TRANSPORTATION CODETITLE 7. VEHICLES AND TRAFFICSUBTITLE A. CERTIFICATES OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION OF VEHICLESCHAPTER 504. SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATESSUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONSSec. 504.001. DEFINITIONS. (a) In this chapter:(1) "Board" means the board of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.(2) "Department" means the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.(b) A word or phrase that is not defined by this chapter but is defined by Section 502.001 has the meaning in this chapter that is assigned by that section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933, Sec. 2G.01, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.002. PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICABILITY. Unless expressly provided by this chapter or by department rule:(1) any vehicle is eligible to be issued specialty license plates, provided that the department may vary the design of a license plate to accommodate or reflect its use on a motor vehicle other than a passenger car or light truck;(2) an application for specialty license plates must be submitted in the manner specified by the department, provided that if issuance of a specialty license plate is limited to particular persons or motor vehicles, the application must be accompanied by evidence satisfactory to the department that the applicant or the applicant's vehicle is eligible;(3) the fee for issuance of a specialty license plate is in addition to each other fee that is paid for or at the time of the registration of the motor vehicle and shall be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund;(4) each fee described by this chapter is an annual fee, provided that the department may prorate the fee for a specialty license plate fee on a monthly basis to align the license plate fee to the registration period for the motor vehicle for which the license plate was issued, and if a fee is prorated the allocation of the fee by this chapter to an account or fund shall be prorated in proportion;(5) the department is the exclusive owner of the design of each specialty license plate;(6) the director may refuse to issue a specialty license plate with a design or alphanumeric pattern that the director considers potentially objectionable to one or more members of the public and the director's refusal may not be overturned in the absence of an abuse of discretion;(7) for each specialty license plate that is issued through a county tax assessor-collector and for which the department is allocated a portion of a fee for administrative costs, the department shall credit 50 cents from its administrative costs to the county treasurer of the applicable county, who shall credit the money to the general fund of the county to defray the costs to the county of administering this chapter;(8) if a specialty license plate is lost, stolen, or mutilated, an application for a replacement plate must be accompanied by the fee prescribed by Section 502.184(a)(2);(9) if the owner of a motor vehicle for which a specialty license plate is issued disposes of the vehicle or for any reason ceases to be eligible for that specialty license plate, the owner shall return the specialty license plate to the department; and(10) a person who is issued a specialty license plate may not transfer it to another person or vehicle without first receiving approval from the department.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.003. SOUVENIR LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department may issue a souvenir version of any specialty license plate for any vehicle, including a motorcycle.(b) The fee for a single souvenir license plate is $20. The fee shall be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund unless the souvenir license plate is a replica of a specialty license plate issued under Subchapter G or I for which the fee is deposited to an account other than the state highway fund, in which case:(1) $10 of the fee for the souvenir license plate shall be deposited to the credit of the designated account; and(2) $10 of the fee for the souvenir license plate shall be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund.(c) If a souvenir license plate issued before September 1, 2009, is personalized, the fee for the plate is $40. Of the fee:(1) $20 shall be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund;(2) $10 shall be deposited to the credit of the designated account if the souvenir license plate is a replica of a specialty license plate issued under Subchapter G or I for which the fee is deposited to a designated account other than the state highway fund; and(3) the remainder shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund.(c-1) The fee for a souvenir license plate issued on or after September 1, 2009, is the amount established under Section 504.851(c).(d) A souvenir license plate may not be used on a motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, and is not an insignia of registration for a motor vehicle. Each souvenir license plate must be identified by the department in a way that identifies it to law enforcement officers and others as a souvenir license plate.(e) A beneficiary of a specialty license plate issued under Subchapter G or I, as designated by the applicable section of those subchapters, may purchase the specialty license plates, in boxes of 25, for use or resale by the beneficiary. The beneficiary shall pay the required fee per plate, less the amount of the fee that would be deposited to the credit of the designated account.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 279, Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2005.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1381, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.004. RULES AND FORMS. The board may adopt rules and the department may issue forms to implement and administer this chapter.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933, Sec. 2G.02, eff. September 1, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER B. PERSONALIZED LICENSE PLATESSec. 504.102. PERSONALIZATION OF SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATE. Unless expressly prohibited by this chapter or department rule, any specialty license plate issued under this chapter may be personalized. If a specialty license plate is personalized, the fee for personalization of the specialty license plate shall be added to the fee for issuance of that specialty license plate.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1381, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.103. DESIGN AND ALPHANUMERIC PATTERN. The department has sole control over the design, typeface, color, and alphanumeric pattern for a personalized license plate.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
SUBCHAPTER C. LICENSE PLATES FOR VEHICLES USED BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIESSec. 504.201. PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. (a) In this section:(1) "Disability" and "mobility problem that substantially impairs a person's ability to ambulate" have the meanings assigned by Section 681.001.(2) "Legally blind" means a condition described by Section 681.001(2)(B) or (C).(3) "Practice of optometry" and "practice of therapeutic optometry" have the meanings assigned by Section 351.002, Occupations Code.(b) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a motor vehicle that:(1) has a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of two tons or less; and(2) is regularly operated for noncommercial use by or for the transportation of a person with a permanent disability.(c) An owner of a motor vehicle regularly operated by or for the transportation of a person described by Subsection (a) may apply to the department for registration under this section.(d) Except as provided by Subsection (d-1), the initial application for specialty license plates under this section must be accompanied by a written statement from a physician who is licensed to practice medicine in this state or in a state adjacent to this state or who is authorized by applicable law to practice medicine in a hospital or other health facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs. If the applicant has a mobility problem caused by a disorder of the foot, the written statement may be issued by a person licensed to practice podiatry in this state or a state adjacent to this state. In this subsection, "podiatry" has the meaning assigned by Section 681.001. The statement must certify that the person making the application or on whose behalf the application is made is legally blind or has a mobility problem that substantially impairs the person's ability to ambulate. The statement must also certify whether a mobility problem is temporary or permanent. A written statement is not required as acceptable medical proof if:(1) the person with a disability:(A) has had a limb, hand, or foot amputated; or(B) must use a wheelchair; and(2) the applicant and the county assessor-collector processing the application execute an affidavit attesting to the person's disability.(d-1) If the initial application for specialty license plates under this section is made by or on behalf of a person who is legally blind, the written statement required by Subsection (d) may be issued by a person licensed to engage in the practice of optometry or the practice of therapeutic optometry in this state or a state adjacent to this state.(e) A person with a disability may receive:(1) one disabled parking placard under Section 681.002 if the person receives a set of license plates under this section; or(2) two disabled parking placards under Section 681.002 if the person does not receive a set of license plates under this section.(f) A license plate issued under this section must include the symbol of access adopted by Rehabilitation International in 1969 at its Eleventh World Congress on Rehabilitation of the Disabled. The symbol must be the same size as the numbers on the license plate.(g) In addition to a license plate issued under this section, an eligible person is entitled to be issued a set of the license plates for each motor vehicle owned by the person that has a carrying capacity of two tons or less and is equipped with special equipment that:(1) is designed to allow a person who has lost the use of one or both of the person's legs to operate the vehicle; and(2) is not standard equipment on that type of vehicle for use by a person who has use of both legs.(h) The department shall include the international symbol of access, as defined by Section 681.001, on a specialty license plate issued under this chapter to a person who is eligible for a license plate issued under this section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 153, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 531, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 531, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.202. VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES. (a) A person entitled to specialty license plates under this section may register, for the person's own use, one vehicle without payment of any fee paid for or at the time of registration except the fee for the license plates. Registration under this section is valid for one year.(b) A veteran of the United States armed forces is entitled to register, for the person's own use, motor vehicles under this section if:(1) the person has suffered, as a result of military service:(A) at least a 50 percent service-connected disability; or(B) a 40 percent service-connected disability because of the amputation of a lower extremity;(2) the person receives compensation from the United States because of the disability; and(3) the motor vehicle:(A) is owned by the person; and(B) has a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of two tons or less.(c) An organization may register a motor vehicle under this section if:(1) the vehicle is used exclusively to transport veterans of the United States armed forces who have suffered, as a result of military service, a service-connected disability; and(2) the veterans are not charged for the transportation.(d) A statement by the veterans county service officer of the county in which a vehicle described by Subsection (c) is registered or by the Department of Veterans Affairs that a vehicle is used exclusively to transport veterans with disabilities without charge is satisfactory proof of eligibility for an organization.(e) Other than license plates issued under Subsection (h), license plates issued under this section must include:(1) the letters "DV" as a prefix or suffix to any numeral on the plate; and(2) the words "Disabled Veteran" and "U.S. Armed Forces" at the bottom of each license plate.(f) The fee for the first set of license plates is $3. There is no fee for each additional set of license plates. If a license plate is lost, stolen, or mutilated, on payment of a $1 fee the department shall issue a set of replacement plates.(g) A person who receives license plates under this section may receive a disabled parking placard under Section 681.004 for each set of license plates without providing additional documentation.(h) A person entitled to license plates under this section may elect to receive license plates issued under Chapter 502 under the same conditions for the issuance of license plates under this section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., 3rd C.S., ch. 8, Sec. 5.09, eff. Jan. 11, 2004.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 98, Sec. 1, eff. May 15, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 617, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 965, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.203. ISSUANCE OF DISABLED LICENSE PLATES TO CERTAIN INSTITUTIONS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates under this subchapter for a van or bus operated by an institution, facility, or residential retirement community for the elderly or for veterans in which an eligible person resides, including:(1) an institution that holds a license issued under Chapter 242, Health and Safety Code; or(2) a facility that holds a license issued under Chapter 246 or 247 of that code.(b) An application for license plates under this section must be accompanied by a written statement signed by the administrator or manager of the institution, facility, or retirement community certifying that the institution, facility, or retirement community regularly transports, as a part of the services that the institution, facility, or retirement community provides, one or more eligible persons who reside in the institution, facility, or retirement community. The department shall determine the eligibility of the institution, facility, or retirement community on the evidence the applicant provides.(c) The application and eligibility requirements for a license plate under this section are the same as those provided by Sections 504.201 and 504.202, as applicable.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
SUBCHAPTER D. SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES FOR THE MILITARYSec. 504.301. PROVISIONS GENERALLY APPLICABLE TO MILITARY SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES. Unless expressly provided by this subchapter or department rule:(1) the department shall design specialty license plates for the military; and(2) a person is not eligible to be issued a specialty license plate under this subchapter if the person was discharged from the armed forces under conditions less than honorable.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.3011. DESIGN OF CERTAIN LICENSE PLATES FOR THE MILITARY. (a) License plates issued under Section 504.303 must at a minimum bear a color depiction of the emblem of the appropriate branch of the United States armed forces.(b) License plates issued under Section 504.308(a) or 504.315(e), (f), or (g) must at a minimum bear a color depiction of the appropriate medal.(c) The department shall design license plates to which this section applies in consultation with veterans organizations.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 258, Sec. 11.01, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.3015. FEES FOR MILITARY SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES. (a) A person applying for a set of license plates under this subchapter shall pay the registration fee required under Chapter 502 and the applicable special plate fee required under this section, except that one set of license plates shall be issued under Section 504.308 or 504.315 without the payment of the registration fee.(b) The fee for the issuance of one set of specialty license plates issued under Section 504.315(c), (d), or (g) is $3. There is no additional fee for a specialty license plate issued under another provision of this subchapter.(c) A surviving spouse applying for a set of license plates under Section 504.302 shall pay the fees required for the type of license plate for which the surviving spouse is eligible.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.302. SURVIVING SPOUSES OF CERTAIN MILITARY VETERANS. (a) The surviving spouse of a person who would be eligible for a specialty license plate under this subchapter is entitled to continue to register one vehicle under the applicable section as long as the spouse remains unmarried.(b) An applicant for registration under this section must submit proof of the eligibility of the applicant's deceased spouse for the applicable specialty license plate.(c) A surviving spouse applying for specialty license plates under this section must submit a written statement that the spouse is unmarried. If the surviving spouse is applying for Former Prisoner of War, Pearl Harbor Survivor, or Purple Heart specialty license plates, the statement must be sworn to by the surviving spouse.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.303. MEMBERS OR FORMER MEMBERS OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for active or former members of the United States armed forces. The license plates must designate the appropriate branch of the United States armed forces.(b) Repealed by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.304. MEMBERS OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES AUXILIARIES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for members of:(1) the United States Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol;(2) the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary; and(3) the Marine Corps League or its auxiliary.(b) The license plates must include the words "Texas Wing Civil Air Patrol," the words "Coast Guard Auxiliary," or the emblem of the Marine Corps League and the words "Marine Corps League," as applicable.(c) Repealed by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.305. MEMBERS OF TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD, STATE GUARD, OR UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES RESERVES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for:(1) active members of the Texas National Guard or Texas State Guard;(2) retired members of the Texas National Guard or Texas State Guard who have completed 20 or more years of satisfactory federal service; and(3) members of a reserve component of the United States armed forces.(b) The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the adjutant general. The license plates must include the words "Texas Guard" or "Armed Forces Reserve," as applicable.(c) A letter from the United States Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, or the Department of the Air Force stating that a retired guard member has 20 or more years of satisfactory federal service is satisfactory proof of eligibility.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.306. PERSONS RETIRED FROM SERVICE IN MERCHANT MARINE OF THE UNITED STATES. The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons retired from service in the merchant marine of the United States. The license plates must include the words "Merchant Marine."
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.307. AIRBORNE PARACHUTISTS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons active and former members of the United States armed services who have:(1) satisfactorily completed the prescribed proficiency tests while assigned or attached to an airborne unit or the Airborne Department of the United States Army Infantry School; or(2) participated in at least one combat parachute jump.(b) The license plates must include a likeness of the parachutist badge authorized by the Department of the Army.(c) Repealed by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.308. DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS MEDAL RECIPIENTS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who have received the Distinguished Flying Cross medal. The license plates must bear a depiction of the Distinguished Flying Cross medal and the words "Distinguished Flying Cross" at the bottom of each license plate.(b) Repealed by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.309. MILITARY ACADEMY LICENSE PLATES. The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who:(1) are graduates of the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, or the United States Air Force Academy; and(2) are current or former commissioned officers of the United States armed forces.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.310. WORLD WAR II VETERANS. The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who served in the United States or Allied armed forces during World War II. The license plates must include the words "WWII Veteran."
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.311. KOREAN WAR VETERANS. The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who served in the United States armed forces after June 26, 1950, and before February 1, 1955. License plates issued under this section must include the words "Korea Veteran."
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.312. VIETNAM VETERANS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who served in the United States armed forces during:(1) the period beginning on February 28, 1961, and ending on May 7, 1975, in the case of a veteran who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period; or(2) the period beginning on August 5, 1964, and ending on May 7, 1975, in all other cases.(b) License plates issued under this section must include the words "Vietnam Veteran."
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.313. DESERT SHIELD OR DESERT STORM VETERANS. The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who served in the United States armed forces after August 1, 1990, and before April 12, 1991. License plates issued under this section must include the words "Desert Storm."
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.3135. OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who served in the United States armed forces and participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom. License plates issued under this section must include the words "Operation Iraqi Freedom."
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 575, Sec. 1(a), eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 10, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.314. ENDURING FREEDOM VETERANS. The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who served in the United States armed services and participated in Operation Enduring Freedom. The license plates must include the words "Enduring Freedom."
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 11, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.315. MILITARY SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES FOR EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE. (a) Repealed by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.(b) Repealed by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.(c) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a person who was captured and incarcerated by an enemy of the United States during a period of conflict with the United States. The license plates must show that the recipient is a former prisoner of war.(d) The department shall issue specialty license plates for survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The license plates must include the words "Pearl Harbor Survivor" and must be consecutively numbered. A person is eligible if the person:(1) served in the United States armed forces;(2) was stationed in the Hawaiian Islands on December 7, 1941; and(3) survived the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.(e) The department shall issue specialty license plates to a recipient of a Congressional Medal of Honor awarded under Title 10, United States Code. The department shall assign the license plate number, and the plates may not be personalized.(f) The department shall issue specialty license plates for recipients of the Air Force Cross or Distinguished Service Cross, the Army Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, or the Medal of Honor. The license plates must include the words "Legion of Valor."(g) The department shall issue specialty license plates for recipients of the Purple Heart. License plates issued under this subsection must include:(1) the Purple Heart emblem;(2) the words "Purple Heart" at the bottom of each plate; and(3) the letters "PH" as a prefix or suffix to the numerals on the plate if the plate is not personalized.(h) The department shall issue special license plates for recipients of the Silver Star Medal. License plates issued under this subsection must include the Silver Star Medal emblem and must include the words "Silver Star Medal" at the bottom of each plate. Section 504.702 does not apply to license plates authorized by this subsection.(i) A vehicle registered under this section must be for the use of the applicant who qualifies under this section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 358, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87, Sec. 27.001(103), eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.316. LEGION OF MERIT MEDAL RECIPIENTS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who have received the Legion of Merit medal. The license plates must include the words "Legion of Merit."(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is:(1) $10 for the first set of license plates; and(2) $15 for each additional set of license plates.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 317, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
SUBCHAPTER E. SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES WITH RESTRICTED DISTRIBUTIONSec. 504.401. STATE OFFICIALS. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates to a state official. The license plates must include the words "State Official."(b) A state official may be issued three sets of license plates under this section.(c) The license plates remain valid until December 31 of each year.(d) In this section, "state official" means:(1) a member of the legislature;(2) the governor;(3) the lieutenant governor;(4) a justice of the supreme court;(5) a judge of the court of criminal appeals;(6) the attorney general;(7) the commissioner of the General Land Office;(8) the comptroller;(9) a member of the Railroad Commission of Texas;(10) the commissioner of agriculture;(11) the secretary of state; or(12) a member of the State Board of Education.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.402. MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for members of congress. License plates issued under this section must include the words "U.S. Congress."(b) A person may be issued three sets of license plates under this section.(c) The license plates remain valid until December 31 of each year.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.403. STATE AND FEDERAL JUDGES. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for a current or visiting state or federal judge. The license plates must include the words "State Judge" or "U.S. Judge," as appropriate.(b) A person may be issued three sets of license plates under this section.(c) The license plates remain valid until December 31 of each year.(d) In this section:(1) "Federal judge" means:(A) a judge of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals;(B) a judge or magistrate of a United States district court; or(C) a judge of a United States bankruptcy court.(2) "State judge" means:(A) a justice of the supreme court;(B) a judge of the court of criminal appeals;(C) a judge of a court of appeals;(D) a district court judge;(E) a presiding judge of an administrative judicial district; or(F) a statutory county court judge.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.404. FEDERAL ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for current federal administrative law judges. The license plates shall bear the words "U.S. A. L. Judge."(b) A person may be issued three sets of license plates under this section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.405. COUNTY JUDGES. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for current county judges of this state. The license plates shall bear the words "County Judge."(b) A person may be issued three sets of license plates under this section.(c) In this section, "county judge" means the judge of the county court established by Section 15, Article V, Texas Constitution.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.406. TEXAS CONSTABLES. The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for Texas constables. The license plates shall bear the words "Texas Constable."
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.407. PEACE OFFICERS WOUNDED OR KILLED IN LINE OF DUTY. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for:(1) a person wounded in the line of duty as a peace officer; or(2) a surviving spouse, parent, brother, sister, or adult child, including an adopted child or stepchild, of a person killed in the line of duty as a peace officer.(b) License plates issued under this section must include the words "To Protect and Serve" above an insignia depicting a yellow rose superimposed over the outline of a badge.(c) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $20.(d) In this section, "peace officer" has the meaning assigned by Section 1.07, Penal Code.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.408. GOLD STAR MOTHER, SPOUSE, OR FAMILY MEMBER. (a) The department shall issue a specialty license plate for the mother, surviving spouse, or immediate family member of a person who died while serving in the United States armed forces. License plates issued under this section must include the words "Gold Star Mother," "Gold Star Spouse," or "Gold Star Family" and a gold star. A person may not be issued more than one set of the license plates at a time.(a-1) In this section "immediate family member" means the parent, child, or sibling of a person who died while serving in the United States armed forces.(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $10.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 721, Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 721, Sec. 2, eff. June 15, 2007.
Sec. 504.409. FIREFIGHTERS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for:(1) volunteer firefighters certified by:(A) the Texas Commission on Fire Protection; or(B) the State Firemen's and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas; and(2) fire protection personnel as that term is defined by Section 419.021, Government Code. Without reference to the amendment of this subsection, this subsection was repealed by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 39 effective September 1, 2011 (b) The fee for issuance of each set of license plates is:(1) $4 for volunteer firefighters; and(2) $30 for fire protection personnel.(c) A person may be issued not more than three sets of license plates.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 39(8), eff. September 1, 2011.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1381, Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.410. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for emergency medical services personnel certified by the Texas Department of Health under Subchapter C, Chapter 773, Health and Safety Code.(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $8.(c) A person may be issued only one set of the license plates.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.411. HONORARY CONSULS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a person who is an honorary consul authorized by the United States to perform consular duties. License plates issued under this section must include the words "Honorary Consul."(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $40.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.412. FOREIGN ORGANIZATION VEHICLES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for an instrumentality established by a foreign government recognized by the United States before January 1, 1979, that is without official representation or diplomatic relations with the United States. The license plates must include the words "Foreign Organization" and shall remain valid for five years.(b) A person entitled to specialty license plates under this section may register the vehicle without payment of any fee paid for or at the time of registration.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.413. MEMBERS OF AMERICAN LEGION. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for members of the American Legion. The license plates shall include the words "Still Serving America" and the emblem of the American Legion. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the American Legion.(b) The fee for the license plates is $30.(c) After deduction of $8 to reimburse the department for its administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the American Legion, Department of Texas account in the state treasury. Money in the account may be used only by the Texas Veterans Commission in making grants to the American Legion Endowment Fund for scholarships and youth programs sponsored by the American Legion, Department of Texas.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.414. PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTER PLATES. (a) The professional firefighter plate may be issued to qualified firefighters. The sponsor of the plate may nominate a state agency for receipt of funds under Section 504.801(e)(2)(A).(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs in accordance with Section 504.801, the remainder of the fees from the sale of professional firefighter plates shall be deposited to the credit of an account in the state treasury to be used by the nominated state agency for the purpose of making grants to support the activities of an organization of professional firefighters located in this state that provides emergency relief and college scholarship funds to the professional firefighters and their dependents.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 712, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER F. SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES FOR CERTAIN VEHICLESText of section effective until September 01, 2011Sec. 504.501. CLASSIC MOTOR VEHICLES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old. The license plates must include the words "Classic Auto," "Classic Motorcycle," or "Classic Truck" or a similar designation, as appropriate.(b) A person eligible for the license plates may instead use license plates that were issued by this state in the same year as the model year of the vehicle and are approved by the department. The department may require the attachment of a registration insignia to the license plate in a manner that does not affect the display of information originally on the license plate.(c) The fee for issuance or approval of license plates under this section is $15.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 32, eff. September 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on September 01, 2011Sec. 504.501. CLASSIC MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAVEL TRAILERS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old. The license plates must include the word "Classic" or a similar designation, as appropriate.(b) A person eligible for the license plates may instead use license plates that were issued by this state in the same year as the model year of the vehicle and are approved by the department if the plates are approved for the vehicle before January 1, 2011. The department may require the attachment of a registration insignia to the license plate in a manner that does not affect the display of information originally on the license plate.(c) There is no fee for issuance or approval of license plates under this section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 32, eff. September 1, 2011.
Text of section effective until September 01, 2011Sec. 504.5011. CLASSIC TRAVEL TRAILERS. (a) In this section, "travel trailer" has the meaning assigned by Section 502.166.(b) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a travel trailer that is at least 25 years old. The license plates must include the words "Classic Travel Trailer" or a similar designation.(c) A person eligible for the license plates may instead use license plates that were issued by this state in the same year as the model year of the travel trailer and are approved by the department. The department may require the attachment of a registration insignia to the license plate in a manner that does not affect the display of information originally on the license plate.(d) The fee for issuance or approval of license plates under this section is $15.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1045, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 504.502. CERTAIN EXHIBITION VEHICLES; OFFENSE. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a passenger car, truck, motorcycle, or former military vehicle that:(1) is at least 25 years old, if the vehicle is a passenger car, truck, or motorcycle;(2) is a collector's item;(3) is used exclusively for exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other functions of public interest and is not used for regular transportation; and(4) does not carry advertising.(b) The license plates must include the words "Antique Auto," "Antique Truck," "Antique Motorcycle," or "Military Vehicle," as appropriate.(c) A person eligible for the license plates may instead use license plates issued by this state in the same year as the model year of the vehicle and approved by the department, provided that a passenger car must bear passenger car or truck license plates and a truck must bear passenger car or truck license plates. The department may require attachment of a registration insignia to the license plate in a manner that does not affect the display of information originally on the license plate.(d) License plates issued or approved under this section expire on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance or approval.(e) The fee for issuance or approval of license plates under this section is:(1) $10 for each year or portion of a year remaining in the five-year registration period if the vehicle was manufactured in 1921 or later; or(2) $8 for each year or portion of a year remaining in the five-year registration period if the vehicle was manufactured before 1921.(f) The department may exempt a former military vehicle from the requirement to display a license plate or registration insignia if the exemption is necessary to maintain the vehicle's accurate military markings. The department may approve an alternative registration insignia that is compatible with the vehicle's original markings.(g) A person entitled to specialty license plates or to department approval under this section may register the vehicle without payment of any fees paid for or at the time of registration except the fee for the license plate. An owner of a vehicle registered under this subsection who violates this section commits an offense. An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $5 or more than $200.(h) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a vehicle issued license plates under Subsection (a) shall be required to attach and display only one license plate on the rear of the vehicle.(i) In this section, "former military vehicle" means a vehicle, including a trailer, regardless of the vehicle's size, weight, or year of manufacture, that:(1) was manufactured for use in any country's military forces; and(2) is maintained to represent its military design and markings accurately.(j) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution of an offense under this section that at the time of the offense the vehicle was en route to or from a location for the purpose of routine maintenance of the vehicle.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1318, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 504.503. MUNICIPAL AND PRIVATE BUSES. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for municipal buses and private buses. The license plates must include the words "City Bus" or "Private Bus," as appropriate.(b) In this section, "private bus" means a bus that:(1) is not operated for hire; and(2) is not classified as a municipal bus or a motor bus.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.504. CERTAIN FARM VEHICLES AND DRILLING AND CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates to a vehicle described by Subsection (b) or (c). The fee for the license plates is $5.(b) An owner is not required to register a vehicle that is used only temporarily on the highways if the vehicle is:(1) a farm trailer or farm semitrailer with a gross weight of more than 4,000 pounds but not more than 34,000 pounds that is used exclusively to transport:(A) seasonally harvested agricultural products or livestock from the place of production to the place of processing, market, or storage; or(B) farm supplies from the place of loading to the farm;(2) machinery used exclusively for the purpose of drilling water wells; or(3) construction machinery that is not designed to transport persons or property on a public highway.(c) An owner is not required to register a vehicle that is:(1) a farm trailer or farm semitrailer owned by a cotton gin and used exclusively to transport agricultural products without charge from the place of production to the place of processing, market, or storage;(2) a trailer used exclusively to transport fertilizer without charge from a place of supply or storage to a farm; or(3) a trailer used exclusively to transport cottonseed without charge from a place of supply or storage to a farm or place of processing.(d) A vehicle described by Subsection (b) is exempt from the inspection requirements of Subchapters B and F, Chapter 548.(e) This section does not apply to a farm trailer or farm semitrailer that:(1) is used for hire;(2) has metal tires operating in contact with the highway;(3) is not equipped with an adequate hitch pinned or locked so that it will remain securely engaged to the towing vehicle while in motion; or(4) is not operated and equipped in compliance with all other law.(f) A vehicle to which this section applies that is operated on a public highway in violation of this section is considered to be operated while unregistered and is immediately subject to the applicable registration fees and penalties prescribed by Chapter 502.(g) In this section, the gross weight of a trailer or semitrailer is the combined weight of the vehicle and the load carried on the highway.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.505. COTTON VEHICLES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a single motor vehicle that is:(1) used only to transport chile pepper modules, seed cotton, cotton, cotton burrs, or equipment used in transporting or processing chile peppers or cotton; and(2) not more than 10 feet in width.(b) The license plates must include the words "Cotton Vehicle."Text of subsection effective until September 01, 2011(c) The initial fee for issuance of the license plates is $8. The license plates may be renewed without payment of a fee.Text of subsection effective on September 01, 2011(c) There is no fee for issuance of the license plates. The license plates may be renewed without payment of a fee.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 247, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 33, eff. September 1, 2011.
Sec. 504.506. CERTAIN LOG LOADER VEHICLES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a vehicle that is temporarily operated on public highways, during daylight hours only, and on which machinery is mounted solely to load logs on other vehicles.(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $62.50.(c) A person entitled to specialty license plates under this section may register the vehicle without payment of any fee paid for or at the time of registration other than the fee for the license plates.(d) A vehicle having a license plate issued under this section is exempt from the inspection requirements of Chapter 548.(e) This section does not apply to a vehicle used to haul logs.(f) A vehicle to which this section applies that is operated on a public highway in violation of this section is considered to be operated or moved while unregistered and is immediately subject to the applicable fees and penalties prescribed by Chapter 502.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.507. FORESTRY VEHICLES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for forestry vehicles. License plates issued under this section must include the words "Forestry Vehicle."Text of subsection effective until September 01, 2011(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $8. The department shall:(1) also collect any additional fee that a county imposes under this chapter for registration of a forestry vehicle; and(2) send the fee to the appropriate county for disposition.Text of subsection effective on September 01, 2011(b) There is no fee for issuance of the license plates. The department shall:(1) collect any fee that a county imposes under this chapter for registration of a forestry vehicle; and(2) send the fee to the appropriate county for disposition.(c) In this section, "forestry vehicle" means a vehicle used exclusively for transporting forest products in their natural state, including logs, debarked logs, untreated ties, stave bolts, plywood bolts, pulpwood billets, wood chips, stumps, sawdust, moss, bark, wood shavings, and property used in production of those products.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 34, eff. September 1, 2011.
Sec. 504.508. TOW TRUCKS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a commercial motor vehicle used as a tow truck. The license plates must include the words "Tow Truck." A vehicle used commercially as a tow truck shall display license plates issued under this section.Text of subsection effective until September 01, 2011(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $15.Text of subsection effective on September 01, 2011(b) There is no fee for issuance of the license plates.(c) Proof of eligibility for license plates under this section must include a copy of the permit certificate issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for the tow truck.(d) In this section, "tow truck" means a motor vehicle adapted or used to tow, winch, or otherwise move another motor vehicle.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1046, Sec. 3.05, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 35, eff. September 1, 2011.
Text of section effective until September 01, 2011Sec. 504.509. VEHICLES CARRYING MOBILE AMATEUR RADIO EQUIPMENT. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a person who holds an amateur radio station license issued by the Federal Communications Commission and who operates receiving and transmitting mobile amateur radio equipment. The license plates shall include the person's amateur call letters as assigned by the Federal Communications Commission. A person may register more than one vehicle equipped with mobile amateur radio equipment under this section, and the department shall issue license plates that include the same amateur call letters for each vehicle.(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $2 for the first year and $1 for each subsequent year.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 36, eff. September 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on September 01, 2011Sec. 504.509. VEHICLES CARRYING MOBILE AMATEUR RADIO EQUIPMENT. The department shall issue specialty license plates for a person who holds an amateur radio station license issued by the Federal Communications Commission and who operates receiving and transmitting mobile amateur radio equipment. The license plates shall include the person's amateur call letters as assigned by the Federal Communications Commission. A person may register more than one vehicle equipped with mobile amateur radio equipment under this section, and the department shall issue license plates that include the same amateur call letters for each vehicle.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 36, eff. September 1, 2011.
Sec. 504.510. GOLF CART LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for an eligible golf cart.Text of subsection effective until September 01, 2011(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $10.Text of subsection effective on September 01, 2011(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $6.(c) A person entitled to specialty license plates under this section may register the golf cart without payment of any fees paid for or at the time of registration other than the fee for the license plates. This section does not authorize the operation of a golf cart on a public road where it is otherwise prohibited by law.(d) This section applies only to an owner of a golf cart who resides:(1) on real property that is owned or under the control of the United States Corps of Engineers and is required by that agency to register the owner's golf cart under this chapter; and(2) in a county that borders another state and has a population of more than 110,000 but less than 111,000.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 37, eff. September 1, 2011.
SUBCHAPTER G. SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES FOR GENERAL DISTRIBUTIONSec. 504.601. GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES FOR GENERAL DISTRIBUTION. (a) Unless expressly provided by this subchapter or department rule:(1) the fee for issuance of a license plate under this subchapter is $30; and(2) of each fee received under this subchapter, the department shall use $8 to defray its administrative costs in complying with this subchapter.(b) This section does not apply to a specialty license plate marketed and sold by a private vendor at the request of the specialty license plate sponsor under Section 504.6011.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1381, Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.6011. GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES FOR GENERAL DISTRIBUTION SOLD THROUGH PRIVATE VENDOR. (a) The sponsor of a specialty license plate authorized to be issued under this subchapter before September 1, 2009, may contract with the private vendor authorized under Subchapter J for the marketing and sale of the specialty license plate.(b) The fee for issuance of a specialty license plate described by Subsection (a) is the amount established under Section 504.851.(c) Notwithstanding any other law, from each fee received for the issuance of a specialty license plate described by Subsection (a), the department shall:(1) deduct the administrative costs described by Section 504.601(a)(2);(2) deposit to the credit of the account designated by the law authorizing the specialty license plate the portion of the fee for the sale of the plate that the state would ordinarily receive under the contract described by Section 504.851(a); and(3) pay to the private vendor the remainder of the fee.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1381, Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.602. KEEP TEXAS BEAUTIFUL LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "Keep Texas Beautiful." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with Keep Texas Beautiful, Inc.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be used in connection with the department's litter prevention and community beautification programs.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.603. TEXAS CAPITOL LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates depicting the State Capitol.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.604. TEXAS COMMISSION ON THE ARTS LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "State of the Arts." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Texas Commission on the Arts.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Texas Commission on the Arts operating fund established under Section 444.027, Government Code.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.605. ANIMAL FRIENDLY LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "Animal Friendly." The department shall design the license plates.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the animal friendly account established by Section 828.014, Health and Safety Code.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.606. BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include one or more graphic images of a significant feature of Big Bend National Park. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Parks and Wildlife Department and any organization designated by it.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Big Bend National Park account in the state treasury. Money in the account may be used only by the Parks and Wildlife Department to support the activities of a designated nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is the improvement or preservation of Big Bend National Park.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.607. READ TO SUCCEED. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "Read to Succeed." The department shall design the license plates.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee shall be deposited to the credit of the "Read to Succeed" account in the general revenue fund. Money in the account may be used only to provide educational materials for public school libraries. The account is composed of:(1) money required to be deposited to the credit of the account under this subsection; and(2) donations made to the account.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.608. MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include the words "Mothers Against Drunk Driving." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with Mothers Against Drunk Driving.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund and may be appropriated only to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in making grants to benefit drug-abuse prevention and education programs sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 575, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 504.609. UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE LICENSE PLATES. The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "United States Olympic Committee." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the United States Olympic Committee.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.610. TEXAS AEROSPACE COMMISSION LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "Texas Aerospace Commission." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Texas Aerospace Commission.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.611. VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE PROGRAM LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates in recognition of children. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the attorney general.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the attorney general volunteer advocate program account in the general revenue fund. Money deposited to the credit of the volunteer advocate program account may be used only by the attorney general to fund a contract entered into by the attorney general under Section 264.602, Family Code.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.612. TEXAS YOUNG LAWYERS ASSOCIATION LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "And Justice for All." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Texas Young Lawyers Association.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the basic civil legal services account established by Section 51.943, Government Code.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.613. HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholarship account in the state treasury. Money in the account may be used only by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in making grants to benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.614. PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAM LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department may issue specialty license plates that include the name and insignia of a professional sports team located in this state. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the professional sports team and may enter a trademark license with the professional sports team or its league to implement this section. A license plate may be issued under this section only for a professional sports team that:(1) certifies to the department that it has determined that at least 3,500 persons will apply for the plates; and(2) plays its home games in a facility constructed or operated, in whole or in part, with public funds.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be sent to the public entity that provided public funds for the construction or renovation of the facility in which the professional sports team plays its home games or that provides public funds for the operation of that facility. The funds shall be deposited to the credit of the venue project fund, if the public entity has created a venue project fund under Section 334.042 or 335.072, Local Government Code. If the public entity has not created a venue project fund, funds distributed to a public entity under
TRANSPORTATION CODETITLE 7. VEHICLES AND TRAFFICSUBTITLE A. CERTIFICATES OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION OF VEHICLESCHAPTER 504. SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATESSUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONSSec. 504.001. DEFINITIONS. (a) In this chapter:(1) "Board" means the board of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.(2) "Department" means the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.(b) A word or phrase that is not defined by this chapter but is defined by Section 502.001 has the meaning in this chapter that is assigned by that section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933, Sec. 2G.01, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.002. PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICABILITY. Unless expressly provided by this chapter or by department rule:(1) any vehicle is eligible to be issued specialty license plates, provided that the department may vary the design of a license plate to accommodate or reflect its use on a motor vehicle other than a passenger car or light truck;(2) an application for specialty license plates must be submitted in the manner specified by the department, provided that if issuance of a specialty license plate is limited to particular persons or motor vehicles, the application must be accompanied by evidence satisfactory to the department that the applicant or the applicant's vehicle is eligible;(3) the fee for issuance of a specialty license plate is in addition to each other fee that is paid for or at the time of the registration of the motor vehicle and shall be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund;(4) each fee described by this chapter is an annual fee, provided that the department may prorate the fee for a specialty license plate fee on a monthly basis to align the license plate fee to the registration period for the motor vehicle for which the license plate was issued, and if a fee is prorated the allocation of the fee by this chapter to an account or fund shall be prorated in proportion;(5) the department is the exclusive owner of the design of each specialty license plate;(6) the director may refuse to issue a specialty license plate with a design or alphanumeric pattern that the director considers potentially objectionable to one or more members of the public and the director's refusal may not be overturned in the absence of an abuse of discretion;(7) for each specialty license plate that is issued through a county tax assessor-collector and for which the department is allocated a portion of a fee for administrative costs, the department shall credit 50 cents from its administrative costs to the county treasurer of the applicable county, who shall credit the money to the general fund of the county to defray the costs to the county of administering this chapter;(8) if a specialty license plate is lost, stolen, or mutilated, an application for a replacement plate must be accompanied by the fee prescribed by Section 502.184(a)(2);(9) if the owner of a motor vehicle for which a specialty license plate is issued disposes of the vehicle or for any reason ceases to be eligible for that specialty license plate, the owner shall return the specialty license plate to the department; and(10) a person who is issued a specialty license plate may not transfer it to another person or vehicle without first receiving approval from the department.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.003. SOUVENIR LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department may issue a souvenir version of any specialty license plate for any vehicle, including a motorcycle.(b) The fee for a single souvenir license plate is $20. The fee shall be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund unless the souvenir license plate is a replica of a specialty license plate issued under Subchapter G or I for which the fee is deposited to an account other than the state highway fund, in which case:(1) $10 of the fee for the souvenir license plate shall be deposited to the credit of the designated account; and(2) $10 of the fee for the souvenir license plate shall be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund.(c) If a souvenir license plate issued before September 1, 2009, is personalized, the fee for the plate is $40. Of the fee:(1) $20 shall be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund;(2) $10 shall be deposited to the credit of the designated account if the souvenir license plate is a replica of a specialty license plate issued under Subchapter G or I for which the fee is deposited to a designated account other than the state highway fund; and(3) the remainder shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund.(c-1) The fee for a souvenir license plate issued on or after September 1, 2009, is the amount established under Section 504.851(c).(d) A souvenir license plate may not be used on a motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, and is not an insignia of registration for a motor vehicle. Each souvenir license plate must be identified by the department in a way that identifies it to law enforcement officers and others as a souvenir license plate.(e) A beneficiary of a specialty license plate issued under Subchapter G or I, as designated by the applicable section of those subchapters, may purchase the specialty license plates, in boxes of 25, for use or resale by the beneficiary. The beneficiary shall pay the required fee per plate, less the amount of the fee that would be deposited to the credit of the designated account.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 279, Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2005.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1381, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.004. RULES AND FORMS. The board may adopt rules and the department may issue forms to implement and administer this chapter.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933, Sec. 2G.02, eff. September 1, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER B. PERSONALIZED LICENSE PLATESSec. 504.102. PERSONALIZATION OF SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATE. Unless expressly prohibited by this chapter or department rule, any specialty license plate issued under this chapter may be personalized. If a specialty license plate is personalized, the fee for personalization of the specialty license plate shall be added to the fee for issuance of that specialty license plate.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1381, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.103. DESIGN AND ALPHANUMERIC PATTERN. The department has sole control over the design, typeface, color, and alphanumeric pattern for a personalized license plate.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
SUBCHAPTER C. LICENSE PLATES FOR VEHICLES USED BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIESSec. 504.201. PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. (a) In this section:(1) "Disability" and "mobility problem that substantially impairs a person's ability to ambulate" have the meanings assigned by Section 681.001.(2) "Legally blind" means a condition described by Section 681.001(2)(B) or (C).(3) "Practice of optometry" and "practice of therapeutic optometry" have the meanings assigned by Section 351.002, Occupations Code.(b) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a motor vehicle that:(1) has a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of two tons or less; and(2) is regularly operated for noncommercial use by or for the transportation of a person with a permanent disability.(c) An owner of a motor vehicle regularly operated by or for the transportation of a person described by Subsection (a) may apply to the department for registration under this section.(d) Except as provided by Subsection (d-1), the initial application for specialty license plates under this section must be accompanied by a written statement from a physician who is licensed to practice medicine in this state or in a state adjacent to this state or who is authorized by applicable law to practice medicine in a hospital or other health facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs. If the applicant has a mobility problem caused by a disorder of the foot, the written statement may be issued by a person licensed to practice podiatry in this state or a state adjacent to this state. In this subsection, "podiatry" has the meaning assigned by Section 681.001. The statement must certify that the person making the application or on whose behalf the application is made is legally blind or has a mobility problem that substantially impairs the person's ability to ambulate. The statement must also certify whether a mobility problem is temporary or permanent. A written statement is not required as acceptable medical proof if:(1) the person with a disability:(A) has had a limb, hand, or foot amputated; or(B) must use a wheelchair; and(2) the applicant and the county assessor-collector processing the application execute an affidavit attesting to the person's disability.(d-1) If the initial application for specialty license plates under this section is made by or on behalf of a person who is legally blind, the written statement required by Subsection (d) may be issued by a person licensed to engage in the practice of optometry or the practice of therapeutic optometry in this state or a state adjacent to this state.(e) A person with a disability may receive:(1) one disabled parking placard under Section 681.002 if the person receives a set of license plates under this section; or(2) two disabled parking placards under Section 681.002 if the person does not receive a set of license plates under this section.(f) A license plate issued under this section must include the symbol of access adopted by Rehabilitation International in 1969 at its Eleventh World Congress on Rehabilitation of the Disabled. The symbol must be the same size as the numbers on the license plate.(g) In addition to a license plate issued under this section, an eligible person is entitled to be issued a set of the license plates for each motor vehicle owned by the person that has a carrying capacity of two tons or less and is equipped with special equipment that:(1) is designed to allow a person who has lost the use of one or both of the person's legs to operate the vehicle; and(2) is not standard equipment on that type of vehicle for use by a person who has use of both legs.(h) The department shall include the international symbol of access, as defined by Section 681.001, on a specialty license plate issued under this chapter to a person who is eligible for a license plate issued under this section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 153, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 531, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 531, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.202. VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES. (a) A person entitled to specialty license plates under this section may register, for the person's own use, one vehicle without payment of any fee paid for or at the time of registration except the fee for the license plates. Registration under this section is valid for one year.(b) A veteran of the United States armed forces is entitled to register, for the person's own use, motor vehicles under this section if:(1) the person has suffered, as a result of military service:(A) at least a 50 percent service-connected disability; or(B) a 40 percent service-connected disability because of the amputation of a lower extremity;(2) the person receives compensation from the United States because of the disability; and(3) the motor vehicle:(A) is owned by the person; and(B) has a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of two tons or less.(c) An organization may register a motor vehicle under this section if:(1) the vehicle is used exclusively to transport veterans of the United States armed forces who have suffered, as a result of military service, a service-connected disability; and(2) the veterans are not charged for the transportation.(d) A statement by the veterans county service officer of the county in which a vehicle described by Subsection (c) is registered or by the Department of Veterans Affairs that a vehicle is used exclusively to transport veterans with disabilities without charge is satisfactory proof of eligibility for an organization.(e) Other than license plates issued under Subsection (h), license plates issued under this section must include:(1) the letters "DV" as a prefix or suffix to any numeral on the plate; and(2) the words "Disabled Veteran" and "U.S. Armed Forces" at the bottom of each license plate.(f) The fee for the first set of license plates is $3. There is no fee for each additional set of license plates. If a license plate is lost, stolen, or mutilated, on payment of a $1 fee the department shall issue a set of replacement plates.(g) A person who receives license plates under this section may receive a disabled parking placard under Section 681.004 for each set of license plates without providing additional documentation.(h) A person entitled to license plates under this section may elect to receive license plates issued under Chapter 502 under the same conditions for the issuance of license plates under this section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., 3rd C.S., ch. 8, Sec. 5.09, eff. Jan. 11, 2004.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 98, Sec. 1, eff. May 15, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 617, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 965, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.203. ISSUANCE OF DISABLED LICENSE PLATES TO CERTAIN INSTITUTIONS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates under this subchapter for a van or bus operated by an institution, facility, or residential retirement community for the elderly or for veterans in which an eligible person resides, including:(1) an institution that holds a license issued under Chapter 242, Health and Safety Code; or(2) a facility that holds a license issued under Chapter 246 or 247 of that code.(b) An application for license plates under this section must be accompanied by a written statement signed by the administrator or manager of the institution, facility, or retirement community certifying that the institution, facility, or retirement community regularly transports, as a part of the services that the institution, facility, or retirement community provides, one or more eligible persons who reside in the institution, facility, or retirement community. The department shall determine the eligibility of the institution, facility, or retirement community on the evidence the applicant provides.(c) The application and eligibility requirements for a license plate under this section are the same as those provided by Sections 504.201 and 504.202, as applicable.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
SUBCHAPTER D. SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES FOR THE MILITARYSec. 504.301. PROVISIONS GENERALLY APPLICABLE TO MILITARY SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES. Unless expressly provided by this subchapter or department rule:(1) the department shall design specialty license plates for the military; and(2) a person is not eligible to be issued a specialty license plate under this subchapter if the person was discharged from the armed forces under conditions less than honorable.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.3011. DESIGN OF CERTAIN LICENSE PLATES FOR THE MILITARY. (a) License plates issued under Section 504.303 must at a minimum bear a color depiction of the emblem of the appropriate branch of the United States armed forces.(b) License plates issued under Section 504.308(a) or 504.315(e), (f), or (g) must at a minimum bear a color depiction of the appropriate medal.(c) The department shall design license plates to which this section applies in consultation with veterans organizations.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 258, Sec. 11.01, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.3015. FEES FOR MILITARY SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES. (a) A person applying for a set of license plates under this subchapter shall pay the registration fee required under Chapter 502 and the applicable special plate fee required under this section, except that one set of license plates shall be issued under Section 504.308 or 504.315 without the payment of the registration fee.(b) The fee for the issuance of one set of specialty license plates issued under Section 504.315(c), (d), or (g) is $3. There is no additional fee for a specialty license plate issued under another provision of this subchapter.(c) A surviving spouse applying for a set of license plates under Section 504.302 shall pay the fees required for the type of license plate for which the surviving spouse is eligible.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.302. SURVIVING SPOUSES OF CERTAIN MILITARY VETERANS. (a) The surviving spouse of a person who would be eligible for a specialty license plate under this subchapter is entitled to continue to register one vehicle under the applicable section as long as the spouse remains unmarried.(b) An applicant for registration under this section must submit proof of the eligibility of the applicant's deceased spouse for the applicable specialty license plate.(c) A surviving spouse applying for specialty license plates under this section must submit a written statement that the spouse is unmarried. If the surviving spouse is applying for Former Prisoner of War, Pearl Harbor Survivor, or Purple Heart specialty license plates, the statement must be sworn to by the surviving spouse.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.303. MEMBERS OR FORMER MEMBERS OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for active or former members of the United States armed forces. The license plates must designate the appropriate branch of the United States armed forces.(b) Repealed by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.304. MEMBERS OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES AUXILIARIES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for members of:(1) the United States Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol;(2) the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary; and(3) the Marine Corps League or its auxiliary.(b) The license plates must include the words "Texas Wing Civil Air Patrol," the words "Coast Guard Auxiliary," or the emblem of the Marine Corps League and the words "Marine Corps League," as applicable.(c) Repealed by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.305. MEMBERS OF TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD, STATE GUARD, OR UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES RESERVES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for:(1) active members of the Texas National Guard or Texas State Guard;(2) retired members of the Texas National Guard or Texas State Guard who have completed 20 or more years of satisfactory federal service; and(3) members of a reserve component of the United States armed forces.(b) The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the adjutant general. The license plates must include the words "Texas Guard" or "Armed Forces Reserve," as applicable.(c) A letter from the United States Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, or the Department of the Air Force stating that a retired guard member has 20 or more years of satisfactory federal service is satisfactory proof of eligibility.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.306. PERSONS RETIRED FROM SERVICE IN MERCHANT MARINE OF THE UNITED STATES. The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons retired from service in the merchant marine of the United States. The license plates must include the words "Merchant Marine."
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.307. AIRBORNE PARACHUTISTS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons active and former members of the United States armed services who have:(1) satisfactorily completed the prescribed proficiency tests while assigned or attached to an airborne unit or the Airborne Department of the United States Army Infantry School; or(2) participated in at least one combat parachute jump.(b) The license plates must include a likeness of the parachutist badge authorized by the Department of the Army.(c) Repealed by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.308. DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS MEDAL RECIPIENTS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who have received the Distinguished Flying Cross medal. The license plates must bear a depiction of the Distinguished Flying Cross medal and the words "Distinguished Flying Cross" at the bottom of each license plate.(b) Repealed by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.309. MILITARY ACADEMY LICENSE PLATES. The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who:(1) are graduates of the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, or the United States Air Force Academy; and(2) are current or former commissioned officers of the United States armed forces.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.310. WORLD WAR II VETERANS. The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who served in the United States or Allied armed forces during World War II. The license plates must include the words "WWII Veteran."
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.311. KOREAN WAR VETERANS. The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who served in the United States armed forces after June 26, 1950, and before February 1, 1955. License plates issued under this section must include the words "Korea Veteran."
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.312. VIETNAM VETERANS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who served in the United States armed forces during:(1) the period beginning on February 28, 1961, and ending on May 7, 1975, in the case of a veteran who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period; or(2) the period beginning on August 5, 1964, and ending on May 7, 1975, in all other cases.(b) License plates issued under this section must include the words "Vietnam Veteran."
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.313. DESERT SHIELD OR DESERT STORM VETERANS. The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who served in the United States armed forces after August 1, 1990, and before April 12, 1991. License plates issued under this section must include the words "Desert Storm."
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.3135. OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who served in the United States armed forces and participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom. License plates issued under this section must include the words "Operation Iraqi Freedom."
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 575, Sec. 1(a), eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 10, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.314. ENDURING FREEDOM VETERANS. The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who served in the United States armed services and participated in Operation Enduring Freedom. The license plates must include the words "Enduring Freedom."
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 11, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.315. MILITARY SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES FOR EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE. (a) Repealed by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.(b) Repealed by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.(c) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a person who was captured and incarcerated by an enemy of the United States during a period of conflict with the United States. The license plates must show that the recipient is a former prisoner of war.(d) The department shall issue specialty license plates for survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The license plates must include the words "Pearl Harbor Survivor" and must be consecutively numbered. A person is eligible if the person:(1) served in the United States armed forces;(2) was stationed in the Hawaiian Islands on December 7, 1941; and(3) survived the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.(e) The department shall issue specialty license plates to a recipient of a Congressional Medal of Honor awarded under Title 10, United States Code. The department shall assign the license plate number, and the plates may not be personalized.(f) The department shall issue specialty license plates for recipients of the Air Force Cross or Distinguished Service Cross, the Army Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, or the Medal of Honor. The license plates must include the words "Legion of Valor."(g) The department shall issue specialty license plates for recipients of the Purple Heart. License plates issued under this subsection must include:(1) the Purple Heart emblem;(2) the words "Purple Heart" at the bottom of each plate; and(3) the letters "PH" as a prefix or suffix to the numerals on the plate if the plate is not personalized.(h) The department shall issue special license plates for recipients of the Silver Star Medal. License plates issued under this subsection must include the Silver Star Medal emblem and must include the words "Silver Star Medal" at the bottom of each plate. Section 504.702 does not apply to license plates authorized by this subsection.(i) A vehicle registered under this section must be for the use of the applicant who qualifies under this section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 358, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87, Sec. 27.001(103), eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.316. LEGION OF MERIT MEDAL RECIPIENTS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who have received the Legion of Merit medal. The license plates must include the words "Legion of Merit."(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is:(1) $10 for the first set of license plates; and(2) $15 for each additional set of license plates.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 317, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
SUBCHAPTER E. SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES WITH RESTRICTED DISTRIBUTIONSec. 504.401. STATE OFFICIALS. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates to a state official. The license plates must include the words "State Official."(b) A state official may be issued three sets of license plates under this section.(c) The license plates remain valid until December 31 of each year.(d) In this section, "state official" means:(1) a member of the legislature;(2) the governor;(3) the lieutenant governor;(4) a justice of the supreme court;(5) a judge of the court of criminal appeals;(6) the attorney general;(7) the commissioner of the General Land Office;(8) the comptroller;(9) a member of the Railroad Commission of Texas;(10) the commissioner of agriculture;(11) the secretary of state; or(12) a member of the State Board of Education.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.402. MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for members of congress. License plates issued under this section must include the words "U.S. Congress."(b) A person may be issued three sets of license plates under this section.(c) The license plates remain valid until December 31 of each year.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.403. STATE AND FEDERAL JUDGES. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for a current or visiting state or federal judge. The license plates must include the words "State Judge" or "U.S. Judge," as appropriate.(b) A person may be issued three sets of license plates under this section.(c) The license plates remain valid until December 31 of each year.(d) In this section:(1) "Federal judge" means:(A) a judge of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals;(B) a judge or magistrate of a United States district court; or(C) a judge of a United States bankruptcy court.(2) "State judge" means:(A) a justice of the supreme court;(B) a judge of the court of criminal appeals;(C) a judge of a court of appeals;(D) a district court judge;(E) a presiding judge of an administrative judicial district; or(F) a statutory county court judge.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.404. FEDERAL ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for current federal administrative law judges. The license plates shall bear the words "U.S. A. L. Judge."(b) A person may be issued three sets of license plates under this section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.405. COUNTY JUDGES. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for current county judges of this state. The license plates shall bear the words "County Judge."(b) A person may be issued three sets of license plates under this section.(c) In this section, "county judge" means the judge of the county court established by Section 15, Article V, Texas Constitution.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.406. TEXAS CONSTABLES. The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for Texas constables. The license plates shall bear the words "Texas Constable."
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.407. PEACE OFFICERS WOUNDED OR KILLED IN LINE OF DUTY. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for:(1) a person wounded in the line of duty as a peace officer; or(2) a surviving spouse, parent, brother, sister, or adult child, including an adopted child or stepchild, of a person killed in the line of duty as a peace officer.(b) License plates issued under this section must include the words "To Protect and Serve" above an insignia depicting a yellow rose superimposed over the outline of a badge.(c) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $20.(d) In this section, "peace officer" has the meaning assigned by Section 1.07, Penal Code.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.408. GOLD STAR MOTHER, SPOUSE, OR FAMILY MEMBER. (a) The department shall issue a specialty license plate for the mother, surviving spouse, or immediate family member of a person who died while serving in the United States armed forces. License plates issued under this section must include the words "Gold Star Mother," "Gold Star Spouse," or "Gold Star Family" and a gold star. A person may not be issued more than one set of the license plates at a time.(a-1) In this section "immediate family member" means the parent, child, or sibling of a person who died while serving in the United States armed forces.(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $10.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 721, Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 721, Sec. 2, eff. June 15, 2007.
Sec. 504.409. FIREFIGHTERS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for:(1) volunteer firefighters certified by:(A) the Texas Commission on Fire Protection; or(B) the State Firemen's and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas; and(2) fire protection personnel as that term is defined by Section 419.021, Government Code. Without reference to the amendment of this subsection, this subsection was repealed by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 39 effective September 1, 2011 (b) The fee for issuance of each set of license plates is:(1) $4 for volunteer firefighters; and(2) $30 for fire protection personnel.(c) A person may be issued not more than three sets of license plates.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 39(8), eff. September 1, 2011.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1381, Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.410. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for emergency medical services personnel certified by the Texas Department of Health under Subchapter C, Chapter 773, Health and Safety Code.(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $8.(c) A person may be issued only one set of the license plates.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.411. HONORARY CONSULS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a person who is an honorary consul authorized by the United States to perform consular duties. License plates issued under this section must include the words "Honorary Consul."(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $40.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.412. FOREIGN ORGANIZATION VEHICLES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for an instrumentality established by a foreign government recognized by the United States before January 1, 1979, that is without official representation or diplomatic relations with the United States. The license plates must include the words "Foreign Organization" and shall remain valid for five years.(b) A person entitled to specialty license plates under this section may register the vehicle without payment of any fee paid for or at the time of registration.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.413. MEMBERS OF AMERICAN LEGION. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for members of the American Legion. The license plates shall include the words "Still Serving America" and the emblem of the American Legion. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the American Legion.(b) The fee for the license plates is $30.(c) After deduction of $8 to reimburse the department for its administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the American Legion, Department of Texas account in the state treasury. Money in the account may be used only by the Texas Veterans Commission in making grants to the American Legion Endowment Fund for scholarships and youth programs sponsored by the American Legion, Department of Texas.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.414. PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTER PLATES. (a) The professional firefighter plate may be issued to qualified firefighters. The sponsor of the plate may nominate a state agency for receipt of funds under Section 504.801(e)(2)(A).(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs in accordance with Section 504.801, the remainder of the fees from the sale of professional firefighter plates shall be deposited to the credit of an account in the state treasury to be used by the nominated state agency for the purpose of making grants to support the activities of an organization of professional firefighters located in this state that provides emergency relief and college scholarship funds to the professional firefighters and their dependents.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 712, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER F. SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES FOR CERTAIN VEHICLESText of section effective until September 01, 2011Sec. 504.501. CLASSIC MOTOR VEHICLES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old. The license plates must include the words "Classic Auto," "Classic Motorcycle," or "Classic Truck" or a similar designation, as appropriate.(b) A person eligible for the license plates may instead use license plates that were issued by this state in the same year as the model year of the vehicle and are approved by the department. The department may require the attachment of a registration insignia to the license plate in a manner that does not affect the display of information originally on the license plate.(c) The fee for issuance or approval of license plates under this section is $15.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 32, eff. September 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on September 01, 2011Sec. 504.501. CLASSIC MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAVEL TRAILERS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old. The license plates must include the word "Classic" or a similar designation, as appropriate.(b) A person eligible for the license plates may instead use license plates that were issued by this state in the same year as the model year of the vehicle and are approved by the department if the plates are approved for the vehicle before January 1, 2011. The department may require the attachment of a registration insignia to the license plate in a manner that does not affect the display of information originally on the license plate.(c) There is no fee for issuance or approval of license plates under this section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 32, eff. September 1, 2011.
Text of section effective until September 01, 2011Sec. 504.5011. CLASSIC TRAVEL TRAILERS. (a) In this section, "travel trailer" has the meaning assigned by Section 502.166.(b) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a travel trailer that is at least 25 years old. The license plates must include the words "Classic Travel Trailer" or a similar designation.(c) A person eligible for the license plates may instead use license plates that were issued by this state in the same year as the model year of the travel trailer and are approved by the department. The department may require the attachment of a registration insignia to the license plate in a manner that does not affect the display of information originally on the license plate.(d) The fee for issuance or approval of license plates under this section is $15.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1045, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 504.502. CERTAIN EXHIBITION VEHICLES; OFFENSE. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a passenger car, truck, motorcycle, or former military vehicle that:(1) is at least 25 years old, if the vehicle is a passenger car, truck, or motorcycle;(2) is a collector's item;(3) is used exclusively for exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other functions of public interest and is not used for regular transportation; and(4) does not carry advertising.(b) The license plates must include the words "Antique Auto," "Antique Truck," "Antique Motorcycle," or "Military Vehicle," as appropriate.(c) A person eligible for the license plates may instead use license plates issued by this state in the same year as the model year of the vehicle and approved by the department, provided that a passenger car must bear passenger car or truck license plates and a truck must bear passenger car or truck license plates. The department may require attachment of a registration insignia to the license plate in a manner that does not affect the display of information originally on the license plate.(d) License plates issued or approved under this section expire on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance or approval.(e) The fee for issuance or approval of license plates under this section is:(1) $10 for each year or portion of a year remaining in the five-year registration period if the vehicle was manufactured in 1921 or later; or(2) $8 for each year or portion of a year remaining in the five-year registration period if the vehicle was manufactured before 1921.(f) The department may exempt a former military vehicle from the requirement to display a license plate or registration insignia if the exemption is necessary to maintain the vehicle's accurate military markings. The department may approve an alternative registration insignia that is compatible with the vehicle's original markings.(g) A person entitled to specialty license plates or to department approval under this section may register the vehicle without payment of any fees paid for or at the time of registration except the fee for the license plate. An owner of a vehicle registered under this subsection who violates this section commits an offense. An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $5 or more than $200.(h) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a vehicle issued license plates under Subsection (a) shall be required to attach and display only one license plate on the rear of the vehicle.(i) In this section, "former military vehicle" means a vehicle, including a trailer, regardless of the vehicle's size, weight, or year of manufacture, that:(1) was manufactured for use in any country's military forces; and(2) is maintained to represent its military design and markings accurately.(j) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution of an offense under this section that at the time of the offense the vehicle was en route to or from a location for the purpose of routine maintenance of the vehicle.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1318, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 504.503. MUNICIPAL AND PRIVATE BUSES. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for municipal buses and private buses. The license plates must include the words "City Bus" or "Private Bus," as appropriate.(b) In this section, "private bus" means a bus that:(1) is not operated for hire; and(2) is not classified as a municipal bus or a motor bus.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.504. CERTAIN FARM VEHICLES AND DRILLING AND CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates to a vehicle described by Subsection (b) or (c). The fee for the license plates is $5.(b) An owner is not required to register a vehicle that is used only temporarily on the highways if the vehicle is:(1) a farm trailer or farm semitrailer with a gross weight of more than 4,000 pounds but not more than 34,000 pounds that is used exclusively to transport:(A) seasonally harvested agricultural products or livestock from the place of production to the place of processing, market, or storage; or(B) farm supplies from the place of loading to the farm;(2) machinery used exclusively for the purpose of drilling water wells; or(3) construction machinery that is not designed to transport persons or property on a public highway.(c) An owner is not required to register a vehicle that is:(1) a farm trailer or farm semitrailer owned by a cotton gin and used exclusively to transport agricultural products without charge from the place of production to the place of processing, market, or storage;(2) a trailer used exclusively to transport fertilizer without charge from a place of supply or storage to a farm; or(3) a trailer used exclusively to transport cottonseed without charge from a place of supply or storage to a farm or place of processing.(d) A vehicle described by Subsection (b) is exempt from the inspection requirements of Subchapters B and F, Chapter 548.(e) This section does not apply to a farm trailer or farm semitrailer that:(1) is used for hire;(2) has metal tires operating in contact with the highway;(3) is not equipped with an adequate hitch pinned or locked so that it will remain securely engaged to the towing vehicle while in motion; or(4) is not operated and equipped in compliance with all other law.(f) A vehicle to which this section applies that is operated on a public highway in violation of this section is considered to be operated while unregistered and is immediately subject to the applicable registration fees and penalties prescribed by Chapter 502.(g) In this section, the gross weight of a trailer or semitrailer is the combined weight of the vehicle and the load carried on the highway.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.505. COTTON VEHICLES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a single motor vehicle that is:(1) used only to transport chile pepper modules, seed cotton, cotton, cotton burrs, or equipment used in transporting or processing chile peppers or cotton; and(2) not more than 10 feet in width.(b) The license plates must include the words "Cotton Vehicle."Text of subsection effective until September 01, 2011(c) The initial fee for issuance of the license plates is $8. The license plates may be renewed without payment of a fee.Text of subsection effective on September 01, 2011(c) There is no fee for issuance of the license plates. The license plates may be renewed without payment of a fee.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 247, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 33, eff. September 1, 2011.
Sec. 504.506. CERTAIN LOG LOADER VEHICLES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a vehicle that is temporarily operated on public highways, during daylight hours only, and on which machinery is mounted solely to load logs on other vehicles.(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $62.50.(c) A person entitled to specialty license plates under this section may register the vehicle without payment of any fee paid for or at the time of registration other than the fee for the license plates.(d) A vehicle having a license plate issued under this section is exempt from the inspection requirements of Chapter 548.(e) This section does not apply to a vehicle used to haul logs.(f) A vehicle to which this section applies that is operated on a public highway in violation of this section is considered to be operated or moved while unregistered and is immediately subject to the applicable fees and penalties prescribed by Chapter 502.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.507. FORESTRY VEHICLES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for forestry vehicles. License plates issued under this section must include the words "Forestry Vehicle."Text of subsection effective until September 01, 2011(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $8. The department shall:(1) also collect any additional fee that a county imposes under this chapter for registration of a forestry vehicle; and(2) send the fee to the appropriate county for disposition.Text of subsection effective on September 01, 2011(b) There is no fee for issuance of the license plates. The department shall:(1) collect any fee that a county imposes under this chapter for registration of a forestry vehicle; and(2) send the fee to the appropriate county for disposition.(c) In this section, "forestry vehicle" means a vehicle used exclusively for transporting forest products in their natural state, including logs, debarked logs, untreated ties, stave bolts, plywood bolts, pulpwood billets, wood chips, stumps, sawdust, moss, bark, wood shavings, and property used in production of those products.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 34, eff. September 1, 2011.
Sec. 504.508. TOW TRUCKS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a commercial motor vehicle used as a tow truck. The license plates must include the words "Tow Truck." A vehicle used commercially as a tow truck shall display license plates issued under this section.Text of subsection effective until September 01, 2011(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $15.Text of subsection effective on September 01, 2011(b) There is no fee for issuance of the license plates.(c) Proof of eligibility for license plates under this section must include a copy of the permit certificate issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for the tow truck.(d) In this section, "tow truck" means a motor vehicle adapted or used to tow, winch, or otherwise move another motor vehicle.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1046, Sec. 3.05, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 35, eff. September 1, 2011.
Text of section effective until September 01, 2011Sec. 504.509. VEHICLES CARRYING MOBILE AMATEUR RADIO EQUIPMENT. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a person who holds an amateur radio station license issued by the Federal Communications Commission and who operates receiving and transmitting mobile amateur radio equipment. The license plates shall include the person's amateur call letters as assigned by the Federal Communications Commission. A person may register more than one vehicle equipped with mobile amateur radio equipment under this section, and the department shall issue license plates that include the same amateur call letters for each vehicle.(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $2 for the first year and $1 for each subsequent year.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 36, eff. September 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on September 01, 2011Sec. 504.509. VEHICLES CARRYING MOBILE AMATEUR RADIO EQUIPMENT. The department shall issue specialty license plates for a person who holds an amateur radio station license issued by the Federal Communications Commission and who operates receiving and transmitting mobile amateur radio equipment. The license plates shall include the person's amateur call letters as assigned by the Federal Communications Commission. A person may register more than one vehicle equipped with mobile amateur radio equipment under this section, and the department shall issue license plates that include the same amateur call letters for each vehicle.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 36, eff. September 1, 2011.
Sec. 504.510. GOLF CART LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for an eligible golf cart.Text of subsection effective until September 01, 2011(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $10.Text of subsection effective on September 01, 2011(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $6.(c) A person entitled to specialty license plates under this section may register the golf cart without payment of any fees paid for or at the time of registration other than the fee for the license plates. This section does not authorize the operation of a golf cart on a public road where it is otherwise prohibited by law.(d) This section applies only to an owner of a golf cart who resides:(1) on real property that is owned or under the control of the United States Corps of Engineers and is required by that agency to register the owner's golf cart under this chapter; and(2) in a county that borders another state and has a population of more than 110,000 but less than 111,000.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 37, eff. September 1, 2011.
SUBCHAPTER G. SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES FOR GENERAL DISTRIBUTIONSec. 504.601. GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES FOR GENERAL DISTRIBUTION. (a) Unless expressly provided by this subchapter or department rule:(1) the fee for issuance of a license plate under this subchapter is $30; and(2) of each fee received under this subchapter, the department shall use $8 to defray its administrative costs in complying with this subchapter.(b) This section does not apply to a specialty license plate marketed and sold by a private vendor at the request of the specialty license plate sponsor under Section 504.6011.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1381, Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.6011. GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES FOR GENERAL DISTRIBUTION SOLD THROUGH PRIVATE VENDOR. (a) The sponsor of a specialty license plate authorized to be issued under this subchapter before September 1, 2009, may contract with the private vendor authorized under Subchapter J for the marketing and sale of the specialty license plate.(b) The fee for issuance of a specialty license plate described by Subsection (a) is the amount established under Section 504.851.(c) Notwithstanding any other law, from each fee received for the issuance of a specialty license plate described by Subsection (a), the department shall:(1) deduct the administrative costs described by Section 504.601(a)(2);(2) deposit to the credit of the account designated by the law authorizing the specialty license plate the portion of the fee for the sale of the plate that the state would ordinarily receive under the contract described by Section 504.851(a); and(3) pay to the private vendor the remainder of the fee.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1381, Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.602. KEEP TEXAS BEAUTIFUL LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "Keep Texas Beautiful." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with Keep Texas Beautiful, Inc.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be used in connection with the department's litter prevention and community beautification programs.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.603. TEXAS CAPITOL LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates depicting the State Capitol.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.604. TEXAS COMMISSION ON THE ARTS LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "State of the Arts." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Texas Commission on the Arts.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Texas Commission on the Arts operating fund established under Section 444.027, Government Code.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.605. ANIMAL FRIENDLY LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "Animal Friendly." The department shall design the license plates.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the animal friendly account established by Section 828.014, Health and Safety Code.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.606. BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include one or more graphic images of a significant feature of Big Bend National Park. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Parks and Wildlife Department and any organization designated by it.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Big Bend National Park account in the state treasury. Money in the account may be used only by the Parks and Wildlife Department to support the activities of a designated nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is the improvement or preservation of Big Bend National Park.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.607. READ TO SUCCEED. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "Read to Succeed." The department shall design the license plates.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee shall be deposited to the credit of the "Read to Succeed" account in the general revenue fund. Money in the account may be used only to provide educational materials for public school libraries. The account is composed of:(1) money required to be deposited to the credit of the account under this subsection; and(2) donations made to the account.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.608. MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include the words "Mothers Against Drunk Driving." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with Mothers Against Drunk Driving.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund and may be appropriated only to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in making grants to benefit drug-abuse prevention and education programs sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 575, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 504.609. UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE LICENSE PLATES. The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "United States Olympic Committee." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the United States Olympic Committee.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.610. TEXAS AEROSPACE COMMISSION LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "Texas Aerospace Commission." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Texas Aerospace Commission.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.611. VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE PROGRAM LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates in recognition of children. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the attorney general.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the attorney general volunteer advocate program account in the general revenue fund. Money deposited to the credit of the volunteer advocate program account may be used only by the attorney general to fund a contract entered into by the attorney general under Section 264.602, Family Code.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.612. TEXAS YOUNG LAWYERS ASSOCIATION LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "And Justice for All." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Texas Young Lawyers Association.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the basic civil legal services account established by Section 51.943, Government Code.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.613. HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholarship account in the state treasury. Money in the account may be used only by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in making grants to benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.614. PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAM LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department may issue specialty license plates that include the name and insignia of a professional sports team located in this state. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the professional sports team and may enter a trademark license with the professional sports team or its league to implement this section. A license plate may be issued under this section only for a professional sports team that:(1) certifies to the department that it has determined that at least 3,500 persons will apply for the plates; and(2) plays its home games in a facility constructed or operated, in whole or in part, with public funds.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be sent to the public entity that provided public funds for the construction or renovation of the facility in which the professional sports team plays its home games or that provides public funds for the operation of that facility. The funds shall be deposited to the credit of the venue project fund, if the public entity has created a venue project fund under Section 334.042 or 335.072, Local Government Code. If the public entity has not created a venue project fund, funds distributed to a public entity under
TRANSPORTATION CODETITLE 7. VEHICLES AND TRAFFICSUBTITLE A. CERTIFICATES OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION OF VEHICLESCHAPTER 504. SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATESSUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONSSec. 504.001. DEFINITIONS. (a) In this chapter:(1) "Board" means the board of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.(2) "Department" means the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.(b) A word or phrase that is not defined by this chapter but is defined by Section 502.001 has the meaning in this chapter that is assigned by that section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933, Sec. 2G.01, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.002. PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICABILITY. Unless expressly provided by this chapter or by department rule:(1) any vehicle is eligible to be issued specialty license plates, provided that the department may vary the design of a license plate to accommodate or reflect its use on a motor vehicle other than a passenger car or light truck;(2) an application for specialty license plates must be submitted in the manner specified by the department, provided that if issuance of a specialty license plate is limited to particular persons or motor vehicles, the application must be accompanied by evidence satisfactory to the department that the applicant or the applicant's vehicle is eligible;(3) the fee for issuance of a specialty license plate is in addition to each other fee that is paid for or at the time of the registration of the motor vehicle and shall be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund;(4) each fee described by this chapter is an annual fee, provided that the department may prorate the fee for a specialty license plate fee on a monthly basis to align the license plate fee to the registration period for the motor vehicle for which the license plate was issued, and if a fee is prorated the allocation of the fee by this chapter to an account or fund shall be prorated in proportion;(5) the department is the exclusive owner of the design of each specialty license plate;(6) the director may refuse to issue a specialty license plate with a design or alphanumeric pattern that the director considers potentially objectionable to one or more members of the public and the director's refusal may not be overturned in the absence of an abuse of discretion;(7) for each specialty license plate that is issued through a county tax assessor-collector and for which the department is allocated a portion of a fee for administrative costs, the department shall credit 50 cents from its administrative costs to the county treasurer of the applicable county, who shall credit the money to the general fund of the county to defray the costs to the county of administering this chapter;(8) if a specialty license plate is lost, stolen, or mutilated, an application for a replacement plate must be accompanied by the fee prescribed by Section 502.184(a)(2);(9) if the owner of a motor vehicle for which a specialty license plate is issued disposes of the vehicle or for any reason ceases to be eligible for that specialty license plate, the owner shall return the specialty license plate to the department; and(10) a person who is issued a specialty license plate may not transfer it to another person or vehicle without first receiving approval from the department.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.003. SOUVENIR LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department may issue a souvenir version of any specialty license plate for any vehicle, including a motorcycle.(b) The fee for a single souvenir license plate is $20. The fee shall be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund unless the souvenir license plate is a replica of a specialty license plate issued under Subchapter G or I for which the fee is deposited to an account other than the state highway fund, in which case:(1) $10 of the fee for the souvenir license plate shall be deposited to the credit of the designated account; and(2) $10 of the fee for the souvenir license plate shall be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund.(c) If a souvenir license plate issued before September 1, 2009, is personalized, the fee for the plate is $40. Of the fee:(1) $20 shall be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund;(2) $10 shall be deposited to the credit of the designated account if the souvenir license plate is a replica of a specialty license plate issued under Subchapter G or I for which the fee is deposited to a designated account other than the state highway fund; and(3) the remainder shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund.(c-1) The fee for a souvenir license plate issued on or after September 1, 2009, is the amount established under Section 504.851(c).(d) A souvenir license plate may not be used on a motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, and is not an insignia of registration for a motor vehicle. Each souvenir license plate must be identified by the department in a way that identifies it to law enforcement officers and others as a souvenir license plate.(e) A beneficiary of a specialty license plate issued under Subchapter G or I, as designated by the applicable section of those subchapters, may purchase the specialty license plates, in boxes of 25, for use or resale by the beneficiary. The beneficiary shall pay the required fee per plate, less the amount of the fee that would be deposited to the credit of the designated account.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 279, Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2005.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1381, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.004. RULES AND FORMS. The board may adopt rules and the department may issue forms to implement and administer this chapter.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933, Sec. 2G.02, eff. September 1, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER B. PERSONALIZED LICENSE PLATESSec. 504.102. PERSONALIZATION OF SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATE. Unless expressly prohibited by this chapter or department rule, any specialty license plate issued under this chapter may be personalized. If a specialty license plate is personalized, the fee for personalization of the specialty license plate shall be added to the fee for issuance of that specialty license plate.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1381, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.103. DESIGN AND ALPHANUMERIC PATTERN. The department has sole control over the design, typeface, color, and alphanumeric pattern for a personalized license plate.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
SUBCHAPTER C. LICENSE PLATES FOR VEHICLES USED BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIESSec. 504.201. PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. (a) In this section:(1) "Disability" and "mobility problem that substantially impairs a person's ability to ambulate" have the meanings assigned by Section 681.001.(2) "Legally blind" means a condition described by Section 681.001(2)(B) or (C).(3) "Practice of optometry" and "practice of therapeutic optometry" have the meanings assigned by Section 351.002, Occupations Code.(b) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a motor vehicle that:(1) has a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of two tons or less; and(2) is regularly operated for noncommercial use by or for the transportation of a person with a permanent disability.(c) An owner of a motor vehicle regularly operated by or for the transportation of a person described by Subsection (a) may apply to the department for registration under this section.(d) Except as provided by Subsection (d-1), the initial application for specialty license plates under this section must be accompanied by a written statement from a physician who is licensed to practice medicine in this state or in a state adjacent to this state or who is authorized by applicable law to practice medicine in a hospital or other health facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs. If the applicant has a mobility problem caused by a disorder of the foot, the written statement may be issued by a person licensed to practice podiatry in this state or a state adjacent to this state. In this subsection, "podiatry" has the meaning assigned by Section 681.001. The statement must certify that the person making the application or on whose behalf the application is made is legally blind or has a mobility problem that substantially impairs the person's ability to ambulate. The statement must also certify whether a mobility problem is temporary or permanent. A written statement is not required as acceptable medical proof if:(1) the person with a disability:(A) has had a limb, hand, or foot amputated; or(B) must use a wheelchair; and(2) the applicant and the county assessor-collector processing the application execute an affidavit attesting to the person's disability.(d-1) If the initial application for specialty license plates under this section is made by or on behalf of a person who is legally blind, the written statement required by Subsection (d) may be issued by a person licensed to engage in the practice of optometry or the practice of therapeutic optometry in this state or a state adjacent to this state.(e) A person with a disability may receive:(1) one disabled parking placard under Section 681.002 if the person receives a set of license plates under this section; or(2) two disabled parking placards under Section 681.002 if the person does not receive a set of license plates under this section.(f) A license plate issued under this section must include the symbol of access adopted by Rehabilitation International in 1969 at its Eleventh World Congress on Rehabilitation of the Disabled. The symbol must be the same size as the numbers on the license plate.(g) In addition to a license plate issued under this section, an eligible person is entitled to be issued a set of the license plates for each motor vehicle owned by the person that has a carrying capacity of two tons or less and is equipped with special equipment that:(1) is designed to allow a person who has lost the use of one or both of the person's legs to operate the vehicle; and(2) is not standard equipment on that type of vehicle for use by a person who has use of both legs.(h) The department shall include the international symbol of access, as defined by Section 681.001, on a specialty license plate issued under this chapter to a person who is eligible for a license plate issued under this section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 153, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 531, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 531, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.202. VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES. (a) A person entitled to specialty license plates under this section may register, for the person's own use, one vehicle without payment of any fee paid for or at the time of registration except the fee for the license plates. Registration under this section is valid for one year.(b) A veteran of the United States armed forces is entitled to register, for the person's own use, motor vehicles under this section if:(1) the person has suffered, as a result of military service:(A) at least a 50 percent service-connected disability; or(B) a 40 percent service-connected disability because of the amputation of a lower extremity;(2) the person receives compensation from the United States because of the disability; and(3) the motor vehicle:(A) is owned by the person; and(B) has a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity of two tons or less.(c) An organization may register a motor vehicle under this section if:(1) the vehicle is used exclusively to transport veterans of the United States armed forces who have suffered, as a result of military service, a service-connected disability; and(2) the veterans are not charged for the transportation.(d) A statement by the veterans county service officer of the county in which a vehicle described by Subsection (c) is registered or by the Department of Veterans Affairs that a vehicle is used exclusively to transport veterans with disabilities without charge is satisfactory proof of eligibility for an organization.(e) Other than license plates issued under Subsection (h), license plates issued under this section must include:(1) the letters "DV" as a prefix or suffix to any numeral on the plate; and(2) the words "Disabled Veteran" and "U.S. Armed Forces" at the bottom of each license plate.(f) The fee for the first set of license plates is $3. There is no fee for each additional set of license plates. If a license plate is lost, stolen, or mutilated, on payment of a $1 fee the department shall issue a set of replacement plates.(g) A person who receives license plates under this section may receive a disabled parking placard under Section 681.004 for each set of license plates without providing additional documentation.(h) A person entitled to license plates under this section may elect to receive license plates issued under Chapter 502 under the same conditions for the issuance of license plates under this section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., 3rd C.S., ch. 8, Sec. 5.09, eff. Jan. 11, 2004.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 98, Sec. 1, eff. May 15, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 617, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 965, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.203. ISSUANCE OF DISABLED LICENSE PLATES TO CERTAIN INSTITUTIONS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates under this subchapter for a van or bus operated by an institution, facility, or residential retirement community for the elderly or for veterans in which an eligible person resides, including:(1) an institution that holds a license issued under Chapter 242, Health and Safety Code; or(2) a facility that holds a license issued under Chapter 246 or 247 of that code.(b) An application for license plates under this section must be accompanied by a written statement signed by the administrator or manager of the institution, facility, or retirement community certifying that the institution, facility, or retirement community regularly transports, as a part of the services that the institution, facility, or retirement community provides, one or more eligible persons who reside in the institution, facility, or retirement community. The department shall determine the eligibility of the institution, facility, or retirement community on the evidence the applicant provides.(c) The application and eligibility requirements for a license plate under this section are the same as those provided by Sections 504.201 and 504.202, as applicable.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
SUBCHAPTER D. SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES FOR THE MILITARYSec. 504.301. PROVISIONS GENERALLY APPLICABLE TO MILITARY SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES. Unless expressly provided by this subchapter or department rule:(1) the department shall design specialty license plates for the military; and(2) a person is not eligible to be issued a specialty license plate under this subchapter if the person was discharged from the armed forces under conditions less than honorable.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.3011. DESIGN OF CERTAIN LICENSE PLATES FOR THE MILITARY. (a) License plates issued under Section 504.303 must at a minimum bear a color depiction of the emblem of the appropriate branch of the United States armed forces.(b) License plates issued under Section 504.308(a) or 504.315(e), (f), or (g) must at a minimum bear a color depiction of the appropriate medal.(c) The department shall design license plates to which this section applies in consultation with veterans organizations.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 258, Sec. 11.01, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.3015. FEES FOR MILITARY SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES. (a) A person applying for a set of license plates under this subchapter shall pay the registration fee required under Chapter 502 and the applicable special plate fee required under this section, except that one set of license plates shall be issued under Section 504.308 or 504.315 without the payment of the registration fee.(b) The fee for the issuance of one set of specialty license plates issued under Section 504.315(c), (d), or (g) is $3. There is no additional fee for a specialty license plate issued under another provision of this subchapter.(c) A surviving spouse applying for a set of license plates under Section 504.302 shall pay the fees required for the type of license plate for which the surviving spouse is eligible.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.302. SURVIVING SPOUSES OF CERTAIN MILITARY VETERANS. (a) The surviving spouse of a person who would be eligible for a specialty license plate under this subchapter is entitled to continue to register one vehicle under the applicable section as long as the spouse remains unmarried.(b) An applicant for registration under this section must submit proof of the eligibility of the applicant's deceased spouse for the applicable specialty license plate.(c) A surviving spouse applying for specialty license plates under this section must submit a written statement that the spouse is unmarried. If the surviving spouse is applying for Former Prisoner of War, Pearl Harbor Survivor, or Purple Heart specialty license plates, the statement must be sworn to by the surviving spouse.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.303. MEMBERS OR FORMER MEMBERS OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for active or former members of the United States armed forces. The license plates must designate the appropriate branch of the United States armed forces.(b) Repealed by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.304. MEMBERS OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES AUXILIARIES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for members of:(1) the United States Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol;(2) the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary; and(3) the Marine Corps League or its auxiliary.(b) The license plates must include the words "Texas Wing Civil Air Patrol," the words "Coast Guard Auxiliary," or the emblem of the Marine Corps League and the words "Marine Corps League," as applicable.(c) Repealed by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.305. MEMBERS OF TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD, STATE GUARD, OR UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES RESERVES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for:(1) active members of the Texas National Guard or Texas State Guard;(2) retired members of the Texas National Guard or Texas State Guard who have completed 20 or more years of satisfactory federal service; and(3) members of a reserve component of the United States armed forces.(b) The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the adjutant general. The license plates must include the words "Texas Guard" or "Armed Forces Reserve," as applicable.(c) A letter from the United States Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, or the Department of the Air Force stating that a retired guard member has 20 or more years of satisfactory federal service is satisfactory proof of eligibility.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.306. PERSONS RETIRED FROM SERVICE IN MERCHANT MARINE OF THE UNITED STATES. The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons retired from service in the merchant marine of the United States. The license plates must include the words "Merchant Marine."
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.307. AIRBORNE PARACHUTISTS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons active and former members of the United States armed services who have:(1) satisfactorily completed the prescribed proficiency tests while assigned or attached to an airborne unit or the Airborne Department of the United States Army Infantry School; or(2) participated in at least one combat parachute jump.(b) The license plates must include a likeness of the parachutist badge authorized by the Department of the Army.(c) Repealed by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.308. DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS MEDAL RECIPIENTS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who have received the Distinguished Flying Cross medal. The license plates must bear a depiction of the Distinguished Flying Cross medal and the words "Distinguished Flying Cross" at the bottom of each license plate.(b) Repealed by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.309. MILITARY ACADEMY LICENSE PLATES. The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who:(1) are graduates of the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, or the United States Air Force Academy; and(2) are current or former commissioned officers of the United States armed forces.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.310. WORLD WAR II VETERANS. The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who served in the United States or Allied armed forces during World War II. The license plates must include the words "WWII Veteran."
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.311. KOREAN WAR VETERANS. The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who served in the United States armed forces after June 26, 1950, and before February 1, 1955. License plates issued under this section must include the words "Korea Veteran."
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.312. VIETNAM VETERANS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who served in the United States armed forces during:(1) the period beginning on February 28, 1961, and ending on May 7, 1975, in the case of a veteran who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period; or(2) the period beginning on August 5, 1964, and ending on May 7, 1975, in all other cases.(b) License plates issued under this section must include the words "Vietnam Veteran."
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.313. DESERT SHIELD OR DESERT STORM VETERANS. The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who served in the United States armed forces after August 1, 1990, and before April 12, 1991. License plates issued under this section must include the words "Desert Storm."
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.3135. OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who served in the United States armed forces and participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom. License plates issued under this section must include the words "Operation Iraqi Freedom."
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 575, Sec. 1(a), eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 10, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.314. ENDURING FREEDOM VETERANS. The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who served in the United States armed services and participated in Operation Enduring Freedom. The license plates must include the words "Enduring Freedom."
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 11, eff. September 1, 2007.
Sec. 504.315. MILITARY SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES FOR EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE. (a) Repealed by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.(b) Repealed by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.(c) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a person who was captured and incarcerated by an enemy of the United States during a period of conflict with the United States. The license plates must show that the recipient is a former prisoner of war.(d) The department shall issue specialty license plates for survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The license plates must include the words "Pearl Harbor Survivor" and must be consecutively numbered. A person is eligible if the person:(1) served in the United States armed forces;(2) was stationed in the Hawaiian Islands on December 7, 1941; and(3) survived the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.(e) The department shall issue specialty license plates to a recipient of a Congressional Medal of Honor awarded under Title 10, United States Code. The department shall assign the license plate number, and the plates may not be personalized.(f) The department shall issue specialty license plates for recipients of the Air Force Cross or Distinguished Service Cross, the Army Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, or the Medal of Honor. The license plates must include the words "Legion of Valor."(g) The department shall issue specialty license plates for recipients of the Purple Heart. License plates issued under this subsection must include:(1) the Purple Heart emblem;(2) the words "Purple Heart" at the bottom of each plate; and(3) the letters "PH" as a prefix or suffix to the numerals on the plate if the plate is not personalized.(h) The department shall issue special license plates for recipients of the Silver Star Medal. License plates issued under this subsection must include the Silver Star Medal emblem and must include the words "Silver Star Medal" at the bottom of each plate. Section 504.702 does not apply to license plates authorized by this subsection.(i) A vehicle registered under this section must be for the use of the applicant who qualifies under this section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 358, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1166, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87, Sec. 27.001(103), eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.316. LEGION OF MERIT MEDAL RECIPIENTS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for persons who have received the Legion of Merit medal. The license plates must include the words "Legion of Merit."(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is:(1) $10 for the first set of license plates; and(2) $15 for each additional set of license plates.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 317, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
SUBCHAPTER E. SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES WITH RESTRICTED DISTRIBUTIONSec. 504.401. STATE OFFICIALS. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates to a state official. The license plates must include the words "State Official."(b) A state official may be issued three sets of license plates under this section.(c) The license plates remain valid until December 31 of each year.(d) In this section, "state official" means:(1) a member of the legislature;(2) the governor;(3) the lieutenant governor;(4) a justice of the supreme court;(5) a judge of the court of criminal appeals;(6) the attorney general;(7) the commissioner of the General Land Office;(8) the comptroller;(9) a member of the Railroad Commission of Texas;(10) the commissioner of agriculture;(11) the secretary of state; or(12) a member of the State Board of Education.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.402. MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for members of congress. License plates issued under this section must include the words "U.S. Congress."(b) A person may be issued three sets of license plates under this section.(c) The license plates remain valid until December 31 of each year.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.403. STATE AND FEDERAL JUDGES. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for a current or visiting state or federal judge. The license plates must include the words "State Judge" or "U.S. Judge," as appropriate.(b) A person may be issued three sets of license plates under this section.(c) The license plates remain valid until December 31 of each year.(d) In this section:(1) "Federal judge" means:(A) a judge of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals;(B) a judge or magistrate of a United States district court; or(C) a judge of a United States bankruptcy court.(2) "State judge" means:(A) a justice of the supreme court;(B) a judge of the court of criminal appeals;(C) a judge of a court of appeals;(D) a district court judge;(E) a presiding judge of an administrative judicial district; or(F) a statutory county court judge.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.404. FEDERAL ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for current federal administrative law judges. The license plates shall bear the words "U.S. A. L. Judge."(b) A person may be issued three sets of license plates under this section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.405. COUNTY JUDGES. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for current county judges of this state. The license plates shall bear the words "County Judge."(b) A person may be issued three sets of license plates under this section.(c) In this section, "county judge" means the judge of the county court established by Section 15, Article V, Texas Constitution.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.406. TEXAS CONSTABLES. The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for Texas constables. The license plates shall bear the words "Texas Constable."
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.407. PEACE OFFICERS WOUNDED OR KILLED IN LINE OF DUTY. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for:(1) a person wounded in the line of duty as a peace officer; or(2) a surviving spouse, parent, brother, sister, or adult child, including an adopted child or stepchild, of a person killed in the line of duty as a peace officer.(b) License plates issued under this section must include the words "To Protect and Serve" above an insignia depicting a yellow rose superimposed over the outline of a badge.(c) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $20.(d) In this section, "peace officer" has the meaning assigned by Section 1.07, Penal Code.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.408. GOLD STAR MOTHER, SPOUSE, OR FAMILY MEMBER. (a) The department shall issue a specialty license plate for the mother, surviving spouse, or immediate family member of a person who died while serving in the United States armed forces. License plates issued under this section must include the words "Gold Star Mother," "Gold Star Spouse," or "Gold Star Family" and a gold star. A person may not be issued more than one set of the license plates at a time.(a-1) In this section "immediate family member" means the parent, child, or sibling of a person who died while serving in the United States armed forces.(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $10.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 721, Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 721, Sec. 2, eff. June 15, 2007.
Sec. 504.409. FIREFIGHTERS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for:(1) volunteer firefighters certified by:(A) the Texas Commission on Fire Protection; or(B) the State Firemen's and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas; and(2) fire protection personnel as that term is defined by Section 419.021, Government Code. Without reference to the amendment of this subsection, this subsection was repealed by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 39 effective September 1, 2011 (b) The fee for issuance of each set of license plates is:(1) $4 for volunteer firefighters; and(2) $30 for fire protection personnel.(c) A person may be issued not more than three sets of license plates.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 39(8), eff. September 1, 2011.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1381, Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.410. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for emergency medical services personnel certified by the Texas Department of Health under Subchapter C, Chapter 773, Health and Safety Code.(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $8.(c) A person may be issued only one set of the license plates.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.411. HONORARY CONSULS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a person who is an honorary consul authorized by the United States to perform consular duties. License plates issued under this section must include the words "Honorary Consul."(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $40.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.412. FOREIGN ORGANIZATION VEHICLES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for an instrumentality established by a foreign government recognized by the United States before January 1, 1979, that is without official representation or diplomatic relations with the United States. The license plates must include the words "Foreign Organization" and shall remain valid for five years.(b) A person entitled to specialty license plates under this section may register the vehicle without payment of any fee paid for or at the time of registration.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.413. MEMBERS OF AMERICAN LEGION. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for members of the American Legion. The license plates shall include the words "Still Serving America" and the emblem of the American Legion. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the American Legion.(b) The fee for the license plates is $30.(c) After deduction of $8 to reimburse the department for its administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the American Legion, Department of Texas account in the state treasury. Money in the account may be used only by the Texas Veterans Commission in making grants to the American Legion Endowment Fund for scholarships and youth programs sponsored by the American Legion, Department of Texas.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.414. PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTER PLATES. (a) The professional firefighter plate may be issued to qualified firefighters. The sponsor of the plate may nominate a state agency for receipt of funds under Section 504.801(e)(2)(A).(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs in accordance with Section 504.801, the remainder of the fees from the sale of professional firefighter plates shall be deposited to the credit of an account in the state treasury to be used by the nominated state agency for the purpose of making grants to support the activities of an organization of professional firefighters located in this state that provides emergency relief and college scholarship funds to the professional firefighters and their dependents.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 712, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER F. SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES FOR CERTAIN VEHICLESText of section effective until September 01, 2011Sec. 504.501. CLASSIC MOTOR VEHICLES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old. The license plates must include the words "Classic Auto," "Classic Motorcycle," or "Classic Truck" or a similar designation, as appropriate.(b) A person eligible for the license plates may instead use license plates that were issued by this state in the same year as the model year of the vehicle and are approved by the department. The department may require the attachment of a registration insignia to the license plate in a manner that does not affect the display of information originally on the license plate.(c) The fee for issuance or approval of license plates under this section is $15.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 32, eff. September 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on September 01, 2011Sec. 504.501. CLASSIC MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAVEL TRAILERS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old. The license plates must include the word "Classic" or a similar designation, as appropriate.(b) A person eligible for the license plates may instead use license plates that were issued by this state in the same year as the model year of the vehicle and are approved by the department if the plates are approved for the vehicle before January 1, 2011. The department may require the attachment of a registration insignia to the license plate in a manner that does not affect the display of information originally on the license plate.(c) There is no fee for issuance or approval of license plates under this section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 32, eff. September 1, 2011.
Text of section effective until September 01, 2011Sec. 504.5011. CLASSIC TRAVEL TRAILERS. (a) In this section, "travel trailer" has the meaning assigned by Section 502.166.(b) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a travel trailer that is at least 25 years old. The license plates must include the words "Classic Travel Trailer" or a similar designation.(c) A person eligible for the license plates may instead use license plates that were issued by this state in the same year as the model year of the travel trailer and are approved by the department. The department may require the attachment of a registration insignia to the license plate in a manner that does not affect the display of information originally on the license plate.(d) The fee for issuance or approval of license plates under this section is $15.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1045, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 504.502. CERTAIN EXHIBITION VEHICLES; OFFENSE. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a passenger car, truck, motorcycle, or former military vehicle that:(1) is at least 25 years old, if the vehicle is a passenger car, truck, or motorcycle;(2) is a collector's item;(3) is used exclusively for exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other functions of public interest and is not used for regular transportation; and(4) does not carry advertising.(b) The license plates must include the words "Antique Auto," "Antique Truck," "Antique Motorcycle," or "Military Vehicle," as appropriate.(c) A person eligible for the license plates may instead use license plates issued by this state in the same year as the model year of the vehicle and approved by the department, provided that a passenger car must bear passenger car or truck license plates and a truck must bear passenger car or truck license plates. The department may require attachment of a registration insignia to the license plate in a manner that does not affect the display of information originally on the license plate.(d) License plates issued or approved under this section expire on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance or approval.(e) The fee for issuance or approval of license plates under this section is:(1) $10 for each year or portion of a year remaining in the five-year registration period if the vehicle was manufactured in 1921 or later; or(2) $8 for each year or portion of a year remaining in the five-year registration period if the vehicle was manufactured before 1921.(f) The department may exempt a former military vehicle from the requirement to display a license plate or registration insignia if the exemption is necessary to maintain the vehicle's accurate military markings. The department may approve an alternative registration insignia that is compatible with the vehicle's original markings.(g) A person entitled to specialty license plates or to department approval under this section may register the vehicle without payment of any fees paid for or at the time of registration except the fee for the license plate. An owner of a vehicle registered under this subsection who violates this section commits an offense. An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $5 or more than $200.(h) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a vehicle issued license plates under Subsection (a) shall be required to attach and display only one license plate on the rear of the vehicle.(i) In this section, "former military vehicle" means a vehicle, including a trailer, regardless of the vehicle's size, weight, or year of manufacture, that:(1) was manufactured for use in any country's military forces; and(2) is maintained to represent its military design and markings accurately.(j) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution of an offense under this section that at the time of the offense the vehicle was en route to or from a location for the purpose of routine maintenance of the vehicle.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1318, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 504.503. MUNICIPAL AND PRIVATE BUSES. (a) The department shall issue without charge specialty license plates for municipal buses and private buses. The license plates must include the words "City Bus" or "Private Bus," as appropriate.(b) In this section, "private bus" means a bus that:(1) is not operated for hire; and(2) is not classified as a municipal bus or a motor bus.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.504. CERTAIN FARM VEHICLES AND DRILLING AND CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates to a vehicle described by Subsection (b) or (c). The fee for the license plates is $5.(b) An owner is not required to register a vehicle that is used only temporarily on the highways if the vehicle is:(1) a farm trailer or farm semitrailer with a gross weight of more than 4,000 pounds but not more than 34,000 pounds that is used exclusively to transport:(A) seasonally harvested agricultural products or livestock from the place of production to the place of processing, market, or storage; or(B) farm supplies from the place of loading to the farm;(2) machinery used exclusively for the purpose of drilling water wells; or(3) construction machinery that is not designed to transport persons or property on a public highway.(c) An owner is not required to register a vehicle that is:(1) a farm trailer or farm semitrailer owned by a cotton gin and used exclusively to transport agricultural products without charge from the place of production to the place of processing, market, or storage;(2) a trailer used exclusively to transport fertilizer without charge from a place of supply or storage to a farm; or(3) a trailer used exclusively to transport cottonseed without charge from a place of supply or storage to a farm or place of processing.(d) A vehicle described by Subsection (b) is exempt from the inspection requirements of Subchapters B and F, Chapter 548.(e) This section does not apply to a farm trailer or farm semitrailer that:(1) is used for hire;(2) has metal tires operating in contact with the highway;(3) is not equipped with an adequate hitch pinned or locked so that it will remain securely engaged to the towing vehicle while in motion; or(4) is not operated and equipped in compliance with all other law.(f) A vehicle to which this section applies that is operated on a public highway in violation of this section is considered to be operated while unregistered and is immediately subject to the applicable registration fees and penalties prescribed by Chapter 502.(g) In this section, the gross weight of a trailer or semitrailer is the combined weight of the vehicle and the load carried on the highway.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.505. COTTON VEHICLES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a single motor vehicle that is:(1) used only to transport chile pepper modules, seed cotton, cotton, cotton burrs, or equipment used in transporting or processing chile peppers or cotton; and(2) not more than 10 feet in width.(b) The license plates must include the words "Cotton Vehicle."Text of subsection effective until September 01, 2011(c) The initial fee for issuance of the license plates is $8. The license plates may be renewed without payment of a fee.Text of subsection effective on September 01, 2011(c) There is no fee for issuance of the license plates. The license plates may be renewed without payment of a fee.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 247, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 33, eff. September 1, 2011.
Sec. 504.506. CERTAIN LOG LOADER VEHICLES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a vehicle that is temporarily operated on public highways, during daylight hours only, and on which machinery is mounted solely to load logs on other vehicles.(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $62.50.(c) A person entitled to specialty license plates under this section may register the vehicle without payment of any fee paid for or at the time of registration other than the fee for the license plates.(d) A vehicle having a license plate issued under this section is exempt from the inspection requirements of Chapter 548.(e) This section does not apply to a vehicle used to haul logs.(f) A vehicle to which this section applies that is operated on a public highway in violation of this section is considered to be operated or moved while unregistered and is immediately subject to the applicable fees and penalties prescribed by Chapter 502.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.507. FORESTRY VEHICLES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for forestry vehicles. License plates issued under this section must include the words "Forestry Vehicle."Text of subsection effective until September 01, 2011(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $8. The department shall:(1) also collect any additional fee that a county imposes under this chapter for registration of a forestry vehicle; and(2) send the fee to the appropriate county for disposition.Text of subsection effective on September 01, 2011(b) There is no fee for issuance of the license plates. The department shall:(1) collect any fee that a county imposes under this chapter for registration of a forestry vehicle; and(2) send the fee to the appropriate county for disposition.(c) In this section, "forestry vehicle" means a vehicle used exclusively for transporting forest products in their natural state, including logs, debarked logs, untreated ties, stave bolts, plywood bolts, pulpwood billets, wood chips, stumps, sawdust, moss, bark, wood shavings, and property used in production of those products.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 34, eff. September 1, 2011.
Sec. 504.508. TOW TRUCKS. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a commercial motor vehicle used as a tow truck. The license plates must include the words "Tow Truck." A vehicle used commercially as a tow truck shall display license plates issued under this section.Text of subsection effective until September 01, 2011(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $15.Text of subsection effective on September 01, 2011(b) There is no fee for issuance of the license plates.(c) Proof of eligibility for license plates under this section must include a copy of the permit certificate issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for the tow truck.(d) In this section, "tow truck" means a motor vehicle adapted or used to tow, winch, or otherwise move another motor vehicle.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1046, Sec. 3.05, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 35, eff. September 1, 2011.
Text of section effective until September 01, 2011Sec. 504.509. VEHICLES CARRYING MOBILE AMATEUR RADIO EQUIPMENT. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for a person who holds an amateur radio station license issued by the Federal Communications Commission and who operates receiving and transmitting mobile amateur radio equipment. The license plates shall include the person's amateur call letters as assigned by the Federal Communications Commission. A person may register more than one vehicle equipped with mobile amateur radio equipment under this section, and the department shall issue license plates that include the same amateur call letters for each vehicle.(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $2 for the first year and $1 for each subsequent year.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 36, eff. September 1, 2011.
Text of section effective on September 01, 2011Sec. 504.509. VEHICLES CARRYING MOBILE AMATEUR RADIO EQUIPMENT. The department shall issue specialty license plates for a person who holds an amateur radio station license issued by the Federal Communications Commission and who operates receiving and transmitting mobile amateur radio equipment. The license plates shall include the person's amateur call letters as assigned by the Federal Communications Commission. A person may register more than one vehicle equipped with mobile amateur radio equipment under this section, and the department shall issue license plates that include the same amateur call letters for each vehicle.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 36, eff. September 1, 2011.
Sec. 504.510. GOLF CART LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates for an eligible golf cart.Text of subsection effective until September 01, 2011(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $10.Text of subsection effective on September 01, 2011(b) The fee for issuance of the license plates is $6.(c) A person entitled to specialty license plates under this section may register the golf cart without payment of any fees paid for or at the time of registration other than the fee for the license plates. This section does not authorize the operation of a golf cart on a public road where it is otherwise prohibited by law.(d) This section applies only to an owner of a golf cart who resides:(1) on real property that is owned or under the control of the United States Corps of Engineers and is required by that agency to register the owner's golf cart under this chapter; and(2) in a county that borders another state and has a population of more than 110,000 but less than 111,000.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1136, Sec. 37, eff. September 1, 2011.
SUBCHAPTER G. SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES FOR GENERAL DISTRIBUTIONSec. 504.601. GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES FOR GENERAL DISTRIBUTION. (a) Unless expressly provided by this subchapter or department rule:(1) the fee for issuance of a license plate under this subchapter is $30; and(2) of each fee received under this subchapter, the department shall use $8 to defray its administrative costs in complying with this subchapter.(b) This section does not apply to a specialty license plate marketed and sold by a private vendor at the request of the specialty license plate sponsor under Section 504.6011.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1381, Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.6011. GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES FOR GENERAL DISTRIBUTION SOLD THROUGH PRIVATE VENDOR. (a) The sponsor of a specialty license plate authorized to be issued under this subchapter before September 1, 2009, may contract with the private vendor authorized under Subchapter J for the marketing and sale of the specialty license plate.(b) The fee for issuance of a specialty license plate described by Subsection (a) is the amount established under Section 504.851.(c) Notwithstanding any other law, from each fee received for the issuance of a specialty license plate described by Subsection (a), the department shall:(1) deduct the administrative costs described by Section 504.601(a)(2);(2) deposit to the credit of the account designated by the law authorizing the specialty license plate the portion of the fee for the sale of the plate that the state would ordinarily receive under the contract described by Section 504.851(a); and(3) pay to the private vendor the remainder of the fee.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1381, Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 504.602. KEEP TEXAS BEAUTIFUL LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "Keep Texas Beautiful." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with Keep Texas Beautiful, Inc.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be used in connection with the department's litter prevention and community beautification programs.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.603. TEXAS CAPITOL LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates depicting the State Capitol.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.604. TEXAS COMMISSION ON THE ARTS LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "State of the Arts." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Texas Commission on the Arts.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Texas Commission on the Arts operating fund established under Section 444.027, Government Code.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.605. ANIMAL FRIENDLY LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "Animal Friendly." The department shall design the license plates.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the animal friendly account established by Section 828.014, Health and Safety Code.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.606. BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include one or more graphic images of a significant feature of Big Bend National Park. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Parks and Wildlife Department and any organization designated by it.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Big Bend National Park account in the state treasury. Money in the account may be used only by the Parks and Wildlife Department to support the activities of a designated nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is the improvement or preservation of Big Bend National Park.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.607. READ TO SUCCEED. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "Read to Succeed." The department shall design the license plates.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee shall be deposited to the credit of the "Read to Succeed" account in the general revenue fund. Money in the account may be used only to provide educational materials for public school libraries. The account is composed of:(1) money required to be deposited to the credit of the account under this subsection; and(2) donations made to the account.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.608. MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates that include the words "Mothers Against Drunk Driving." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with Mothers Against Drunk Driving.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund and may be appropriated only to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in making grants to benefit drug-abuse prevention and education programs sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 575, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 504.609. UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE LICENSE PLATES. The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "United States Olympic Committee." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the United States Olympic Committee.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.610. TEXAS AEROSPACE COMMISSION LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "Texas Aerospace Commission." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Texas Aerospace Commission.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.611. VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE PROGRAM LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates in recognition of children. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the attorney general.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the attorney general volunteer advocate program account in the general revenue fund. Money deposited to the credit of the volunteer advocate program account may be used only by the attorney general to fund a contract entered into by the attorney general under Section 264.602, Family Code.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.612. TEXAS YOUNG LAWYERS ASSOCIATION LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "And Justice for All." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Texas Young Lawyers Association.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the basic civil legal services account established by Section 51.943, Government Code.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.613. HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department shall issue specialty license plates including the words "Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo." The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be deposited to the credit of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholarship account in the state treasury. Money in the account may be used only by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in making grants to benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 504.614. PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAM LICENSE PLATES. (a) The department may issue specialty license plates that include the name and insignia of a professional sports team located in this state. The department shall design the license plates in consultation with the professional sports team and may enter a trademark license with the professional sports team or its league to implement this section. A license plate may be issued under this section only for a professional sports team that:(1) certifies to the department that it has determined that at least 3,500 persons will apply for the plates; and(2) plays its home games in a facility constructed or operated, in whole or in part, with public funds.(b) After deduction of the department's administrative costs, the remainder of the fee for issuance of the license plates shall be sent to the public entity that provided public funds for the construction or renovation of the facility in which the professional sports team plays its home games or that provides public funds for the operation of that facility. The funds shall be deposited to the credit of the venue project fund, if the public entity has created a venue project fund under Section 334.042 or 335.072, Local Government Code. If the public entity has not created a venue project fund, funds distributed to a public entity under
