TITLE: Relating to the issuance of an excess gross weight permit for certain farm tractors on county and FM roads; authorizing a fee.

SUMMARY: Relating to the issuance of an excess gross weight permit for certain farm tractors on county and FM roads; authorizing a fee.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the issuance of an excess gross weight permit for certain farm tractors on county and FM roads; authorizing a fee. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 623, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 623.0173 to read as follows: Sec. 623.0173. EXCESS GROSS WEIGHT PERMIT FOR CERTAIN FARM TRACTORS. (a) In this section: (1) "farm tractor" has the meaning assigned by Section 541.201; (2) "accessory" means any additional attachment being pulled or carried by the farm tractor that contributes to the farm tractor's total weight. (b) The department shall issue an annual permit that authorizes the operation of a farm tractor and any accessories that are used for agricultural production on county and FM roads at a gross weight that is not heavier than the weight equal to the maximum allowable gross weight for the tractor plus a tolerance allowance of 10 percent. (c) To qualify for a permit under this section: (1) the farm tractor must be registered as a farm vehicle under Chapter 502; and (2) the applicant must pay an annual permit fee of $90. (d) A permit issued under this section must be carried in the farm tractor for which it is issued. (e) This section does not authorize the operation on the national system of interstate and defense highways in this state of a vehicle of a size or weight greater than those permitted under 23 U.S.C. Section 127. (f) A permit issued under 623.0173 does not authorize the operation of a vehicle on a bridge for which a maximum weight and load limit has been established and posted by the Texas Transportation Commission under Section 621.102 or the commissioners court of a county under Section 621.301, if the gross weight of the vehicle and load or the axles and wheel loads are greater than the limits established and posted under those sections. (g) The department may adopt rules necessary to administer this section, including rules governing the application for a permit under this section. (h) Unless otherwise provided by state or federal law, a county or municipality may not require a permit, fee, or license for the operation of a farm tractor in addition to a permit, fee, or license required by state law. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.