TITLE: Relating to an exemption from motor carrier registration for certain vehicles used to transport household goods.

SUMMARY: Relating to an exemption from motor carrier registration for certain vehicles used to transport household goods.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to an exemption from motor carrier registration for certain vehicles used to transport household goods. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 643.002, Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 643.002. EXEMPTIONS. This chapter does not apply to: (1) motor carrier operations exempt from registration by the Unified Carrier Registration Act of 2005 (49 U.S.C. Section 14504a) or a motor vehicle registered under the single state registration system established under 49 U.S.C. Section 14504(c) when operating exclusively in interstate or international commerce; (2) a motor vehicle registered as a cotton vehicle under Section 504.505; (3) a motor vehicle the department by rule exempts because the vehicle is subject to comparable registration and a comparable safety program administered by another governmental entity; (4) a motor vehicle used to transport passengers operated by an entity whose primary function is not the transportation of passengers, such as a vehicle operated by a hotel, day-care center, public or private school, nursing home, or similar organization; (5) a vehicle operating under a private carrier permit issued under Chapter 42, Alcoholic Beverage Code; (6) a vehicle operated by a governmental entity; [or] (7) a tow truck, as defined by Section 2308.002, Occupations Code;or (8) a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles that: (A) has a gross weight, registered weight, or gross weight rating of less than 26,000 pounds; and (B) is used to transport household goods.SECTION 2. Section 643.051(b), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows: (b) A motor carrier may not operate a vehicle [ regardless of size of the vehicle] to transport household goods for compensation unless the carrier registers with the department under this subchapter. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.