reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 503 - Dealer's and Manufacturer's Vehicle License Plates › Subchapter C. License Plates and Tags › Section 503.067. Unauthorized Reproduction, Purchase, Use, or Sale of Temporary Tags

Text of section effective until July 01, 2025
Sec. 503.067.  UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION, PURCHASE, USE, OR SALE OF TEMPORARY TAGS.  (a)  A person may not produce or reproduce a temporary tag or an item represented to be a temporary tag for the purpose of distributing the tag to someone other than a dealer or converter.
(b)  A person may not operate a vehicle that displays:
(1)  a temporary tag in violation of this chapter or Chapter 502; or
(2)  any other unauthorized temporary tag.
(c)  A person other than a dealer or converter may not purchase a temporary tag.
(d)  A person may not sell or distribute a temporary tag or an item represented to be a temporary tag unless the person is  a dealer issuing the tag in connection with the sale of a vehicle.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 258 (S.B. 11), Sec. 8.08, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1336 (S.B. 1786), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1336 (S.B. 1786), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 793 (S.B. 1235), Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 729 (H.B. 3927), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2021.
Repealed by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 668 (H.B. 718), Sec. 32(7), eff. July 1, 2025.
Text of subchapter heading effective on July 1, 2025
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 503 - Dealer's and Manufacturer's Vehicle License Plates › Subchapter C. License Plates and Tags › Section 503.0671. Unauthorized Use or Distribution of Dealer-Issued License Plate

Text of section effective on July 01, 2025
Sec. 503.0671.  UNAUTHORIZED USE OR DISTRIBUTION OF DEALER-ISSUED LICENSE PLATE.  (a)  A person may not operate in violation of this chapter or Chapter 502 a vehicle that displays a dealer-issued license plate or set of license plates.
(b)  A person may not sell or distribute a dealer-issued license plate or set of license plates or an item represented to be a dealer-issued license plate or set of license plates unless the person is a dealer issuing the license plate or set of license plates in connection with the sale of a vehicle.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 668 (H.B. 718), Sec. 22, eff. July 1, 2025.
Text of subchapter heading effective on July 1, 2025
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 503 - Dealer's and Manufacturer's Vehicle License Plates › Subchapter C. License Plates and Tags › Section 503.068. Limitation on Use of Dealer's License Plates and Tags

Text of section effective until July 01, 2025
Sec. 503.068.  LIMITATION ON USE OF DEALER'S LICENSE PLATES AND TAGS.  (a)  A dealer or an employee of a dealer may not use a dealer's temporary tag as authorization to operate a vehicle for the dealer's or the employee's personal use.
(b)  A person may not use a metal dealer's license plate or dealer's temporary tag on:
(1)  a service or work vehicle, except as provided by Subsection (b-1); or
(2)  a commercial vehicle that is carrying a load.
(b-1)  An independent motor vehicle dealer or an employee of an independent motor vehicle dealer may use a metal dealer's license plate on a service or work vehicle used to transport a vehicle in the dealer's inventory to or from a point of sale.  This subsection does not authorize a person to operate a service or work vehicle as a tow truck, as defined by Section 2308.002, Occupations Code, without a license or permit required by Chapter 2308, Occupations Code.
(c)  For purposes of this section, a boat trailer carrying a boat is not a commercial vehicle carrying a load.  A dealer complying with this chapter may affix to the rear of a boat trailer the dealer owns or sells a metal dealer's license plate or temporary tag issued under Section 503.061, 503.062, or 503.063.
(d)  This section does not prohibit the operation or conveyance of an unregistered vehicle using the full-mount method, saddle-mount method, tow-bar method, or a combination of those methods in accordance with Section 503.062 or 503.063.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 793 (S.B. 1235), Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 886 (H.B. 894), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 668 (H.B. 718), Sec. 23, eff. July 1, 2025.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 668 (H.B. 718), Sec. 32(8), eff. July 1, 2025.
Text of subchapter heading effective on July 1, 2025
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 503 - Dealer's and Manufacturer's Vehicle License Plates › Subchapter C. License Plates and Tags › Section 503.068. Limitation on Use of Dealer's License Plates

Text of section effective on July 01, 2025
Sec. 503.068.  LIMITATION ON USE OF DEALER'S LICENSE PLATES.  (a)  Repealed by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 668 (H.B. 718), Sec. 32(8), eff. July 1, 2025.
(b)  A person may not use a metal dealer's license plate on:
(1)  a service or work vehicle, except as provided by Subsection (b-1); or
(2)  a commercial vehicle that is carrying a load.
(b-1)  An independent motor vehicle dealer or an employee of an independent motor vehicle dealer may use a metal dealer's license plate on a service or work vehicle used to transport a vehicle in the dealer's inventory to or from a point of sale.  This subsection does not authorize a person to operate a service or work vehicle as a tow truck, as defined by Section 2308.002, Occupations Code, without a license or permit required by Chapter 2308, Occupations Code.
(c)  For purposes of this section, a boat trailer carrying a boat is not a commercial vehicle carrying a load.  A dealer complying with this chapter may affix to the rear of a boat trailer the dealer owns or sells a metal dealer's license plate issued under Section 503.061 or a license plate issued by a dealer under Section 503.063 or 503.065.
(d)  This section does not prohibit the operation or conveyance of an unregistered vehicle using the full-mount method, saddle-mount method, tow-bar method, or a combination of those methods in accordance with Section 503.063.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 886 (H.B. 894), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 668 (H.B. 718), Sec. 23, eff. July 1, 2025.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 668 (H.B. 718), Sec. 24, eff. July 1, 2025.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 668 (H.B. 718), Sec. 32(8), eff. July 1, 2025.
Text of subchapter heading effective on July 1, 2025
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 503 - Dealer's and Manufacturer's Vehicle License Plates › Subchapter C. License Plates and Tags › Section 503.069. Display of License Plates and Tags

Text of section effective until July 01, 2025
Sec. 503.069.  DISPLAY OF LICENSE PLATES AND TAGS.  (a)  A license plate, other than an in-transit license plate, or a temporary tag issued under this chapter shall be displayed in accordance with commission rules.
(b)  A drive-a-way operator who has been issued a drive-a-way in-transit license shall display the operator's in-transit license plates on each transported motor vehicle from the vehicle's point of origin to its point of destination in this state in accordance with the laws relating to the operation of a vehicle on a public highway.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 10, eff. May 14, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 793 (S.B. 1235), Sec. 14, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 668 (H.B. 718), Sec. 25, eff. July 1, 2025.
Text of subchapter heading effective on July 1, 2025
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 503 - Dealer's and Manufacturer's Vehicle License Plates › Subchapter C. License Plates and Tags › Section 503.069. Display of License Plates

Text of section effective on July 01, 2025
Sec. 503.069.  DISPLAY OF LICENSE PLATES.  (a)  A license plate, other than an in-transit license plate, issued under this chapter shall be displayed in accordance with commission rules.
(b)  A drive-a-way operator who has been issued a drive-a-way in-transit license shall display the operator's in-transit license plates on each transported motor vehicle from the vehicle's point of origin to its point of destination in this state in accordance with the laws relating to the operation of a vehicle on a public highway.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 10, eff. May 14, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 793 (S.B. 1235), Sec. 14, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 668 (H.B. 718), Sec. 25, eff. July 1, 2025.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 668 (H.B. 718), Sec. 26, eff. July 1, 2025.
Text of subchapter heading effective on July 1, 2025
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 503 - Dealer's and Manufacturer's Vehicle License Plates › Subchapter C. License Plates and Tags › Section 503.070. Removal of Out-of-State License Plates

Sec. 503.070.  REMOVAL OF OUT-OF-STATE LICENSE PLATES.  (a)  A dealer who purchases a vehicle that displays an out-of-state license plate must remove the plate within a reasonable time.
(b)  A dealer who purchases a vehicle for resale may not operate the vehicle on a public street or highway in this state while the vehicle displays an out-of-state license plate.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Text of subchapter heading effective on July 1, 2025
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 503 - Dealer's and Manufacturer's Vehicle License Plates › Subchapter C. License Plates and Tags › Section 503.071. Notice of Driving or Towing From Out of State

Sec. 503.071.  NOTICE OF DRIVING OR TOWING FROM OUT OF STATE.  (a)  A motor vehicle that is manufactured outside this state and is driven or towed from the place of manufacture to this state for sale in this state must have affixed to it a sticker stating that the vehicle is being driven or towed from the place it was manufactured.
(b)  The sticker must be at least three inches in diameter and must be affixed to the windshield or front of the motor vehicle in plain view.
(c)  The sticker must remain on the motor vehicle until the vehicle is sold by a dealer.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Text of subchapter heading effective on July 1, 2025
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 503 - Dealer's and Manufacturer's Vehicle License Plates › Subchapter C. License Plates and Tags › Section 503.071. Notice of Driving or Towing From Out of State

Sec. 503.071.  NOTICE OF DRIVING OR TOWING FROM OUT OF STATE.  (a)  A motor vehicle that is manufactured outside this state and is driven or towed from the place of manufacture to this state for sale in this state must have affixed to it a sticker stating that the vehicle is being driven or towed from the place it was manufactured.
(b)  The sticker must be at least three inches in diameter and must be affixed to the windshield or front of the motor vehicle in plain view.
(c)  The sticker must remain on the motor vehicle until the vehicle is sold by a dealer.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 503 - Dealer's and Manufacturer's Vehicle License Plates › Subchapter D. Enforcement › Section 503.091. Enforcement Agreement

Sec. 503.091.  ENFORCEMENT AGREEMENT.  The department may agree with an authorized official of another jurisdiction to regulate activities and exchange information relating to the wholesale operations of nonresident vehicle dealers.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 503 - Dealer's and Manufacturer's Vehicle License Plates › Subchapter D. Enforcement › Section 503.092. Action to Enforce Chapter

Sec. 503.092.  ACTION TO ENFORCE CHAPTER.  (a)  The attorney general or a district, county, or city attorney may enforce this chapter and bring an enforcement action in the county in which a violation of this chapter is alleged to have occurred.
(b)  A justice or municipal court has concurrent original jurisdiction with the county court or a county court at law over an action to enforce this chapter.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1128 (H.B. 2509), Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 503 - Dealer's and Manufacturer's Vehicle License Plates › Subchapter D. Enforcement › Section 503.093. Action to Enforce Subchapter

Sec. 503.093.  ACTION TO ENFORCE SUBCHAPTER.  (a)  The department or any interested person may bring an action, including an action for an injunction, to:
(1)  enforce a provision of Subchapter B;   or
(2)  prohibit a person from operating in violation of the person's application for a general distinguishing number.
(b)  A plaintiff other than the department may recover the plaintiff's attorney's fees.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 871, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 503 - Dealer's and Manufacturer's Vehicle License Plates › Subchapter D. Enforcement › Section 503.094. Criminal Penalty

Sec. 503.094.  CRIMINAL PENALTY.  (a)  A person commits an offense if the person violates this chapter.
(b)  Except as otherwise provided by this section, an offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $50 or more than $5,000.
(c)  If the trier of fact finds that the person committed the violation wilfully or with conscious indifference to law, the court may treble the fine otherwise due as a penalty for the violation.
Text of subsection effective until July 01, 2025
(d)  An offense involving a violation of:
(1)  Section 503.067(b) or (c) is a Class C misdemeanor;
(2)  Section 503.067(d) is a Class A misdemeanor;
(3)  Section 503.067(a) is a state jail felony; and
(4)  Section 503.067(b), (c), or (d) is a state jail felony if the person who committed the offense criminally conspired to engage in organized criminal activity.
Text of subsection effective on July 01, 2025
(d)  Repealed by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 668 (H.B. 718), Sec. 32(9), eff. July 1, 2025.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 258 (S.B. 11), Sec. 8.09, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1336 (S.B. 1786), Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 668 (H.B. 718), Sec. 32(9), eff. July 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 503 - Dealer's and Manufacturer's Vehicle License Plates › Subchapter D. Enforcement › Section 503.095. Civil Penalty

Sec. 503.095.  CIVIL PENALTY.  (a)  In addition to any other penalty prescribed by this chapter, a person who violates this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter is subject to a civil penalty of not less than $50 or more than $1,000.
(b)  For purposes of this section, each act in violation of this chapter and each day of a continuing violation is a separate violation.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 503 - Dealer's and Manufacturer's Vehicle License Plates › Subchapter D. Enforcement › Section 503.096. Towing of Vehicles

Sec. 503.096.  TOWING OF VEHICLES.  (a) If a person is engaged in business as a dealer in violation of Section 503.021, a peace officer may cause a vehicle that is being offered for sale by the person to be towed from the location where the vehicle is being offered for sale and stored at a vehicle storage facility, as defined by Section 2308.002, Occupations Code.
(b)  A peace officer may cause the vehicle to be towed under Subsection (a) only if:
(1)  the peace officer has a probable cause that the vehicle is being offered for sale by a person engaged in business as a dealer in violation of Section 503.021;
(2)  the peace officer has complied with the notice requirements under Subsection (c); and
(3)  the notice under Subsection (c) was attached to the vehicle not less than two hours before the vehicle is caused to be towed.
(c)  Before a vehicle may be towed under Subsection (a), a peace officer, an appropriate local government employee, or an investigator employed by the department must attach a conspicuous notice to the vehicle's front windshield or, if the vehicle has no front windshield, to a conspicuous part of the vehicle stating:
(1)  the make and model of the vehicle and the license plate number and vehicle identification number of the vehicle, if any;
(2)  the date and time that the notice was affixed to the vehicle;
(3)  that the vehicle is being offered for sale in violation of Section 503.021;
(4)  that the vehicle and any property on or in the vehicle may be towed and stored at the expense of the owner of the vehicle not less than two hours after the notice is attached to the vehicle if the vehicle remains parked at the location; and
(5)  the name, address, and telephone number of the vehicle storage facility where the vehicle will be towed.
(d)  Once notice has been attached to a vehicle under Subsection (c), a peace officer may prevent the vehicle from being removed by a person unless the person provides evidence of ownership in the person's name or written authorization from the owner of the vehicle for the person to offer the vehicle for sale in a manner other than by consignment.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 693 (H.B. 2690), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 504 - License Plates › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 504.001. Definitions

Sec. 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.
(3)  "Purchaser" and "seller" have the meanings assigned by Section 501.002.
(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 (H.B. 3097), Sec. 2G.01, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 166, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 504 - License Plates › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 504.0011. Rules

Sec. 504.0011.  RULES.  The board may adopt rules to implement and administer this chapter.
Redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 504.004 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 167, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 504 - License Plates › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 504.002. General Provisions

Sec. 504.002.  GENERAL PROVISIONS. (a) Unless expressly provided by this chapter or by department rule:
(1)  except for license plates specified as exempt, the fee for issuance of a license plate, including replacement plates, is in addition to each other fee that is paid for at the time of the registration of the motor vehicle and shall be deposited to the credit of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles fund;
(2)  if the registration period is greater than 12 months, the expiration date of a specialty license plate, symbol, tab, or other device shall be aligned with the registration period, and the specialty plate fee shall be adjusted pro rata, except that if the statutory annual fee for a specialty license plate is $5 or less, it may not be prorated;
(3)  the department is the exclusive owner of the design of each license plate;
(4)  if a license plate is lost, stolen, or mutilated, an application for a replacement plate must be accompanied by the fee prescribed by Section 502.060; and
(5)  the department shall prepare the designs and specifications of license plates.
(b)  If necessary to cover the costs of issuing license plates for golf carts under Section 551.402 or off-highway vehicles under Section 551A.052, the department may charge an administrative fee, in an amount established by the department by rule, for the issuance of a golf cart or off-highway vehicle license plate.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1320, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 168, eff. January 1, 2012.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1287 (H.B. 2202), Sec. 35, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1233 (H.B. 1548), Sec. 10, eff. June 14, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 504 - License Plates › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 504.005. Design and Alphanumeric Pattern

Sec. 504.005.  DESIGN AND ALPHANUMERIC PATTERN.  (a) The department has sole control over the design, typeface, color, and alphanumeric pattern for all license plates.
(b)  The department shall prepare the designs and specifications of license plates and devices selected by the board to be used as a unique identifier.
(c)  The department shall design each license plate to include a design at least one-half inch wide that represents in silhouette the shape of Texas and that appears between letters and numerals.  The department may omit the silhouette of Texas from specially designed license plates.
(d)  To promote highway safety, each license plate shall be made with a reflectorized material that provides effective and dependable brightness for the period for which the plate is issued.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 504.103 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 169, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 504 - License Plates › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 504.0051. Personalized License Plates

Sec. 504.0051.  PERSONALIZED LICENSE PLATES.  (a)  The department shall issue personalized license plates, including those issued in accordance with the marketing vendor as provided in Subchapter J.  The department may not issue more than one set of license plates with the same alphanumeric pattern.
(b)  The department may not issue a replacement set of personalized plates to the same person before the period set by rule unless the applicant for issuance of replacement plates pays the fee required by Section 504.007.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 170, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 504 - License Plates › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 504.006. Cost of Manufacturing

Sec. 504.006.  COST OF MANUFACTURING.  (a)  The department shall reimburse the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the cost of manufacturing license plates as the invoices for the license plates are delivered to the department.
(b)  When manufacturing is started, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the department, after negotiation, shall set the price to be paid for each license plate.  The price must be determined from:
(1)  the cost of metal, paint, and other materials purchased;
(2)  the inmate maintenance cost per shift;
(3)  overhead expenses;
(4)  miscellaneous charges; and
(5)  a previously agreed upon amount of profit for the work.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.053 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 171, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 504 - License Plates › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 504.007. Replacement License Plates

Sec. 504.007.  REPLACEMENT LICENSE PLATES.  (a)  The owner of a registered motor vehicle may obtain replacement license plates for the vehicle by:
(1)  certifying that the replacement plates will not be used on any other vehicle owned or operated by the person making the statement;
(2)  paying a fee of $6 plus the fee required by Section 502.356(a) for each set of replacement license plates, unless otherwise specified by law; and
(3)  returning to the department each license plate in the owner's possession for which a replacement license plate is obtained.
(b)  Replacement license plates may not be issued except as provided by this section.
(c)  A county assessor-collector shall retain $2.50 of each fee collected under this section and forward the remainder of the fee to the department for deposit to the credit of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles fund.
(d)  The fee required by this section applies to the issuance of license plates for a transferred used vehicle for which the registration and license plates were not transferred under Section 504.901.
(e)  Replacement license plates may be used in the registration year in which the plates are issued and during each succeeding year of the registration period as set by rule if the registration insignia is properly displayed on the vehicle.
(f)  Subsection (e) does not apply to the issuance of specialized license plates for limited distribution, including exempt plates for governmental entities and temporary registration plates.
Text of subsection as added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 490 (H.B. 2663), Sec. 2
(g)  No fee is required under this section if a county assessor-collector determines that the owner of a registered motor vehicle did not receive license plates that were issued to the owner by mail.
Text of subsection as added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 968 (S.B. 2075), Sec. 12
(g)  No fee is required under this section if the county assessor-collector determines that the owner paid for license plates for the same vehicle that were mailed to the owner but not received by the owner.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.1841 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 172, eff. January 1, 2012.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1287 (H.B. 2202), Sec. 36, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 490 (H.B. 2663), Sec. 2, eff. June 9, 2017.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 968 (S.B. 2075), Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 504 - License Plates › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 504.008. Specialty License Plates

Sec. 504.008.  SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES.  (a)  The department shall prepare the designs and specifications of specialty license plates.
(b)  Any motor vehicle other than a vehicle manufactured for off-highway use only 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.
(c)  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.
(d)  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 month 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.
(e) The director or the director's designee may refuse to issue a specialty license plate with a design or alphanumeric pattern that the director or designee considers potentially objectionable to one or more members of the public and the director or designee's refusal may not be overturned in the absence of an abuse of discretion.
(f)  For each specialty license plate that is issued by a county assessor-collector and for which the department is allocated a portion of the 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.
(g)  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.
(h)  A person who is issued a specialty license plate may not transfer the plate to another person or vehicle unless the department approves the transfer.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 173, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 504 - License Plates › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 504.009. Souvenir License Plates

Sec. 504.009.  SOUVENIR LICENSE PLATES.  (a)  The department may issue a souvenir version of any specialty license plate for any vehicle.
(a-1)  On request, the Texas Military Department, as defined by Section 437.001, Government Code, shall issue a souvenir version of the specialty license plate described by Section 504.322.
(b)  The fee for a single souvenir license plate is $20. The fee shall be deposited to the credit of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles 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 Texas Department of Motor Vehicles 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 Texas Department of Motor Vehicles fund.
(c)  If a souvenir license plate issued before November 19, 2009, is personalized, the fee for the plate is $40.  Of the fee:
(1)  $20 shall be deposited to the credit of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles 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 Texas Department of Motor Vehicles 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 November 19, 2009, is the amount established under Section 504.851(c).
(d)  A souvenir license plate may not be used on a motor vehicle 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 minimum amounts determined by the department, 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.
Redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 504.003 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 174, eff. January 1, 2012.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1287 (H.B. 2202), Sec. 37, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1012 (H.B. 923), Sec. 1, eff. January 1, 2016.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 324 (S.B. 1488), Sec. 24.002(13), eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 504 - License Plates › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 504.010. Issuance and Placement of License Plate

Sec. 504.010.  ISSUANCE AND PLACEMENT OF LICENSE PLATE.  (a)  On payment of the prescribed fee, an applicant for motor vehicle registration shall be issued a license plate or set of plates.
(b)  Subject to Section 504.901, the department shall issue only one license plate or set of plates for a vehicle during the registration period set by rule.
(c)  The board may adopt rules regarding the placement of license plates for a motor vehicle, road tractor, motorcycle, trailer, or semitrailer.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 175, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 504 - License Plates › Subchapter B. Personalized License Plates › Section 504.101. Personalized License Plates

Sec. 504.101.  PERSONALIZED LICENSE PLATES.  The department shall issue personalized license plates, including those sold by the private vendor under a contract with the department as provided by Section 504.851.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 176, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 504 - License Plates › Subchapter B. Personalized License Plates › Section 504.102. Personalization of Specialty License Plate

Sec. 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 (S.B. 1616), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 504 - License Plates › Subchapter B. -1. Digital License Plates › Section 504.151. Definitions

Sec. 504.151.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Digital license plate" means an electronic display that is designed to:
(A)  display the information required to be included on a physical license plate; and
(B)  be placed on the rear of a vehicle in lieu of a physical license plate issued under this chapter.
(2)  "Digital license plate provider" means a person engaged in the business of providing digital license plate hardware and services to vehicle owners, including the sale or lease of and issuance of digital license plates.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 594 (S.B. 604), Sec. 3.01, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 504 - License Plates › Subchapter B. -1. Digital License Plates › Section 504.152. Applicability of Other Law

Sec. 504.152.  APPLICABILITY OF OTHER LAW.  Except as otherwise provided by this subchapter or a rule adopted under this subchapter, a digital license plate issued under this subchapter is subject to the laws of this state applicable to a physical license plate.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 594 (S.B. 604), Sec. 3.01, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 504 - License Plates › Subchapter B. -1. Digital License Plates › Section 504.153. Rules

Sec. 504.153.  RULES.  The board shall adopt rules as necessary to implement and administer this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 594 (S.B. 604), Sec. 3.01, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 504 - License Plates › Subchapter B. -1. Digital License Plates › Section 504.154. Digital License Plates Authorized

Sec. 504.154.  DIGITAL LICENSE PLATES AUTHORIZED.  (a)  The board by rule shall allow a vehicle described by Subsection (b) to be equipped with a digital license plate that is placed on the rear of the vehicle in lieu of a physical license plate issued under this chapter.  The rule must require the owner of a vehicle issued a digital license plate to obtain a physical license plate to be placed on the front of the vehicle unless the vehicle is of a class of vehicles that is not required to display two license plates, as provided by other law.
(b)  A vehicle registered under Chapter 502 may be equipped with a digital license plate only if the vehicle:
(1)  is part of a commercial fleet, as defined by Section 502.001;
(2)  is owned or operated by a governmental entity; or
(3)  is not a passenger vehicle.
(c)  The department may contract with digital license plate providers for the issuance of digital license plates, including any services related to the issuance of digital license plates.
(d)  Notwithstanding any other law, a rule adopted under this subchapter may:
(1)  authorize the display of the vehicle's registration insignia on a digital license plate issued for the vehicle in lieu of attaching the registration insignia to the inside of the vehicle's windshield as required by Section 502.059;
(2)  establish a fee in an amount necessary to cover any administrative costs incurred that relate to the issuance of a digital license plate and exceed the administrative costs incurred for the issuance of a physical license plate; or
(3)  prohibit a digital license plate provider from contracting with the department under Subchapter J.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 594 (S.B. 604), Sec. 3.01, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 504 - License Plates › Subchapter B. -1. Digital License Plates › Section 504.155. Digital License Plates Requirements and Permissive Functionality

Sec. 504.155.  DIGITAL LICENSE PLATES REQUIREMENTS AND PERMISSIVE FUNCTIONALITY.  (a)  The board by rule shall set the specifications and requirements for digital license plates, including requirements for the placement of digital license plates.  The design of and information displayed on a digital license plate must be approved by the department.
(b)  A digital license plate issued under this subchapter must:
(1)  meet the specifications and requirements adopted under Subsection (a);
(2)  include the information required to be included on a physical license plate and legibly display that information at all times and in all light conditions, provided that the license plate may display the information in a smaller typeface when the vehicle is parked;
(3)  have wireless connectivity capability; and
(4)  provide benefits to law enforcement that meet or exceed the benefits provided by physical license plates as of the time of enactment of this subchapter and as determined by the Department of Public Safety.
(c)  In adopting rules under Subsection (a), the board shall consult with the Department of Public Safety.  Except as otherwise provided by this subsection and Section 2001.036, Government Code, a rule adopted under Subsection (a) takes effect on the 31st day after the date on which the rule is filed in the office of the secretary of state.  A rule adopted under Subsection (a) does not take effect if, not later than the 30th day after the date on which the rule is filed in the office of the secretary of state, the public safety director of the Department of Public Safety submits to the office of the secretary of state written notification invalidating the rule.
(d)  A rule adopted under this subchapter may:
(1)  authorize the use of a digital license plate for electronic toll collection or to display a parking permit; or
(2)  establish procedures for displaying on a digital license plate:
(A)  an emergency alert or other public safety alert issued by a governmental entity, including an alert authorized under Subchapter L, M, or P, Chapter 411, Government Code;
(B)  vehicle manufacturer safety recall notices;
(C)  static logo displays, including unique displays for fleet vehicles; or
(D)  advertising approved by the department.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 594 (S.B. 604), Sec. 3.01, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 504 - License Plates › Subchapter B. -1. Digital License Plates › Section 504.156. Digital License Plate Provider Powers and Duties

Sec. 504.156.  DIGITAL LICENSE PLATE PROVIDER POWERS AND DUTIES.  A digital license plate provider with whom the department contracts under Section 504.154:
(1)  shall maintain an inventory of the digital license plates issued by the provider in this state;
(2)  shall make available a digital version of each specialty license plate authorized by this chapter, other than personalized license plates authorized for marketing and sale under Subchapter J, provided that:
(A)  each issuance of a specialty license plate with restricted distribution, including a license plate authorized under Subchapter C, D, E, or F, must be approved by the department; and
(B)  the provider shall remit to the department in the manner prescribed by the department all money:
(i)  payable to the department; or
(ii)  required to be used or deposited in the manner prescribed by the law establishing the license plate;
(3)  may contract with the private vendor under Subchapter J to make available a digital version of a personalized license plate authorized for marketing and sale under that subchapter, provided that the contract shall conform with any applicable requirements of Subchapter J and the terms of the private vendor's contract with the department;
(4)  shall, if a digital license plate displays a registration insignia as authorized by a rule adopted under Section 504.154(d)(1), promptly update the display of the registration insignia to reflect the current registration period for the vehicle and, on request of the department, suspend the display of the registration insignia or indicate on the license plate that the registration insignia for the vehicle is expired;
(5)  may provide any service related to the issuance of a digital license plate that is authorized by board rule, including the sale, lease, and installation of and customer service for a digital license plate; and
(6)  may charge a fee, payable in installments, for the issuance of a digital license plate or any additional services provided by the provider for that license plate.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 594 (S.B. 604), Sec. 3.01, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 504 - License Plates › Subchapter B. -1. Digital License Plates › Section 504.157. Defense to Prosecution of Certain Offenses

Sec. 504.157.  DEFENSE TO PROSECUTION OF CERTAIN OFFENSES.  It is a defense to prosecution of an offense involving the operation of a motor vehicle and relating to the placement of a license plate or the display of a registration insignia that the vehicle was operated in compliance with rules issued under this subchapter governing the placement of a digital license plate or the display of a registration insignia on a digital license plate, as applicable.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 594 (S.B. 604), Sec. 3.01, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 504 - License Plates › Subchapter C. License Plates for Vehicles Used by Persons With Disabilities › Section 504.203. Issuance of Disabled License Plates to Certain Institutions

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 acknowledged 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.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 179, eff. January 1, 2012.