TITLE: Relating to the registration of certain trailers; changing a fee.

SUMMARY: Relating to the registration of certain trailers; changing a fee.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the registration of certain trailers; changing a fee. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 502.0023(d-1), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows: (d-1) The department shall issue a license plate for a token trailer registered under this section in the manner provided by Section 502.255 [that does not expire. The alphanumeric pattern for a license plate issued under this subsection may remain on a token trailer for as long as the registration of the token trailer is renewed or until the token trailer is removed from service or sold. The registration receipt required under Section 621.002 is not required for a vehicle that displays a license plate issued under this subsection].SECTION 2. The heading to Section 502.255, Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 502.255. TRUCK-TRACTOR OR COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE COMBINATION FEE; PERMANENT SEMITRAILER TOKEN FEE. SECTION 3. Sections 502.255(c), (i), and (j), Transportation Code, are amended to read as follows: (c) The fee for registration of a semitrailer used in the manner described by Subsection (a), regardless of the date the semitrailer is registered, is $15 for a registration year or $80 if the semitrailer is registered with a permanent license plate issued under Subsection (i).(i) The department shall issue a license plate for a token trailer registered under this section that does not expire or require an annual registration insignia to be valid. The license plate must include the word "Permanent." A [alphanumeric pattern for a] license plate issued under this subsection may remain on a token trailer [for as long as the registration of the token trailer is renewed or] until the token trailer is removed from service or sold,provided that the license plate must be removed if the department cancels, suspends, or revokes the registration for the token trailer as provided by law or department rule.The registration receipt required under Section 621.002 is not required for a vehicle that displays a license plate issued under this subsection. (j) A person may register a semitrailer under this section if the person: (1) applies to the department for registration; (2) provides proof of the person's eligibility to register the vehicle under this subsection as required by the department; and (3) pays the applicable [a] fee required by Subsection (c) [of $15],plus any other applicable fee under this chapter for each year the semitrailer is registered or at each registration if the semitrailer is registered under Subsection (i) [Section 502.401, for each year included in the registration period].SECTION 4. The change in law made by this Act applies only in connection with the registration of a vehicle that is applied for on or after the effective date of this Act. SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.