the fund under this section may only be used for:(1) county road construction, maintenance, and repair;(2) bridge construction, maintenance, and repair;(3) the purchase of right-of-way for road or highway purposes; or(4) the relocation of utilities for road or highway purposes.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 9.03, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.
Sec. 502.103. DISPOSITION OF OPTIONAL COUNTY ROAD AND BRIDGE FEE. Each Monday a county assessor-collector shall apportion the collections for the preceding week for a fee imposed under Section 502.172 by:(1) crediting an amount equal to 97 percent of the collections to the county road and bridge fund; and(2) sending to the department an amount equal to three percent of the collections to defray the department's costs of administering Section 502.172.
Sec. 502.104. DISPOSITION OF CERTAIN SPECIAL FEES. Each Monday a county assessor-collector shall send to the department an amount equal to collections for the preceding week for:(1) each transfer fee collected under Section 502.175; and(2) each fee collected under Section 502.169(b), 502.1715, or 502.279.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 19B.02, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 502.105. REPORT OF FEES COLLECTED. Together with each remittance of fees under Sections 502.102, 502.103, and 502.104, a county assessor-collector shall send to the department a complete report of the fees collected and the disposition of those fees. The department shall prescribe the form and the content requirements of the report.
Sec. 502.106. DEPOSIT OF FEES IN INTEREST-BEARING ACCOUNT. (a) Except as provided by Sections 502.103 and 502.104, a county assessor-collector may:(1) deposit the fees in an interest-bearing account or certificate in the county depository; and(2) send the fees to the department not later than the 34th day after the date the fees are due under Section 502.104.(b) The county owns all interest earned on fees deposited under this section. The county treasurer shall credit the interest to the county general fund.
Sec. 502.107. INTEREST ON FEES. (a) A fee required to be sent to the department under this chapter bears interest for the benefit of the state highway fund at an annual rate of 10 percent beginning on the 60th day after the date the county assessor-collector collects the fee.(b) The department shall audit the registration and transfer fees collected and disbursed by each county assessor-collector and shall determine the exact amount of interest due on any fee not sent to the department.(c) The state has a claim against a county assessor-collector and the sureties on the assessor-collector's official bond for the amount of interest due on a fee.
Sec. 502.108. USE OF REGISTRATION FEES RETAINED BY COUNTY. (a) Money credited to the county road and bridge fund under Section 502.102 or 502.103 may not be used to pay the compensation of the county judge or a county commissioner. The money may be used only for the construction and maintenance of lateral roads in the county, under the supervision of the county engineer.(b) If there is not a county engineer, the commissioners court of the county may require the services of the department's district engineer or resident engineer to supervise the construction and surveying of lateral roads in the county.(c) A county may use money allocated to it under this chapter to:(1) pay obligations issued in the construction or improvement of any roads, including state highways in the county;(2) improve the roads in the county road system; or(3) construct new roads.(d) To the maximum extent possible, contracts for roads constructed by a county using funds provided under this chapter should be awarded by competitive bids.(e) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 9.04, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.(f) Repealed by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.47, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.47, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 9.04, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 502.109. COMPENSATION OF ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR. (a) A county assessor-collector shall receive a fee of $1.90 for each receipt issued under this chapter. If the assessor-collector may be compensated by fees, a fee received is compensation for services under this chapter. The assessor-collector shall deduct the fee weekly from the gross collections made under this chapter.(b) A county assessor-collector who is compensated under this section shall pay the entire expense of issuing registration receipts and license plates under this chapter from the compensation allowed under this section.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.44(b), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 502.110. CONTINGENT PROVISION FOR DISTRIBUTION OF FEES BETWEEN STATE AND COUNTIES. If the method of distributing vehicle registration fees collected under this chapter between the state and counties is declared invalid because of inequality of collection or distribution of those fees, 60 percent of each fee shall be distributed to the county collecting the fee and 40 percent shall be sent to the state in the manner provided by this chapter.
Sec. 502.111. BRANCH OFFICES. (a) The commissioners court of a county may authorize the county assessor-collector to:(1) establish a suboffice or branch office for vehicle registration at one or more locations in the county other than the county courthouse; or(2) appoint a deputy to register vehicles in the same manner and with the same authority as though done in the office of the assessor-collector.(b) The report of vehicles registered through a suboffice or branch office shall be made through the office of the county assessor-collector.
Sec. 502.112. DEPUTY ASSESSOR-COLLECTORS. (a) A county assessor-collector, with the approval of the commissioners court of the county, may deputize an individual or business entity to:(1) issue motor vehicle registration receipts as a limited-service deputy; or(2) issue motor vehicle registration receipts and prepare or accept applications for title transfers as a full-service deputy.(b) An individual or business entity is eligible to be deputized as a limited-service deputy if the person:(1) is trained to issue registration receipts by the county assessor-collector; and(2) posts a bond payable to the county assessor-collector:(A) in an amount determined by the assessor-collector; and(B) conditioned on the person's proper accounting and remittance of all fees the person collects.(c) An individual or business entity is eligible to be deputized as a full-service deputy if the person:(1) meets the requirements of Subsection (b); and(2) has experience in title transfers.(d) A person deputized under this section shall keep a separate account of the fees collected and a record of daily receipts.
Sec. 502.113. LIMITED-SERVICE DEPUTIES. (a) A limited-service deputy appointed under Section 502.112 may only accept registration renewal cards provided by the department and may not prepare or accept an application for title transfer.(b) The county assessor-collector may pay a limited-service deputy an amount not to exceed the fee the assessor-collector could collect under Section 502.109(a) for each registration receipt issued. The commissioners court of the county may permit a limited-service deputy to charge and retain an additional fee not to exceed $1 for each registration receipt issued.
Sec. 502.114. FULL-SERVICE DEPUTIES. (a) A full-service deputy appointed under Section 502.112 shall accept any application for registration, registration renewal, or title transfer that the county assessor-collector may accept.(b) A full-service deputy may charge and retain an additional motor vehicle registration fee not to exceed $5 for each motor vehicle registration issued.(c) A county assessor-collector may delegate to a full-service deputy, in the manner selected by the assessor-collector, the authority to use data processing equipment and software provided by the department for use in the titling and registration of motor vehicles. The department may not limit a county assessor-collector's ability to delegate the assessor-collector's functions regarding the titling and registration of motor vehicles to a qualified full-service deputy in the manner the assessor-collector considers appropriate.
SUBCHAPTER D. REGISTRATION PROCEDURES AND FEESSec. 502.151. APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION. (a) An application for vehicle registration must:(1) be made on a form furnished by the department;(2) contain the full name and address of the owner of the vehicle;(3) contain a brief description of the vehicle;(4) contain any other information required by the department; and(5) be signed by the owner.(b) For a new motor vehicle, the description of the vehicle must include the vehicle's:(1) trade name;(2) year model;(3) style and type of body;(4) weight, if the vehicle is a passenger car;(5) net carrying capacity and gross weight, if the vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle;(6) vehicle identification number; and(7) date of sale by the manufacturer or dealer to the applicant.(c) An applicant for registration of a commercial motor vehicle, truck-tractor, trailer, or semitrailer must deliver to the county assessor-collector an affidavit showing the weight of the vehicle, the maximum load to be carried on the vehicle, and the gross weight for which the vehicle is to be registered. The assessor-collector shall keep the affidavit on file.(d) In lieu of filing an application during a year as provided by Subsection (a), the owner of a vehicle registered in any state for that year or the preceding year may present the registration receipt and transfer receipt, if any. The county assessor-collector shall accept the receipt as an application for renewal of the registration if the receipt indicates the applicant owns the vehicle.(e) If an owner or claimed owner has lost or misplaced the registration receipt or transfer receipt for the vehicle, the county assessor-collector shall register the vehicle on the person's furnishing to the assessor-collector satisfactory evidence, by affidavit or otherwise, that the person owns the vehicle.(f) A county assessor-collector shall date each registration receipt issued for a vehicle with the date on which the application for registration is made.
Sec. 502.1515. OUTSOURCING PRODUCTION OF RENEWAL NOTICES; PAID ADVERTISING. The board may authorize the department to enter into a contract with a private vendor to produce and distribute motor vehicle registration renewal notices. The contract may provide for the inclusion of paid advertising in the registration renewal notice packet.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281, Sec. 2.85, eff. June 14, 2005.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933, Sec. 2E.05, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 502.152. CERTIFICATE OF TITLE REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION. (a) The department may not register or renew the registration of a motor vehicle for which a certificate of title is required under Chapter 501 unless the owner:(1) obtains a certificate of title for the vehicle; or(2) presents satisfactory evidence that a certificate of title was previously issued to the owner by the department or another jurisdiction. (b) This section does not apply to an automobile that was purchased new before January 1, 1936.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 67, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 502.153. EVIDENCE OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (j), the owner of a motor vehicle, other than a trailer or semitrailer, for which evidence of financial responsibility is required by Section 601.051 or a person who represents the owner for purposes of registering a motor vehicle shall submit evidence of financial responsibility with the application for registration under Section 502.151. A county assessor-collector may not register the motor vehicle unless the owner or the owner's representative submits the evidence of financial responsibility.(b) The county assessor-collector shall examine the evidence of financial responsibility to determine whether it complies with Subsection (c). After examining the evidence, the assessor-collector shall return the evidence unless it is in the form of a photocopy or an electronic submission.(c) In this section, evidence of financial responsibility may be:(1) a document listed under Section 601.053(a);(2) a liability self-insurance or pool coverage document issued by a political subdivision or governmental pool under the authority of Chapter 791, Government Code, Chapter 119, Local Government Code, or other applicable law in at least the minimum amounts required by Chapter 601;(3) a photocopy of a document described by Subdivision (1) or (2); or(4) an electronic submission of a document or the information contained in a document described by Subdivision (1) or (2).(d) A personal automobile policy used as evidence of financial responsibility under this section must comply with Article 5.06 or 5.145, Insurance Code.(e) At the time of registration, the county assessor-collector shall provide to a person registering a motor vehicle a separate statement that the motor vehicle being registered may not be operated in this state unless:(1) liability insurance coverage for the motor vehicle in at least the minimum amounts required by law remains in effect to insure against potential losses; or(2) the motor vehicle is exempt from the insurance requirement because the person has established financial responsibility in a manner described by Section 601.051(2)-(5) or is exempt under Section 601.052.(f) A county assessor-collector is not liable to any person for refusing to register a motor vehicle to which this section applies because of the person's failure to submit evidence of financial responsibility that complies with Subsection (c).(g) A county, a county assessor-collector, a deputy county assessor-collector, a person acting for or on behalf of a county or a county assessor-collector, or a person acting on behalf of an owner for purposes of registering a motor vehicle is not liable to any person for registering a motor vehicle under this section.(h) This section does not prevent a person from registering a motor vehicle by mail or through an electronic submission.(i) To be valid under this section, an electronic submission must be in a format that is:(1) submitted by electronic means, including a telephone, facsimile machine, or computer;(2) approved by the department; and(3) authorized by the commissioners court for use in the county.(j) This section does not apply to a vehicle registered pursuant to Section 501.0234.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 28, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 206, Sec. 21.45, eff. June 11, 2003.
Sec. 502.1535. EVIDENCE OF VEHICLE EMISSIONS INSPECTION. A county assessor-collector may not register a motor vehicle subject to Section 548.3011 unless proof that the vehicle has passed a vehicle emissions test as required by that section, in a form authorized by that section, is presented to the county assessor-collector with the application for registration.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1075, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 502.154. REPORT BY COUNTY ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR. A county assessor-collector shall submit an annual report to the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission and the department that shows:(1) the number of registrations denied because of the applicant's failure to provide an original emissions inspection certificate or a valid waiver;(2) the number of registrations denied because of the failure to provide proof of residency; and(3) an itemized accounting of the costs to the county of administering Sections 502.002 and 502.006(a), (b), and (c).
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.44(c), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 502.156. STATEMENT REQUIRED FOR REBUILT VEHICLES. A county assessor-collector shall require an applicant for registration of a rebuilt vehicle to provide a statement that the vehicle is rebuilt and that states the name of each person from whom the parts used in assembling the vehicle were obtained.
Sec. 502.157. INITIAL REGISTRATION. (a) Notwithstanding Section 502.002, when a motor vehicle must be registered before an application for a certificate of title will be accepted, the owner of the vehicle may concurrently apply for a certificate of title and for registration through the county assessor-collector of the county in which:(1) the owner resides; or(2) the vehicle is purchased or encumbered.(b) The first time an owner applies for registration of a vehicle, the owner may demonstrate compliance with Section 502.153(a) as to the vehicle by showing proof of financial responsibility in any manner specified in Section 502.153(c) as to:(1) any vehicle of the owner; or(2) any vehicle used as part of the consideration for the purchase of the vehicle the owner applies to register.
Sec. 502.158. REGISTRATION YEAR. (a) The department shall designate a vehicle registration year of 12 consecutive months to begin on the first day of a calendar month and end on the last day of the 12th calendar month.(b) The department shall designate vehicle registration years so as to distribute the work of the department and the county assessor-collectors as uniformly as possible throughout the year. The department may establish separate registration years for any vehicle or classification of vehicle and may adopt rules to administer the year-round registration system.(c) The department may designate a registration period of less than 12 months. The registration fee for a registration period of less than 12 months is computed at a rate of one-twelfth the annual registration fee multiplied by the number of months in the registration period. The department may not designate a registration period of more than 12 months, but:(1) with the consent of the department, an owner may pay registration fees for a designated period of more than 12 months; and(2) an owner of a vehicle may pay registration fees for a designated period of 12, 24, or 36 months.(d) An application for registration shall be made during the two months preceding the date on which the registration expires.(e) The fee to be paid for renewing a registration is the fee that will be in effect on the first day of the vehicle registration year.(f) Repealed by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 641, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 1999.(g) The department shall issue the applicant for registration who pays registration fees for a designated period of 24 or 36 months a registration receipt and registration insignia that are valid until the expiration of the designated period.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 433, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 641, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 638, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 502.1585. DESIGNATION OF REGISTRATION PERIOD BY OWNER. (a) This section applies only to a person who owns more than one motor vehicle or trailer that is subject to registration under this chapter.(b) Notwithstanding Section 502.158, the owner of a motor vehicle or a trailer may designate an initial or a renewal registration period for that vehicle so that the registration period for the vehicle or trailer expires on the same date as the registration period for another vehicle or trailer previously registered by that owner.(c) A registration period designated under this section must begin on the first day of a calendar month and end on the last day of a calendar month and may not be for less than 12 months.(d) The registration fee for a registration period designated under this section is computed at a rate of one-twelfth the annual registration fee multiplied by the number of months in the designated registration period.(e) The department shall issue an applicant for registration who pays registration fees for a designated period under this section a registration receipt and registration insignia that are valid until the expiration of the designated period.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1197, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 502.1586. REGISTRATION PERIOD FOR TRUCK-TRACTOR OR COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE TRANSPORTING SEASONAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS. (a) The department shall provide for a monthly registration period for a truck-tractor or a commercial motor vehicle that:(1) is used exclusively to transport a seasonal agricultural product; and(2) would otherwise be registered for a vehicle registration year.(b) The department shall adopt forms for registration under this section. An applicant must indicate the number of months registration is applied for.(c) The department shall design, prescribe, and furnish a registration receipt that is valid until the expiration of the designated registration period.(d) The registration fee for a registration under this section is computed at a rate of one-twelfth the annual registration fee under Section 502.162, 502.163, or 502.167, as applicable, multiplied by the number of months in the registration period specified in the application for the registration.(e) A person issued a registration under this section commits an offense if the person, during the registration period for the truck-tractor or commercial motor vehicle, uses the truck-tractor or commercial motor vehicle for a purpose other than to transport a seasonal agricultural product.(f) A truck-tractor or commercial motor vehicle may not be registered under this section for a registration period that is less than one month or longer than six months.(g) For purposes of this section, "to transport a seasonal agricultural product" includes any transportation activity necessary for the production, harvest, or delivery of an agricultural product that is produced seasonally.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 732, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 832, Sec. 1, 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Renumbered from Sec. 502.1585 by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 21.001(105), eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 502.159. SCHEDULE OF FEES. The department shall compile and furnish to each county assessor-collector a complete schedule of registration fees to be collected on the various makes, models, and types of vehicles.
Text of section effective until September 01, 2011Sec. 502.160. FEE: MOTORCYCLE. The fee for a registration year for registration of a motorcycle is $30.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 17, eff. September 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on September 01, 2011Sec. 502.160. FEE: MOTORCYCLE OR MOPED. The fee for a registration year for registration of a motorcycle or moped is $30.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 17, eff. September 1, 2011.
Text of section effective until September 01, 2011Sec. 502.161. FEE: PASSENGER CAR, MUNICIPAL BUS, PRIVATE BUS. (a) The fee for a registration year for registration of a passenger car, a municipal bus, or a private bus that weighs 6,000 pounds or less is:(1) $40.50 for a vehicle the model year of which is more than six years before the year in which the registration year begins;(2) $50.50 for a vehicle the model year of which is more than three years but is six years or less before the year in which the registration year begins; or(3) $58.50 for a vehicle the model year of which is three years or less before the year in which the registration year begins.(b) The fee for a registration year for registration of a passenger car, a municipal bus, or a private bus that weighs more than 6,000 pounds is $25 plus 60 cents for each 100 pounds.(c) For registration purposes, the weight of a passenger car, a municipal bus, or a private bus is the weight generally accepted as its correct shipping weight plus 100 pounds.(d) In this section, "private bus" has the meaning assigned by Section 502.294.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 625, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 18, eff. September 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on September 01, 2011Sec. 502.161. FEE: VEHICLES THAT WEIGH 6,000 POUNDS OR LESS. (a) The fee for a registration year for registration of a vehicle with a gross weight of 6,000 pounds or less is $50.75, unless otherwise provided in this chapter.(b) Repealed by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 39(2), eff. September 1, 2011.(c) For registration purposes, the weight of a passenger car, a municipal bus, or a private bus is the weight generally accepted as its correct shipping weight plus 100 pounds.(d) In this section, "private bus" has the meaning assigned by Section 502.294.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 625, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 18, eff. September 1, 2011.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 19, eff. September 1, 2011.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 39(2), eff. September 1, 2011.
Text of section effective until September 01, 2011Sec. 502.162. FEE: COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE OR TRUCK-TRACTOR. (a) The fee for a registration year for registration of a commercial motor vehicle or truck-tractor is $25 plus an amount determined according to the vehicle's gross weight and tire equipment, as follows:
Gross weight
Fee for each 100 pounds or
in pounds
fraction of 100 pounds
Equipped with
Equipped with
pneumatic tires
solid tires
1-6,000
$0.44
$0.55
6,001-8,000
0.495
0.66
8,001-10,000
0.605
0.77
10,001-17,000
0.715
0.88
17,001-24,000
0.77
0.99
24,001-31,000
0.88
1.10
31,001 and over
0.99
1.32
(b) The gross weight of a vehicle is the actual weight of the
vehicle, fully equipped with a body and other equipment, as
certified by a public weigher or a license and weight inspector
of the Department of Public Safety, plus its net carrying
capacity.
(c) The net carrying capacity of a vehicle other than a bus is
the heaviest net load to be carried on the vehicle, but not less
than the manufacturer's rated carrying capacity.
(d) The net carrying capacity of a bus is computed by
multiplying its seating capacity by 150 pounds. The seating
capacity of a bus is:
(1) the manufacturer's rated seating capacity, excluding the
operator's seat; or
(2) if the manufacturer has not rated the vehicle for seating
capacity, a number computed by allowing one passenger for each 16
inches of seating on the bus, excluding the operator's seat.
TRANSPORTATION CODETITLE 7. VEHICLES AND TRAFFICSUBTITLE A. CERTIFICATES OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION OF VEHICLESCHAPTER 502. REGISTRATION OF VEHICLESSUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONSSec. 502.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:(1) "All-terrain vehicle" means a motor vehicle that is:(A) equipped with a saddle for the use of:(i) the rider; and(ii) a passenger, if the motor vehicle is designed by the manufacturer to transport a passenger;(B) designed to propel itself with three or more tires in contact with the ground;(C) designed by the manufacturer for off-highway use; and(D) not designed by the manufacturer primarily for farming or lawn care. Text of subdivision as added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933, Sec. 2E.01 (1-a) "Board" means the board of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Text of subdivision as added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1173, Sec. 1 (1-a) "Commercial fleet" means a group of at least 25 nonapportioned motor vehicles owned by a corporation, limited or general partnership, limited liability company, or other business entity and used for the business purposes of that entity.(2) "Commercial motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, designed or used primarily to transport property. The term includes a passenger car reconstructed and used primarily for delivery purposes. The term does not include a passenger car used to deliver the United States mail.(3) "Department" means the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.(4) "Farm semitrailer" means a semitrailer designed and used primarily as a farm vehicle.(5) "Farm tractor" means a motor vehicle designed and used primarily as a farm implement for drawing other implements of husbandry.(6) "Farm trailer" means a trailer designed and used primarily as a farm vehicle.(7) "Golf cart" means a motor vehicle designed by the manufacturer primarily for transporting persons on a golf course.(8) "Implements of husbandry" means farm implements, machinery, and tools as used in tilling the soil, including self-propelled machinery specifically designed or adapted for applying plant food materials or agricultural chemicals but not specifically designed or adapted for the sole purpose of transporting the materials or chemicals. The term does not include a passenger car or truck.(9) "Light truck" means a commercial motor vehicle that has a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of one ton or less.(10) "Moped" has the meaning assigned by Section 541.201.(11) "Motor bus" includes every vehicle used to transport persons on the public highways for compensation, other than:(A) a vehicle operated by muscular power; or(B) a municipal bus.(12) "Motorcycle" means a motor vehicle designed to propel itself with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground. The term does not include a tractor.(13) "Motor vehicle" means a vehicle that is self-propelled.(14) "Municipal bus" includes every vehicle, other than a passenger car, used to transport persons for compensation exclusively within the limits of a municipality or a suburban addition to the municipality.(15) "Operate temporarily on the highways" means to travel between:(A) different farms;(B) a place of supply or storage and a farm; or(C) an owner's farm and the place at which the owner's farm produce is prepared for market or is marketed.(16) "Owner" means a person who:(A) holds the legal title of a vehicle;(B) has the legal right of possession of a vehicle; or(C) has the legal right of control of a vehicle.(17) "Passenger car" means a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, golf cart, light truck, or bus, designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons.(18) "Public highway" includes a road, street, way, thoroughfare, or bridge:(A) that is in this state;(B) that is for the use of vehicles;(C) that is not privately owned or controlled; and(D) over which the state has legislative jurisdiction under its police power.(19) "Public property" means property owned or leased by this state or a political subdivision of this state.(19-a) "Recreational off-highway vehicle" means a motor vehicle that is:(A) equipped with a non-straddle seat for the use of:(i) the rider; and(ii) a passenger, if the vehicle is designed by the manufacturer to transport a passenger;(B) designed to propel itself with four or more tires in contact with the ground;(C) designed by the manufacturer for off-highway use by the operator only; and(D) not designed by the manufacturer primarily for farming or lawn care.(20) "Road tractor" means a vehicle designed for the purpose of mowing the right-of-way of a public highway or a motor vehicle designed or used for drawing another vehicle or a load and not constructed to carry:(A) an independent load; or(B) a part of the weight of the vehicle and load to be drawn.(21) "Semitrailer" means a vehicle designed or used with a motor vehicle so that part of the weight of the vehicle and its load rests on or is carried by another vehicle.(22) "Trailer" means a vehicle that:(A) is designed or used to carry a load wholly on its own structure; and(B) is drawn or designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle.(23) "Truck-tractor" means a motor vehicle:(A) designed and used primarily for drawing another vehicle; and(B) not constructed to carry a load other than a part of the weight of the vehicle and load to be drawn.(24) "Vehicle" means a device in or by which a person or property is or may be transported or drawn on a public highway, other than a device used exclusively on stationary rails or tracks.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 625, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 586, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1280, Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933, Sec. 2E.01, eff. September 1, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1173, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1232, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 502.002. REGISTRATION REQUIRED; GENERAL RULE. (a) The owner of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer shall apply for the registration of the vehicle for:(1) each registration year in which the vehicle is used or to be used on a public highway; and(2) if the vehicle is unregistered for a registration year that has begun and that applies to the vehicle and if the vehicle is used or to be used on a public highway, the remaining portion of that registration year.(b) The application must be made to the department through the county assessor-collector of the county in which the owner resides.(c) A provision of this chapter that conflicts with this section prevails over this section to the extent of the conflict.(d) A county assessor-collector, a deputy county assessor-collector, or a person acting on behalf of a county assessor-collector is not liable to any person for:(1) refusing to register a motor vehicle because of the person's failure to submit evidence of residency that complies with the department's rules; or(2) registering a motor vehicle under this section.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.44(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 502.0021. RULES AND FORMS. (a) The department may adopt rules to administer this chapter.(b) The department shall:(1) prescribe forms determined by the department to be necessary for the administration of this chapter; and(2) provide each county assessor-collector with an adequate supply of each form necessary for the performance of a duty under this chapter by the assessor-collector.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 625, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Renumbered from Sec. 502.009 by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 19.01(100), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 502.0023. EXTENDED REGISTRATION OF COMMERCIAL FLEET MOTOR VEHICLES. (a) Notwithstanding Section 502.158(c), the department shall develop and implement a system of registration to allow an owner of a commercial fleet to register the motor vehicles in the commercial fleet for an extended registration period of not less than one year or more than eight years. The owner may select the number of years for registration under this section within that range and register the commercial fleet for that period. Payment for all registration fees for the entire registration period selected is due at the time of registration.(b) A system of extended registration under this section must allow the owner of a commercial fleet to register:(1) an entire commercial fleet in the county of the owner's residence or principal place of business; or(2) the motor vehicles in a commercial fleet that are operated most regularly in the same county.(c) In addition to the registration fees prescribed by Subchapter D, an owner registering a commercial fleet under this section shall pay:(1) an annual commercial fleet registration fee of $10 per motor vehicle in the fleet; and(2) except as provided by Subsection (e), a one-time license plate manufacturing fee of $1.50 for each fleet motor vehicle license plate.(d) A license plate issued under this section:(1) may, on request of the owner, include the name or logo of the business entity that owns the vehicle;(2) must include the expiration date of the registration period; and(3) does not require an annual registration insignia to be valid.(e) In addition to all other applicable registration fees, an owner registering a commercial fleet under this section shall pay a one-time license plate manufacturing fee of $8 for each set of plates issued that includes on the legend the name or logo of the business entity that owns the vehicle instead of the fee imposed by Subsection (c)(2).(f) If a motor vehicle registered under this section has a gross weight in excess of 10,000 pounds, the department shall also issue a registration card for the vehicle that is valid for the selected registration period.(g) The department shall adopt rules to implement this section, including rules on suspension from the commercial fleet program for failure to comply with this section or rules adopted under this section.(h) The department and the counties in their budgeting processes shall consider any temporary increases and resulting decreases in revenue that will result from the use of the process provided under this section.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1173, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1232, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 502.0025. EFFECT OF CERTAIN MILITARY SERVICE ON REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT. (a) This section applies only to a motor vehicle that is owned by a person who:(1) is a resident of this state;(2) is on active duty in the armed forces of the United States;(3) is stationed in or has been assigned to another nation under military orders; and(4) has registered the vehicle or been issued a license for the vehicle under the applicable status of forces agreement by:(A) the appropriate branch of the armed forces of the United States; or(B) the nation in which the person is stationed or to which the person has been assigned.(b) Unless the registration or license issued for a vehicle described by Subsection (a) is suspended, canceled, or revoked by this state as provided by law:(1) Section 502.002(a) does not apply; and(2) the registration or license issued by the armed forces or host nation remains valid and the motor vehicle may be operated in this state under that registration or license for a period of not more than 90 days after the date on which the vehicle returns to this state.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 836, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 502.003. REGISTRATION BY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION PROHIBITED. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a political subdivision of this state may not require an owner of a motor vehicle to:(1) register the vehicle;(2) pay a motor vehicle registration fee; or(3) pay an occupation tax or license fee in connection with a motor vehicle.(b) This section does not affect the authority of a municipality to:(1) license and regulate the use of motor vehicles for compensation within the municipal limits; and(2) impose a permit fee or street rental charge for the operation of each motor vehicle used to transport passengers for compensation, other than a motor vehicle operating under a registration certificate from the department or a permit from the federal Surface Transportation Board.(c) A fee or charge under Subsection (b) may not exceed two percent of the annual gross receipts from the vehicle.(d) This section does not impair the payment provisions of an agreement or franchise between a municipality and the owners or operators of motor vehicles used to transport passengers for compensation.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.45, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 502.004. COLLECTION OF FEES. A person may not collect a registration fee under this chapter unless the person is:(1) an officer or employee of the department; or(2) a county assessor-collector or a deputy county assessor-collector.
Sec. 502.005. REFUSAL TO REGISTER UNSAFE VEHICLE. (a) The department may refuse to register a motor vehicle and may revoke a registration if the department determines that a motor vehicle is unsafe, improperly equipped, or otherwise unfit to be operated on a public highway.(b) The department may refuse to register a motorcycle and may suspend or revoke the registration of a motorcycle if the department determines that the motorcycle's braking system does not comply with Section 547.408.
Sec. 502.006. CERTAIN OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person may not register an all-terrain vehicle or a recreational off-highway vehicle, with or without design alterations, for operation on a public highway.(b) The state, a county, or a municipality may register an all-terrain vehicle or a recreational off-highway vehicle for operation on a public beach or highway to maintain public safety and welfare.(c) A recreational off-highway vehicle registered as provided by Subsection (b) may be operated on a public or private beach in the same manner as a golf cart may be operated on a public or private beach under Section 502.0071. The operator must hold and have in the operator's possession a driver's license issued under Chapter 521 or a commercial driver's license issued under Chapter 522.(d) Section 502.172 does not apply to an all-terrain vehicle or a recreational off-highway vehicle.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 311, Sec. 1, eff. May 29, 1999.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1280, Sec. 6, eff. June 15, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2009.
Text of section effective until September 01, 2011Sec. 502.007. MOPEDS. (a) For the registration purposes of this chapter, a moped is treated as if it were a motorcycle.(b) A license plate issued for a moped must have a distinctive lettering designation and include the word "moped."
Sec. 502.0072. MANUFACTURED HOUSING. Manufactured housing, as defined by Section 1201.003, Occupations Code, is not a vehicle subject to this chapter.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 502.0073. POWER SWEEPERS. (a) An owner of a power sweeper is not required to register the power sweeper.(b) In this section, "power sweeper" means an implement, with or without motive power, designed for the removal by broom, vacuum, or regenerative air system of debris, dirt, gravel, litter, or sand from asphaltic concrete or cement concrete surfaces, including surfaces of parking lots, roads, streets, highways, and warehouse floors. The term includes a vehicle on which the implement is permanently mounted if the vehicle is used only as a power sweeper.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 502.0074. MOTORIZED MOBILITY DEVICE. The owner of a motorized mobility device, as defined by Section 542.008, as amended by Chapter 497, Acts of the 77th Legislature, Regular Session, 2001, is not required to register the motorized mobility device.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 502.0075. ELECTRIC BICYCLES. (a) In this section, "electric bicycle" has the meaning assigned by Section 541.201.(b) This chapter does not require the owner of an electric bicycle to register the electric bicycle.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1085, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 502.0078. VEHICLES OPERATED ON PUBLIC HIGHWAY SEPARATING REAL PROPERTY UNDER VEHICLE OWNER'S CONTROL. Where a public highway separates real property under the control of the owner of a motor vehicle, the operation of the motor vehicle by the owner or the owner's agent or employee across the highway is not a use of the motor vehicle on the public highway.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 502.0079. VEHICLES OPERATED BY CERTAIN NONRESIDENTS. (a) A nonresident owner of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer that is registered in the state or country in which the person resides may operate the vehicle to transport persons or property for compensation without being registered in this state, if the person does not exceed two trips in a calendar month and each trip does not exceed four days.(b) A nonresident owner of a privately owned vehicle that is not registered in this state may not make more than five occasional trips in any calendar month into this state using the vehicle. Each occasional trip into this state may not exceed five days.(c) A nonresident owner of a privately owned passenger car that is registered in the state or country in which the person resides and that is not operated for compensation may operate the car in this state for the period in which the car's license plates are valid. In this subsection, "nonresident" means a resident of a state or country other than this state whose presence in this state is as a visitor and who does not engage in gainful employment or enter into business or an occupation, except as may otherwise be provided by any reciprocal agreement with another state or country.(d) This section does not prevent:(1) a nonresident owner of a motor vehicle from operating the vehicle in this state for the sole purpose of marketing farm products raised exclusively by the person; or(2) a resident of an adjoining state or country from operating in this state a privately owned and registered vehicle to go to and from the person's place of regular employment and to make trips to purchase merchandise, if the vehicle is not operated for compensation.(e) The privileges provided by this section may be allowed only if, under the laws of the appropriate state or country, similar privileges are granted to vehicles registered under the laws of this state and owned by residents of this state.(f) This section does not affect the right or status of a vehicle owner under any reciprocal agreement between this state and another state or country.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 502.008. RELEASE OF INFORMATION IN VEHICLE REGISTRATION RECORDS. (a) The department or a county may not release to any person information contained in vehicle registration records in response to a telephone inquiry by license number. The department or a county may release information only if the person:(1) submits in writing a request that:(A) provides the person's name and address; and(B) states that the use of the information is for a lawful and legitimate purpose; or(2) enters into a written service agreement with the department or county to receive the information.(b) This section does not apply to the release of information to:(1) a peace officer, as defined in Article 2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure, acting in an official capacity; or(2) an official of this state or a political subdivision of this state if the official is requesting the information for:(A) tax purposes; or(B) the purpose of determining eligibility for a state public assistance program.(c) The department shall provide a dedicated line to its vehicle registration record database for use by other state agencies. The access to or transmission of information under this subsection does not affect whether the information is subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code.(d) This section does not authorize the release of information that is prohibited from disclosure under Chapter 730.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.46(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1187, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 502.009. MOTOR VEHICLE EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS. (a) The Department of Public Safety shall ensure compliance with the motor vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program through a vehicle inspection sticker-based enforcement system except as provided by this section or Section 548.3011. Subsections (b)-(e) apply only if the United States Environmental Protection Agency determines that the state has not demonstrated, as required by 40 C.F.R. Section 51.361, that sticker-based enforcement of the program is more effective than registration-based enforcement and gives the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission or the governor written notification that the reregistration-based enforcement of the program, as described by those subsections, will be required. If Subsections (b)-(e) are made applicable as provided by this subsection, the department shall terminate reregistration-based enforcement of the program under those subsections on the date the United States Environmental Protection Agency gives the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission or a person the commission designates written notification that reregistration-based enforcement is not required for the state implementation plan.(b) The department may not register a motor vehicle if the department receives from the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission or the Department of Public Safety notification that the registered owner of the vehicle has not complied with Subchapter F, Chapter 548.(c) The county tax assessor-collector may not register a vehicle denied registration under Subsection (b) unless the tax assessor-collector has verification that the registered vehicle owner is in compliance with Subchapter F, Chapter 548.(d) The department, the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, and the Department of Public Safety shall enter an agreement regarding the responsibilities for costs associated with implementing this section.(e) A county tax assessor-collector is not liable to any person for refusing to register a motor vehicle because of the person's failure to provide verification of the person's compliance with Subchapter F, Chapter 548.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1069, Sec. 3, eff. June 19, 1997. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1075, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
SUBCHAPTER B. STATE ADMINISTRATIONSec. 502.051. DEPOSIT OF REGISTRATION FEES IN STATE HIGHWAY FUND. Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, the board and the department shall deposit all money received from registration fees in the state treasury to the credit of the state highway fund.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933, Sec. 2E.02, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 502.052. DESIGN OF LICENSE PLATES AND REGISTRATION INSIGNIA; REFLECTORIZED MATERIAL. (a) The department shall prepare the designs and specifications of license plates and devices selected by the board to be used as the registration insignia.(b) The department shall design each license plate to include a design at least one-half inch wide that represents in silhouette the shape of Texas and that appears between letters and numerals. The department may omit the silhouette of Texas from specially designed license plates.(c) To promote highway safety, each license plate shall be made with a reflectorized material that provides effective and dependable brightness for the period for which the plate is issued. The purchase of reflectorized material shall be submitted to the comptroller for approval.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 937, Sec. 1.113, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933, Sec. 2E.03, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 502.053. COST OF MANUFACTURING LICENSE PLATES OR REGISTRATION INSIGNIA. (a) The department shall reimburse the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the cost of manufacturing license plates or registration insignia as the license plates or insignia and the invoice for the license plates or insignia are delivered to the department.(b) When manufacturing is started, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the department, and the comptroller, after negotiation, shall set the price to be paid for each license plate or insignia. The price must be determined from:(1) the cost of metal, paint, and other materials purchased;(2) the inmate maintenance cost per day;(3) overhead expenses;(4) miscellaneous charges; and(5) a previously approved amount of profit for the work.(c) The annual profit received by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice from all contracts for the manufacturing of license plates or related manufacturing may not be less than the profit received by the Texas Department of Corrections for manufacturing license plates for use in 1974.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1056, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 937, Sec. 1.114, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933, Sec. 2E.04, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 502.054. AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER JURISDICTIONS; OFFENSE. (a) The department, through its director, may enter into an agreement with an authorized officer of another jurisdiction, including another state of the United States, a foreign country or a state, province, territory, or possession of a foreign country, to provide for:(1) the registration of vehicles by residents of this state and nonresidents on an allocation or mileage apportionment plan, as under the International Registration Plan; and(2) the exemption from payment of registration fees by nonresidents if residents of this state are granted reciprocal exemptions.(b) The department may adopt and enforce rules to carry out the International Registration Plan or other agreement under this section.(c) To carry out the International Registration Plan or other agreement under this section, the department shall direct that fees collected for other jurisdictions under the agreement be deposited to the credit of the proportional registration distributive fund in the state treasury and distributed to the appropriate jurisdiction through that fund.(d) This section prevails to the extent of conflict with another law relating to the subject of this section.(e) A person commits an offense if the person owns or operates a vehicle not registered in this state in violation of:(1) an agreement under this section; or(2) the applicable registration laws of this state, in the absence of an agreement under this section.(f) An offense under Subsection (e) is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $200.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1215, Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 502.055. DETERMINATION OF WEIGHT. (a) The weight, net weight, or gross weight of a vehicle, as determined by the department, is the correct weight for registration purposes, regardless of any other purported weight of the vehicle.(b) The department may require an applicant for registration under this chapter to provide the department with evidence of:(1) the manufacturer's rated carrying capacity for the vehicle;(2) the nominal tonnage rating of the vehicle;(3) the gross weight rating of the vehicle; or(4) any combination of information described in Subdivisions (1)-(3).
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 625, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 502.056. DISPUTED CLASSIFICATION OF VEHICLE. In a disputed case, the department may determine:(1) the classification to which a vehicle belongs; and(2) the amount of the registration fee for the vehicle.
SUBCHAPTER C. COUNTY ADMINISTRATIONSec. 502.101. REGISTRATION BY MAIL OR ELECTRONIC MEANS; SERVICE CHARGE. (a) A county assessor-collector may collect a service charge of $1 from each applicant registering a vehicle by mail. The service charge shall be used to pay the costs of handling and postage to mail the registration receipt and insignia to the applicant.(b) With the approval of the commissioners court of a county, a county assessor-collector may contract with a private entity to enable an applicant for registration to use an electronic off-premises location. A private entity may charge an applicant not more than $1 for the service provided.(c) The department may adopt rules to cover the timely application for and issuance of registration receipts and insignia by mail or through an electronic off-premises location.
Sec. 502.102. DISPOSITION OF FEES GENERALLY. (a) Except as provided by Sections 502.103 and 502.104, this section applies to all fees collected by a county assessor-collector under this chapter.(b) Each Monday, a county assessor-collector shall credit to the county road and bridge fund an amount equal to the net collections made during the preceding week until the amount so credited for the calendar year equals the total of:(1) $60,000;(2) $350 for each mile of county road maintained by the county, according to the most recent information available from the department, not to exceed 500 miles; and(3) an additional amount of fees equal to the amount calculated under Section 502.1025.(c) After the credits to the county road and bridge fund equal the total computed under Subsection (b), each Monday the county assessor-collector shall:(1) credit to the county road and bridge fund an amount equal to 50 percent of the net collections made during the preceding week, until the amount so credited for the calendar year equals $125,000; and(2) send to the department an amount equal to 50 percent of those collections.(d) After the credits to the county road and bridge fund equal the total amounts computed under Subsections (b) and (c)(1), each Monday the county assessor-collector shall send to the department all collections made during the preceding week.(e) Each Monday the county assessor-collector shall send to the department a copy of each receipt issued the previous week for a registration fee under this chapter.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 9.02, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.
Sec. 502.1025. CALCULATION OF ADDITIONAL FEE AMOUNTS RETAINED BY A COUNTY. (a) The county tax assessor-collector each calendar year shall calculate five percent of the tax and penalties collected by the county tax assessor-collector under Chapter 152, Tax Code, in the preceding calendar year. In addition, the county tax assessor-collector shall calculate each calendar year an amount equal to five percent of the tax and penalties that the comptroller:(1) collected under Section 152.047, Tax Code, in the preceding calendar year; and(2) determines are attributable to sales in the county.(b) A county tax assessor-collector shall retain under Section 502.102(b) fees based on the following percentage of the amounts calculated under subsection (a) during each of the following fiscal years:(1) in fiscal year 2006, 90 percent;(2) in fiscal year 2007, 80 percent;(3) in fiscal year 2008, 70 percent;(4) in fiscal year 2009, 60 percent;(5) in fiscal year 2010, 50 percent;(6) in fiscal year 2011, 40 percent;(7) in fiscal year 2012, 30 percent;(8) in fiscal year 2013, 20 percent;(9) in fiscal year 2014, 10 percent;(10) in fiscal year 2015 and succeeding years, 0 percent.(c) The county shall credit the amounts retained under Subsection (b) to the county road and bridge fund. Money credited to the fund under this section may only be used for:(1) county road construction, maintenance, and repair;(2) bridge construction, maintenance, and repair;(3) the purchase of right-of-way for road or highway purposes; or(4) the relocation of utilities for road or highway purposes.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 9.03, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.
Sec. 502.103. DISPOSITION OF OPTIONAL COUNTY ROAD AND BRIDGE FEE. Each Monday a county assessor-collector shall apportion the collections for the preceding week for a fee imposed under Section 502.172 by:(1) crediting an amount equal to 97 percent of the collections to the county road and bridge fund; and(2) sending to the department an amount equal to three percent of the collections to defray the department's costs of administering Section 502.172.
Sec. 502.104. DISPOSITION OF CERTAIN SPECIAL FEES. Each Monday a county assessor-collector shall send to the department an amount equal to collections for the preceding week for:(1) each transfer fee collected under Section 502.175; and(2) each fee collected under Section 502.169(b), 502.1715, or 502.279.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 19B.02, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 502.105. REPORT OF FEES COLLECTED. Together with each remittance of fees under Sections 502.102, 502.103, and 502.104, a county assessor-collector shall send to the department a complete report of the fees collected and the disposition of those fees. The department shall prescribe the form and the content requirements of the report.
Sec. 502.106. DEPOSIT OF FEES IN INTEREST-BEARING ACCOUNT. (a) Except as provided by Sections 502.103 and 502.104, a county assessor-collector may:(1) deposit the fees in an interest-bearing account or certificate in the county depository; and(2) send the fees to the department not later than the 34th day after the date the fees are due under Section 502.104.(b) The county owns all interest earned on fees deposited under this section. The county treasurer shall credit the interest to the county general fund.
Sec. 502.107. INTEREST ON FEES. (a) A fee required to be sent to the department under this chapter bears interest for the benefit of the state highway fund at an annual rate of 10 percent beginning on the 60th day after the date the county assessor-collector collects the fee.(b) The department shall audit the registration and transfer fees collected and disbursed by each county assessor-collector and shall determine the exact amount of interest due on any fee not sent to the department.(c) The state has a claim against a county assessor-collector and the sureties on the assessor-collector's official bond for the amount of interest due on a fee.
Sec. 502.108. USE OF REGISTRATION FEES RETAINED BY COUNTY. (a) Money credited to the county road and bridge fund under Section 502.102 or 502.103 may not be used to pay the compensation of the county judge or a county commissioner. The money may be used only for the construction and maintenance of lateral roads in the county, under the supervision of the county engineer.(b) If there is not a county engineer, the commissioners court of the county may require the services of the department's district engineer or resident engineer to supervise the construction and surveying of lateral roads in the county.(c) A county may use money allocated to it under this chapter to:(1) pay obligations issued in the construction or improvement of any roads, including state highways in the county;(2) improve the roads in the county road system; or(3) construct new roads.(d) To the maximum extent possible, contracts for roads constructed by a county using funds provided under this chapter should be awarded by competitive bids.(e) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 9.04, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.(f) Repealed by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.47, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.47, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 9.04, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 502.109. COMPENSATION OF ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR. (a) A county assessor-collector shall receive a fee of $1.90 for each receipt issued under this chapter. If the assessor-collector may be compensated by fees, a fee received is compensation for services under this chapter. The assessor-collector shall deduct the fee weekly from the gross collections made under this chapter.(b) A county assessor-collector who is compensated under this section shall pay the entire expense of issuing registration receipts and license plates under this chapter from the compensation allowed under this section.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.44(b), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 502.110. CONTINGENT PROVISION FOR DISTRIBUTION OF FEES BETWEEN STATE AND COUNTIES. If the method of distributing vehicle registration fees collected under this chapter between the state and counties is declared invalid because of inequality of collection or distribution of those fees, 60 percent of each fee shall be distributed to the county collecting the fee and 40 percent shall be sent to the state in the manner provided by this chapter.
Sec. 502.111. BRANCH OFFICES. (a) The commissioners court of a county may authorize the county assessor-collector to:(1) establish a suboffice or branch office for vehicle registration at one or more locations in the county other than the county courthouse; or(2) appoint a deputy to register vehicles in the same manner and with the same authority as though done in the office of the assessor-collector.(b) The report of vehicles registered through a suboffice or branch office shall be made through the office of the county assessor-collector.
Sec. 502.112. DEPUTY ASSESSOR-COLLECTORS. (a) A county assessor-collector, with the approval of the commissioners court of the county, may deputize an individual or business entity to:(1) issue motor vehicle registration receipts as a limited-service deputy; or(2) issue motor vehicle registration receipts and prepare or accept applications for title transfers as a full-service deputy.(b) An individual or business entity is eligible to be deputized as a limited-service deputy if the person:(1) is trained to issue registration receipts by the county assessor-collector; and(2) posts a bond payable to the county assessor-collector:(A) in an amount determined by the assessor-collector; and(B) conditioned on the person's proper accounting and remittance of all fees the person collects.(c) An individual or business entity is eligible to be deputized as a full-service deputy if the person:(1) meets the requirements of Subsection (b); and(2) has experience in title transfers.(d) A person deputized under this section shall keep a separate account of the fees collected and a record of daily receipts.
Sec. 502.113. LIMITED-SERVICE DEPUTIES. (a) A limited-service deputy appointed under Section 502.112 may only accept registration renewal cards provided by the department and may not prepare or accept an application for title transfer.(b) The county assessor-collector may pay a limited-service deputy an amount not to exceed the fee the assessor-collector could collect under Section 502.109(a) for each registration receipt issued. The commissioners court of the county may permit a limited-service deputy to charge and retain an additional fee not to exceed $1 for each registration receipt issued.
Sec. 502.114. FULL-SERVICE DEPUTIES. (a) A full-service deputy appointed under Section 502.112 shall accept any application for registration, registration renewal, or title transfer that the county assessor-collector may accept.(b) A full-service deputy may charge and retain an additional motor vehicle registration fee not to exceed $5 for each motor vehicle registration issued.(c) A county assessor-collector may delegate to a full-service deputy, in the manner selected by the assessor-collector, the authority to use data processing equipment and software provided by the department for use in the titling and registration of motor vehicles. The department may not limit a county assessor-collector's ability to delegate the assessor-collector's functions regarding the titling and registration of motor vehicles to a qualified full-service deputy in the manner the assessor-collector considers appropriate.
SUBCHAPTER D. REGISTRATION PROCEDURES AND FEESSec. 502.151. APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION. (a) An application for vehicle registration must:(1) be made on a form furnished by the department;(2) contain the full name and address of the owner of the vehicle;(3) contain a brief description of the vehicle;(4) contain any other information required by the department; and(5) be signed by the owner.(b) For a new motor vehicle, the description of the vehicle must include the vehicle's:(1) trade name;(2) year model;(3) style and type of body;(4) weight, if the vehicle is a passenger car;(5) net carrying capacity and gross weight, if the vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle;(6) vehicle identification number; and(7) date of sale by the manufacturer or dealer to the applicant.(c) An applicant for registration of a commercial motor vehicle, truck-tractor, trailer, or semitrailer must deliver to the county assessor-collector an affidavit showing the weight of the vehicle, the maximum load to be carried on the vehicle, and the gross weight for which the vehicle is to be registered. The assessor-collector shall keep the affidavit on file.(d) In lieu of filing an application during a year as provided by Subsection (a), the owner of a vehicle registered in any state for that year or the preceding year may present the registration receipt and transfer receipt, if any. The county assessor-collector shall accept the receipt as an application for renewal of the registration if the receipt indicates the applicant owns the vehicle.(e) If an owner or claimed owner has lost or misplaced the registration receipt or transfer receipt for the vehicle, the county assessor-collector shall register the vehicle on the person's furnishing to the assessor-collector satisfactory evidence, by affidavit or otherwise, that the person owns the vehicle.(f) A county assessor-collector shall date each registration receipt issued for a vehicle with the date on which the application for registration is made.
Sec. 502.1515. OUTSOURCING PRODUCTION OF RENEWAL NOTICES; PAID ADVERTISING. The board may authorize the department to enter into a contract with a private vendor to produce and distribute motor vehicle registration renewal notices. The contract may provide for the inclusion of paid advertising in the registration renewal notice packet.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281, Sec. 2.85, eff. June 14, 2005.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933, Sec. 2E.05, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 502.152. CERTIFICATE OF TITLE REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION. (a) The department may not register or renew the registration of a motor vehicle for which a certificate of title is required under Chapter 501 unless the owner:(1) obtains a certificate of title for the vehicle; or(2) presents satisfactory evidence that a certificate of title was previously issued to the owner by the department or another jurisdiction. (b) This section does not apply to an automobile that was purchased new before January 1, 1936.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 67, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 502.153. EVIDENCE OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (j), the owner of a motor vehicle, other than a trailer or semitrailer, for which evidence of financial responsibility is required by Section 601.051 or a person who represents the owner for purposes of registering a motor vehicle shall submit evidence of financial responsibility with the application for registration under Section 502.151. A county assessor-collector may not register the motor vehicle unless the owner or the owner's representative submits the evidence of financial responsibility.(b) The county assessor-collector shall examine the evidence of financial responsibility to determine whether it complies with Subsection (c). After examining the evidence, the assessor-collector shall return the evidence unless it is in the form of a photocopy or an electronic submission.(c) In this section, evidence of financial responsibility may be:(1) a document listed under Section 601.053(a);(2) a liability self-insurance or pool coverage document issued by a political subdivision or governmental pool under the authority of Chapter 791, Government Code, Chapter 119, Local Government Code, or other applicable law in at least the minimum amounts required by Chapter 601;(3) a photocopy of a document described by Subdivision (1) or (2); or(4) an electronic submission of a document or the information contained in a document described by Subdivision (1) or (2).(d) A personal automobile policy used as evidence of financial responsibility under this section must comply with Article 5.06 or 5.145, Insurance Code.(e) At the time of registration, the county assessor-collector shall provide to a person registering a motor vehicle a separate statement that the motor vehicle being registered may not be operated in this state unless:(1) liability insurance coverage for the motor vehicle in at least the minimum amounts required by law remains in effect to insure against potential losses; or(2) the motor vehicle is exempt from the insurance requirement because the person has established financial responsibility in a manner described by Section 601.051(2)-(5) or is exempt under Section 601.052.(f) A county assessor-collector is not liable to any person for refusing to register a motor vehicle to which this section applies because of the person's failure to submit evidence of financial responsibility that complies with Subsection (c).(g) A county, a county assessor-collector, a deputy county assessor-collector, a person acting for or on behalf of a county or a county assessor-collector, or a person acting on behalf of an owner for purposes of registering a motor vehicle is not liable to any person for registering a motor vehicle under this section.(h) This section does not prevent a person from registering a motor vehicle by mail or through an electronic submission.(i) To be valid under this section, an electronic submission must be in a format that is:(1) submitted by electronic means, including a telephone, facsimile machine, or computer;(2) approved by the department; and(3) authorized by the commissioners court for use in the county.(j) This section does not apply to a vehicle registered pursuant to Section 501.0234.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 28, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 206, Sec. 21.45, eff. June 11, 2003.
Sec. 502.1535. EVIDENCE OF VEHICLE EMISSIONS INSPECTION. A county assessor-collector may not register a motor vehicle subject to Section 548.3011 unless proof that the vehicle has passed a vehicle emissions test as required by that section, in a form authorized by that section, is presented to the county assessor-collector with the application for registration.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1075, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 502.154. REPORT BY COUNTY ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR. A county assessor-collector shall submit an annual report to the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission and the department that shows:(1) the number of registrations denied because of the applicant's failure to provide an original emissions inspection certificate or a valid waiver;(2) the number of registrations denied because of the failure to provide proof of residency; and(3) an itemized accounting of the costs to the county of administering Sections 502.002 and 502.006(a), (b), and (c).
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.44(c), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 502.156. STATEMENT REQUIRED FOR REBUILT VEHICLES. A county assessor-collector shall require an applicant for registration of a rebuilt vehicle to provide a statement that the vehicle is rebuilt and that states the name of each person from whom the parts used in assembling the vehicle were obtained.
Sec. 502.157. INITIAL REGISTRATION. (a) Notwithstanding Section 502.002, when a motor vehicle must be registered before an application for a certificate of title will be accepted, the owner of the vehicle may concurrently apply for a certificate of title and for registration through the county assessor-collector of the county in which:(1) the owner resides; or(2) the vehicle is purchased or encumbered.(b) The first time an owner applies for registration of a vehicle, the owner may demonstrate compliance with Section 502.153(a) as to the vehicle by showing proof of financial responsibility in any manner specified in Section 502.153(c) as to:(1) any vehicle of the owner; or(2) any vehicle used as part of the consideration for the purchase of the vehicle the owner applies to register.
Sec. 502.158. REGISTRATION YEAR. (a) The department shall designate a vehicle registration year of 12 consecutive months to begin on the first day of a calendar month and end on the last day of the 12th calendar month.(b) The department shall designate vehicle registration years so as to distribute the work of the department and the county assessor-collectors as uniformly as possible throughout the year. The department may establish separate registration years for any vehicle or classification of vehicle and may adopt rules to administer the year-round registration system.(c) The department may designate a registration period of less than 12 months. The registration fee for a registration period of less than 12 months is computed at a rate of one-twelfth the annual registration fee multiplied by the number of months in the registration period. The department may not designate a registration period of more than 12 months, but:(1) with the consent of the department, an owner may pay registration fees for a designated period of more than 12 months; and(2) an owner of a vehicle may pay registration fees for a designated period of 12, 24, or 36 months.(d) An application for registration shall be made during the two months preceding the date on which the registration expires.(e) The fee to be paid for renewing a registration is the fee that will be in effect on the first day of the vehicle registration year.(f) Repealed by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 641, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 1999.(g) The department shall issue the applicant for registration who pays registration fees for a designated period of 24 or 36 months a registration receipt and registration insignia that are valid until the expiration of the designated period.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 433, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 641, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 638, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 502.1585. DESIGNATION OF REGISTRATION PERIOD BY OWNER. (a) This section applies only to a person who owns more than one motor vehicle or trailer that is subject to registration under this chapter.(b) Notwithstanding Section 502.158, the owner of a motor vehicle or a trailer may designate an initial or a renewal registration period for that vehicle so that the registration period for the vehicle or trailer expires on the same date as the registration period for another vehicle or trailer previously registered by that owner.(c) A registration period designated under this section must begin on the first day of a calendar month and end on the last day of a calendar month and may not be for less than 12 months.(d) The registration fee for a registration period designated under this section is computed at a rate of one-twelfth the annual registration fee multiplied by the number of months in the designated registration period.(e) The department shall issue an applicant for registration who pays registration fees for a designated period under this section a registration receipt and registration insignia that are valid until the expiration of the designated period.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1197, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 502.1586. REGISTRATION PERIOD FOR TRUCK-TRACTOR OR COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE TRANSPORTING SEASONAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS. (a) The department shall provide for a monthly registration period for a truck-tractor or a commercial motor vehicle that:(1) is used exclusively to transport a seasonal agricultural product; and(2) would otherwise be registered for a vehicle registration year.(b) The department shall adopt forms for registration under this section. An applicant must indicate the number of months registration is applied for.(c) The department shall design, prescribe, and furnish a registration receipt that is valid until the expiration of the designated registration period.(d) The registration fee for a registration under this section is computed at a rate of one-twelfth the annual registration fee under Section 502.162, 502.163, or 502.167, as applicable, multiplied by the number of months in the registration period specified in the application for the registration.(e) A person issued a registration under this section commits an offense if the person, during the registration period for the truck-tractor or commercial motor vehicle, uses the truck-tractor or commercial motor vehicle for a purpose other than to transport a seasonal agricultural product.(f) A truck-tractor or commercial motor vehicle may not be registered under this section for a registration period that is less than one month or longer than six months.(g) For purposes of this section, "to transport a seasonal agricultural product" includes any transportation activity necessary for the production, harvest, or delivery of an agricultural product that is produced seasonally.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 732, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 832, Sec. 1, 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Renumbered from Sec. 502.1585 by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 21.001(105), eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 502.159. SCHEDULE OF FEES. The department shall compile and furnish to each county assessor-collector a complete schedule of registration fees to be collected on the various makes, models, and types of vehicles.
Text of section effective until September 01, 2011Sec. 502.160. FEE: MOTORCYCLE. The fee for a registration year for registration of a motorcycle is $30.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 17, eff. September 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on September 01, 2011Sec. 502.160. FEE: MOTORCYCLE OR MOPED. The fee for a registration year for registration of a motorcycle or moped is $30.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 17, eff. September 1, 2011.
Text of section effective until September 01, 2011Sec. 502.161. FEE: PASSENGER CAR, MUNICIPAL BUS, PRIVATE BUS. (a) The fee for a registration year for registration of a passenger car, a municipal bus, or a private bus that weighs 6,000 pounds or less is:(1) $40.50 for a vehicle the model year of which is more than six years before the year in which the registration year begins;(2) $50.50 for a vehicle the model year of which is more than three years but is six years or less before the year in which the registration year begins; or(3) $58.50 for a vehicle the model year of which is three years or less before the year in which the registration year begins.(b) The fee for a registration year for registration of a passenger car, a municipal bus, or a private bus that weighs more than 6,000 pounds is $25 plus 60 cents for each 100 pounds.(c) For registration purposes, the weight of a passenger car, a municipal bus, or a private bus is the weight generally accepted as its correct shipping weight plus 100 pounds.(d) In this section, "private bus" has the meaning assigned by Section 502.294.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 625, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 18, eff. September 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on September 01, 2011Sec. 502.161. FEE: VEHICLES THAT WEIGH 6,000 POUNDS OR LESS. (a) The fee for a registration year for registration of a vehicle with a gross weight of 6,000 pounds or less is $50.75, unless otherwise provided in this chapter.(b) Repealed by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 39(2), eff. September 1, 2011.(c) For registration purposes, the weight of a passenger car, a municipal bus, or a private bus is the weight generally accepted as its correct shipping weight plus 100 pounds.(d) In this section, "private bus" has the meaning assigned by Section 502.294.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 625, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 18, eff. September 1, 2011.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 19, eff. September 1, 2011.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 39(2), eff. September 1, 2011.
Text of section effective until September 01, 2011Sec. 502.162. FEE: COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE OR TRUCK-TRACTOR. (a) The fee for a registration year for registration of a commercial motor vehicle or truck-tractor is $25 plus an amount determined according to the vehicle's gross weight and tire equipment, as follows:
Gross weight
Fee for each 100 pounds or
in pounds
fraction of 100 pounds
Equipped with
Equipped with
pneumatic tires
solid tires
1-6,000
$0.44
$0.55
6,001-8,000
0.495
0.66
8,001-10,000
0.605
0.77
10,001-17,000
0.715
0.88
17,001-24,000
0.77
0.99
24,001-31,000
0.88
1.10
31,001 and over
0.99
1.32
(b) The gross weight of a vehicle is the actual weight of the
vehicle, fully equipped with a body and other equipment, as
certified by a public weigher or a license and weight inspector
of the Department of Public Safety, plus its net carrying
capacity.
(c) The net carrying capacity of a vehicle other than a bus is
the heaviest net load to be carried on the vehicle, but not less
than the manufacturer's rated carrying capacity.
(d) The net carrying capacity of a bus is computed by
multiplying its seating capacity by 150 pounds. The seating
capacity of a bus is:
(1) the manufacturer's rated seating capacity, excluding the
operator's seat; or
(2) if the manufacturer has not rated the vehicle for seating
capacity, a number computed by allowing one passenger for each 16
inches of seating on the bus, excluding the operator's seat.
