reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter H. Penalties and Other Enforcement Provisions › Section 501.155. False Name, False Information, and Forgery

Sec. 501.155.  FALSE NAME, FALSE INFORMATION, AND FORGERY.  (a)  A person commits an offense if the person knowingly provides false or incorrect information or without legal authority signs the name of another person on:
(1)  an application for a title;
(2)  an application for a certified copy of an original title;
(3)  an assignment of title for a motor vehicle;
(4)  a discharge of a lien on a title for a motor vehicle;  or
(5)  any other document required by the department or necessary to the transfer of ownership of a motor vehicle.
(b)  An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 66, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter H. Penalties and Other Enforcement Provisions › Section 501.156. Duty of Transporters to Determine Right of Possession; Offense

Sec. 501.156.  DUTY OF TRANSPORTERS TO DETERMINE RIGHT OF POSSESSION;  OFFENSE.  (a)  The master or captain of a ship or airplane or a person who owns or controls the operation of a ship or airplane, in whole or part:
(1)  may not take on board or allow to be taken on board the ship or airplane in this state for transport a motor vehicle without inquiring of the motor vehicle titles and registration division of the department as to the recorded ownership of the motor vehicle;  and
(2)  must make a reasonable inquiry as to the right of possession of a motor vehicle by the person delivering the vehicle for transport if the recorded owner of the vehicle is a person other than the person delivering the vehicle for transport.
(b)  A person who violates this section commits an offense.  An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $50 or more than $500 for a first offense and, at the jury's discretion, not less than $100 or more than $1,000 for a subsequent offense.
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 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter H. Penalties and Other Enforcement Provisions › Section 501.157. Penalties

Sec. 501.157.  PENALTIES.  (a)  Unless otherwise provided by this chapter, an offense under this chapter is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $1 or more than $100 for the first offense.  If a person is subsequently convicted of the same offense, at the jury's discretion, a person may be fined not less than $2 or more than $200.
(b)  A person commits an offense if the person violates Subchapter E  or a rule adopted under that subchapter.  An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.43(b), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter H. Penalties and Other Enforcement Provisions › Section 501.158. Seizure of Stolen Vehicle or Vehicle With Altered Vehicle Identification Number

Sec. 501.158.  SEIZURE OF STOLEN VEHICLE OR VEHICLE WITH ALTERED VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.  (a)  A peace officer may seize a vehicle or part of a vehicle without a warrant if the officer has probable cause to believe that the vehicle or part:
(1)  is stolen;  or
(2)  has had the serial number removed, altered, or obliterated.
(b)  A vehicle or part seized under this section may be treated as stolen property for purposes of custody and disposition of the vehicle or part.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 67, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter H. Penalties and Other Enforcement Provisions › Section 501.161. Execution of Transfer Documents; Penalty

Sec. 501.161.  EXECUTION OF TRANSFER DOCUMENTS;  PENALTY.  (a)  A person who transfers a motor vehicle in this state shall complete in full and date as of the date of the transfer all documents relating to the transfer of registration or title.  A person who transfers a vehicle commits an offense if the person fails to execute the documents in full.
(b)  A person commits an offense if the person:
(1)  accepts a document described by Subsection (a) that does not contain all of the required information; or
(2)  alters or mutilates such a document.
(c)  An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $50 and not more than $200.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 520.035 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 68, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter H. Penalties and Other Enforcement Provisions › Section 501.162. Motor Number Required for Registration; Penalty

Sec. 501.162.  MOTOR NUMBER REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION; PENALTY.  A person commits an offense if the person violates Section 501.0331.  An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $50 and not more than $100.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 69, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter H. Penalties and Other Enforcement Provisions › Section 501.163. Application for Motor Number Record; Penalty

Sec. 501.163.  APPLICATION FOR MOTOR NUMBER RECORD; PENALTY.  A person who fails to comply with Section 501.0332 commits an offense.  An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $10 and not more than $100.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 69, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter I. Electronic Titling System › Section 501.171. Application of Subchapter

Sec. 501.171.  APPLICATION OF SUBCHAPTER.  This subchapter applies only if the department implements a titling system under Section 501.173.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1290 (H.B. 2017), Sec. 23, eff. September 1, 2011.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 70, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter I. Electronic Titling System › Section 501.172. Definitions

Sec. 501.172.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Document" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
(2)  "Electronic" means relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic, or similar capabilities.
(3)  "Electronic document" means a document that is in an electronic form.
(4)  "Electronic signature" means an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated with a document and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the document.
(5)  "Paper document" means a document that is in printed form.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1290 (H.B. 2017), Sec. 23, eff. September 1, 2011.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 70, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter I. Electronic Titling System › Section 501.173. Electronic Titling System

Sec. 501.173.  ELECTRONIC TITLING SYSTEM.  (a)  The board by rule may implement an electronic titling system.
(b)  A record of title maintained electronically by the department in the titling system is the official record of vehicle ownership unless the owner requests that the department issue a printed title.
(c)  In addition to other title fees, the board by rule may set a fee to be assessed for the issuance of a paper title to cover the cost of administering the electronic titling system.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1290 (H.B. 2017), Sec. 23, eff. September 1, 2011.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 70, eff. January 1, 2012.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 61, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter I. Electronic Titling System › Section 501.174. Validity of Electronic Documents

Sec. 501.174.  VALIDITY OF ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS.  (a)  If this chapter requires that a document be an original, be on paper or another tangible medium, or be in writing, the requirement is met by an electronic document that complies with this subchapter.
(b)  Except as otherwise provided by this section, if a law requires that a document be signed, the requirement is satisfied by an electronic signature.
(c)  A requirement that a document or a signature associated with a document be notarized, acknowledged, verified, witnessed, or made under oath is satisfied if the electronic signature of the person authorized to perform that act, and all other information required to be included, is attached to or logically associated with the document or signature. A physical or electronic image of a stamp, impression, or seal is not required to accompany an electronic signature.
(d)  The department by rule shall establish a process to accept electronic signatures on secure documents that have been electronically signed through a system not controlled by the department.
(e)  A system used for submitting electronic signatures to the department must verify the identity of the person electronically signing a document and submit the document through the electronic titling system.
(f)  This section does not require the department to certify an electronic signature process or an electronic signature vendor before accepting a document that is executed with an electronic signature.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1290 (H.B. 2017), Sec. 23, eff. September 1, 2011.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 70, eff. January 1, 2012.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 395 (S.B. 1062), Sec. 2, eff. January 1, 2018.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter I. Electronic Titling System › Section 501.175. Recording of Documents

Sec. 501.175.  RECORDING OF DOCUMENTS.  (a)  Under the titling system, the department may:
(1)  receive, index, store, archive, and transmit electronic documents;
(2)  provide for access to, and for search and retrieval of, documents and information by electronic means; and
(3)  convert into electronic form:
(A)  paper documents that it accepts for the titling of a motor vehicle; and
(B)  information recorded and documents that were accepted for the titling of a motor vehicle before the titling system was implemented.
(b)  The department shall continue to accept paper documents after the titling system is implemented.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1290 (H.B. 2017), Sec. 23, eff. September 1, 2011.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 70, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter I. Electronic Titling System › Section 501.176. Payment of Fees by Electronic Funds Transfer or Credit Card

Sec. 501.176.  PAYMENT OF FEES BY ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER OR CREDIT CARD.  (a)  The department may accept payment by electronic funds transfer, credit card, or debit card of any title or registration fee that the department is required or authorized to collect under this chapter.
Text of subsection as added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1290 (H.B. 2017), Sec. 23
(b)  The department may collect a fee for processing a title or registration payment by electronic funds transfer, credit card, or debit card.  The amount of the fee must not exceed the charges incurred by the state because of the use of the electronic funds transfer, credit card, or debit card.
Text of subsection as added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 70
(b)  The department may collect a fee for processing a title or registration payment by electronic funds transfer, credit card, or debit card in an amount not to exceed the amount of the charges incurred by the department to process the payment.
Text of subsection as added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1290 (H.B. 2017), Sec. 23
(c)  For online transactions the department may collect from a person making payment by electronic funds transfer, credit card, or debit card an amount equal to any fee charged in accordance with Section 2054.2591, Government Code.
Text of subsection as added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 70
(c)  The department may collect the fee set under Section 2054.2591, Government Code, from a person making a payment by electronic funds transfer, credit card, or debit card through the online project implemented under Section 2054.252, Government Code.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1290 (H.B. 2017), Sec. 23, eff. September 1, 2011.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 70, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter I. Electronic Titling System › Section 501.177. Service Charge

Sec. 501.177.  SERVICE CHARGE.  If, for any reason, the payment of a fee under this chapter by electronic funds transfer, credit card, or debit card is not honored by the funding institution, or by the electronic funds transfer, credit card, or debit card company on which the funds are drawn, the department may collect from the person who owes the fee being collected a service charge that is for the collection of that original amount and is in addition to the original fee.  The amount of the service charge must be reasonably related to the expense incurred by the department in collecting the original amount.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1290 (H.B. 2017), Sec. 23, eff. September 1, 2011.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 70, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter I. Electronic Titling System › Section 501.178. Disposition of Fees

Sec. 501.178.  DISPOSITION OF FEES.  All fees collected under this subchapter shall be deposited to the credit of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles fund.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1290 (H.B. 2017), Sec. 23, eff. September 1, 2011.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 70, eff. January 1, 2012.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1287 (H.B. 2202), Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 501 - Certificate of Title Act › Subchapter I. Electronic Titling System › Section 501.179. Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act

Sec. 501.179.  RELATION TO ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES IN GLOBAL AND NATIONAL COMMERCE ACT.  This subchapter modifies, limits, and supersedes the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (15 U.S.C. Section 7001 et seq.) but does not modify, limit, or supersede Section 101(c) of that Act (15 U.S.C. Section 7001(c)) or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in Section 103(b) of that Act (15 U.S.C. Section 7003(b)).
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1290 (H.B. 2017), Sec. 23, eff. September 1, 2011.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 70, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 502 - Registration of Vehicles › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 502.0021. Rules and Forms

Sec. 502.0021.  RULES AND FORMS.  (a)  The department may adopt rules to administer this chapter.
(b)  The department shall post forms on the Internet and  provide each county assessor-collector with a sufficient supply of any necessary forms on request.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 625, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Renumbered from Sec. 502.009 by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 19.01(100), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 72, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 502 - Registration of Vehicles › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 502.00211. Design of Registration Insignia

Sec. 502.00211.  DESIGN OF REGISTRATION INSIGNIA.   The department shall prepare the designs and specifications to be used as the registration insignia.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.052 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 73, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 502 - Registration of Vehicles › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 502.0024. Extended Registration of Certain Vehicles Not Subject to Inspection

Text of section effective until January 01, 2025
Sec. 502.0024.  EXTENDED REGISTRATION OF CERTAIN VEHICLES NOT SUBJECT TO INSPECTION.  (a)  Notwithstanding Section 502.044(c), the department shall develop and implement a system of registration to allow an owner of a vehicle described by Section 548.052(3) other than a mobile home to register the vehicle for an extended registration period of not more than five years.  The owner may select the number of years for registration under this section within that range and register the vehicle for that period.  Payment for all applicable fees, including any optional fee imposed under Subchapter H and other registration fees and the fee required by Section 548.510, for the entire registration period selected is due at the time of registration.
(b)  The fee required by Section 548.510 shall be remitted to the comptroller for deposit in the Texas mobility fund, the general revenue fund, and the clean air account in amounts proportionate to the allocation prescribed by Subsection (b) of that section.
(c)  The fees imposed under Subchapter H shall be collected and remitted as prescribed by that subchapter.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 456 (H.B. 1262), Sec. 1, eff. June 5, 2019.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 851 (H.B. 3297), Sec. 4, eff. January 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 502 - Registration of Vehicles › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 502.0024. Extended Registration of Certain Trailers

Text of section effective on January 01, 2025
Sec. 502.0024.  EXTENDED REGISTRATION OF CERTAIN TRAILERS.  (a)  Notwithstanding Section 502.044(c), the department shall develop and implement a system of registration to allow an owner of a trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer having an actual gross weight or registered gross weight of 7,500 pounds or less to register the vehicle for an extended registration period of not more than five years. The owner may select the number of years for registration under this section within that range and register the vehicle for that period. Payment for all applicable fees, including any optional fee imposed under Subchapter H and other registration fees and the fee required by Section 548.510, for the entire registration period selected is due at the time of registration.
(b)  The fee required by Section 548.510 shall be remitted to the comptroller for deposit in the Texas mobility fund, the general revenue fund, and the clean air account in amounts proportionate to the allocation prescribed by Subsection (d) of that section.
(c)  The fees imposed under Subchapter H shall be collected and remitted as prescribed by that subchapter.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 456 (H.B. 1262), Sec. 1, eff. June 5, 2019.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 851 (H.B. 3297), Sec. 4, eff. January 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 502 - Registration of Vehicles › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 502.0025. Extended Registration of Certain County Fleet Vehicles

Sec. 502.0025.  EXTENDED REGISTRATION OF CERTAIN COUNTY FLEET VEHICLES.  (a)  In this section, "exempt county fleet" means a group of two or more nonapportioned motor vehicles, semitrailers, or trailers described by Section 502.453(a) that is owned by and used exclusively in the service of a county with a population of 3.3 million or more.
(b)  Notwithstanding the annual registration requirements of Sections 502.044(c) and 502.453(a), the department shall develop and implement a system of registration to allow an owner of an exempt county fleet to register vehicles in the fleet for an extended registration period of not less than one year or more than eight years.
(c)  A system of extended registration under this section must allow the owner of an exempt county fleet to:
(1)  select the number of years for registration under this section;
(2)  register the entire fleet in the county of the owner's principal place of business;
(3)  register the motor vehicles in the fleet that are operated most regularly in the same county; or
(4)  register the entire fleet directly with the department.
Text of subsection effective until January 01, 2025
(d)  A motor vehicle, semitrailer, or trailer registered under this section is subject to the inspection requirements of Chapter 548 as if the vehicle, semitrailer, or trailer were registered without an extended registration period.
Text of subsection effective on January 01, 2025
(d)  A motor vehicle, semitrailer, or trailer registered under this section is subject to any applicable inspection requirements of Chapter 548 as if the vehicle, semitrailer, or trailer were registered without an extended registration period.
Text of subsection effective until January 01, 2025
(e)  The department shall adopt rules to implement this section, including rules:
(1)  regarding the suspension of an exempt county fleet's registration under this section if the owner of the exempt county fleet fails to comply with this section or rules adopted under this section; and
(2)  establishing a method to enforce the inspection requirements of Chapter 548 for motor vehicles, semitrailers, and trailers registered under this section.
Text of subsection effective on January 01, 2025
(e)  The department shall adopt rules to implement this section, including rules:
(1)  regarding the suspension of an exempt county fleet's registration under this section if the owner of the exempt county fleet fails to comply with this section or rules adopted under this section; and
(2)  establishing a method to enforce applicable inspection requirements of Chapter 548 for motor vehicles, semitrailers, and trailers registered under this section.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 56 (S.B. 1064), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 851 (H.B. 3297), Sec. 5, eff. January 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 502 - Registration of Vehicles › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 502.0026. Extended Registration of Certain Rental Vehicles

Sec. 502.0026.  EXTENDED REGISTRATION OF CERTAIN RENTAL VEHICLES.  (a)  Notwithstanding Section 502.044, the initial registration period is three years for a passenger car or light truck:
(1)  that is sold in this state or purchased by a commercial fleet buyer described by Section 501.0234(b)(4) for use in this state;
(2)  that has not been previously registered in this or another state;
(3)  that on the date of sale is of the current or preceding model year; and
(4)  for which a rental certificate has been furnished as described by Section 152.061(b), Tax Code.
(b)  Payment for all applicable fees, including any optional fee imposed under Subchapter H and other registration fees and the fee required by Section 548.5035, for the entire registration period is due at the time of registration.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 362 (S.B. 2102), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 502 - Registration of Vehicles › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 502.003. Registration by Political Subdivision Prohibited

Sec. 502.003.  REGISTRATION BY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION PROHIBITED.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), a political subdivision of this state may not require an owner of a motor vehicle to:
(1)  register the vehicle;
(2)  pay a motor vehicle registration fee;  or
(3)  pay an occupation tax or license fee in connection with a motor vehicle.
(b)  This section does not affect the authority of a municipality to:
(1)  license and regulate the use of motor vehicles for compensation within the municipal limits;  and
(2)  impose a permit fee or street rental charge for the operation of each motor vehicle used to transport passengers for compensation, other than a motor vehicle operating under a registration certificate from the department or a permit from the federal Surface Transportation Board.
(c)  A fee or charge under Subsection (b) may not exceed two percent of the annual gross receipts from the vehicle.
(d)  This section does not impair the payment provisions of an agreement or franchise between a municipality and the owners or operators of motor vehicles used to transport passengers for compensation.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.45, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 502 - Registration of Vehicles › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 502.004. Information on Alternatively Fueled Vehicles

Sec. 502.004.  INFORMATION ON ALTERNATIVELY FUELED VEHICLES.  (a) In this section, "alternatively fueled vehicle" means a motor vehicle that is capable of using a fuel other than gasoline or diesel fuel.
(b)  The department by rule shall establish a program to collect information about the number of alternatively fueled vehicles registered in this state.
(c)  The department shall submit an annual report to the legislature that includes the information collected under this section. The report must, at a minimum, show the number of vehicles registered in this state that use:
(1)  electric plug-in drives;
(2)  hybrid electric drives;
(3)  compressed natural gas drives; and
(4)  liquefied natural gas drives.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 507 (H.B. 735), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2016.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 502 - Registration of Vehicles › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 502.005. Registration of Autocycle

Sec. 502.005.  REGISTRATION OF AUTOCYCLE.  (a)  In this section, "autocycle" means a motor vehicle, other than a tractor, that is:
(1)  designed to have when propelled not more than three wheels on the ground;
(2)  equipped with seat belts and a steering mechanism;
(3)  equipped with seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride the seat; and
(4)  manufactured and certified to comply with federal safety requirements for a motorcycle.
(b)  For purposes of registering a vehicle under this chapter, an autocycle is considered to be a motorcycle.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 67 (S.B. 449), Sec. 2, eff. May 22, 2015.
Redesignated from Transportation Code, Section 502.004 by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 324 (S.B. 1488), Sec. 24.001(50), eff. September 1, 2017.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 34 (S.B. 1115), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 502 - Registration of Vehicles › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 502.011. Refusal to Register Vehicle for Nonpayment of Toll or Administrative Fee

Sec. 502.011.  REFUSAL TO REGISTER VEHICLE FOR NONPAYMENT OF TOLL OR ADMINISTRATIVE FEE.  (a)  A county assessor-collector or the department may refuse to register or renew the registration of a motor vehicle if it has received written notice from a toll project entity that the owner of the vehicle has been finally determined to be a habitual violator under Subchapter C, Chapter 372.
(b)  A toll project entity shall notify a county assessor-collector or the department, as applicable, that:
(1)  a person for whom the assessor-collector or the department has refused to register a vehicle is no longer determined to be a habitual violator; or
(2)  an appeal has been perfected and the appellant has posted any bond required to stay the toll project entity's exercise of habitual violator remedies pending the appeal.
(c)  This section does not apply to the registration of a motor vehicle under Section 501.0234.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 491 (S.B. 1792), Sec. 2, eff. June 14, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 502 - Registration of Vehicles › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 502.012. Notice Regarding Whether Certain Trailers Are Subject to Inspection

Sec. 502.012.  NOTICE REGARDING WHETHER CERTAIN TRAILERS ARE SUBJECT TO INSPECTION.  The department shall include in each registration renewal notice for a vehicle that is a trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer a statement regarding whether the vehicle is subject to inspection under Chapter 548.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 721 (S.B. 1001), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 502 - Registration of Vehicles › Subchapter B. Registration Requirements › Section 502.040. Registration Required; General Rule

Sec. 502.040.  REGISTRATION REQUIRED; GENERAL RULE.  (a)  Not more than 30 days after purchasing a vehicle or becoming a resident of this state, the owner of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer shall apply for the registration of the vehicle for:
(1)  each registration year in which the vehicle is used or to be used on a public highway; and
(2)  if the vehicle is unregistered for a registration year that has begun and that applies to the vehicle and if the vehicle is used or to be used on a public highway, the remaining portion of that registration year.
(b)  The application must be accompanied by personal identification as determined by department rule and made in a manner prescribed by the department through:
(1)  the county assessor-collector of the county in which the owner resides; or
(2)  any  county assessor-collector who is willing to accept the application.
(c)  A provision of this chapter that conflicts with this section prevails over this section to the extent of the conflict.
(d)  A county assessor-collector, a deputy county assessor-collector, or a person acting on behalf of a county assessor-collector is not liable to any person for:
(1)  refusing to register a vehicle because of the person's failure to submit evidence of residency that complies with the department's rules; or
(2)  registering a vehicle under this section.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.002 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 78, eff. January 1, 2012.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 63, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 968 (S.B. 2075), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 592 (S.B. 876), Sec. 5, eff. March 1, 2022.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 502 - Registration of Vehicles › Subchapter B. Registration Requirements › Section 502.041. Initial Registration

Sec. 502.041.  INITIAL REGISTRATION.  (a)  Notwithstanding Section 502.040, the owner of a vehicle may concurrently apply for a title and for registration through the county assessor-collector of the county in which:
(1)  the owner resides;
(2)  the vehicle is purchased or encumbered; or
(3)  the county assessor-collector is willing to accept the application.
(b)  The first time an owner applies for registration of a vehicle, the owner may demonstrate compliance with Section 502.046(a) as to the vehicle by showing proof of financial responsibility in any manner specified in Section 502.046(c) as to:
(1)  any vehicle of the owner; or
(2)  any vehicle used as part of the consideration for the purchase of the vehicle the owner applies to register.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.157 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 79, eff. January 1, 2012.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 592 (S.B. 876), Sec. 6, eff. March 1, 2022.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 502 - Registration of Vehicles › Subchapter B. Registration Requirements › Section 502.042. Title Required for Registration

Sec. 502.042.  TITLE REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION.   The department may not register or renew the registration of a motor vehicle for which a title is required under Chapter 501 unless the owner:
(1)  obtains a title for the vehicle; or
(2)  presents satisfactory evidence that a title was previously issued to the owner by the department or another jurisdiction.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.152 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 80, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 502 - Registration of Vehicles › Subchapter B. Registration Requirements › Section 502.043. Application for Registration and Certain Permits

Sec. 502.043.  APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION AND CERTAIN PERMITS.  (a)  An application for vehicle registration or a permit described by Section 502.094 or 502.095 must:
(1)  be made in a manner prescribed and include the information required by the department  by rule; and
(2)  contain a full description of the vehicle as required by department rule.
(b)  The department shall deny the registration of or permitting under Section 502.094 or 502.095 of a commercial motor vehicle, truck-tractor, trailer, or semitrailer if the applicant:
(1)  has a business operated, managed, or otherwise controlled or affiliated with a person who is ineligible for registration or whose privilege to operate has been suspended, including the applicant entity, a relative, family member, corporate officer, or shareholder;
(2)  has a vehicle that has been prohibited from operating by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for safety-related reasons;
(3)  is a carrier whose business is operated, managed, or otherwise controlled or affiliated with a person who is ineligible for registration, including the owner, a relative, a family member, a corporate officer, or a shareholder; or
(4)  fails to deliver to the county assessor-collector proof of the weight of the vehicle, the maximum load to be carried on the vehicle, and the gross weight for which the vehicle is to be registered.
(c)  In lieu of filing an application during a year as provided by Subsection (a), the owner of a vehicle registered in any state for that year or the preceding year may present:
(1)  the registration receipt and transfer receipt for the vehicle; or
(2)  other evidence satisfactory to the county assessor-collector that the person owns the vehicle.
(c-1)  A county assessor-collector shall accept a receipt or evidence provided under Subsection (c) as an application for renewal of the registration if the receipt or evidence indicates the applicant owns the vehicle.  This section allows issuance for registration purposes only but does not authorize the department to issue a title.
(d)  The department may require an applicant for registration to provide current personal identification as determined by department rule.  Any identification number required by the department under this subsection may be entered into the department's electronic titling system but may not be printed on the title.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.151 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 81, eff. January 1, 2012.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 64, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 65, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 502 - Registration of Vehicles › Subchapter B. Registration Requirements › Section 502.0435. Online Registration Renewal

Sec. 502.0435.  ONLINE REGISTRATION RENEWAL.  If a person is otherwise eligible to renew a vehicle registration under this chapter, the person may renew the vehicle registration through an online registration system maintained by the department.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 207 (H.B. 2152), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 502 - Registration of Vehicles › Subchapter B. Registration Requirements › Section 502.044. Registration Period

Sec. 502.044.  REGISTRATION PERIOD.  (a)  The department shall designate a vehicle registration year of 12 consecutive months to begin on the first day of a calendar month and end on the last day of the 12th calendar month.
(b)  The department shall designate vehicle registration years so as to distribute the work of the department and the county assessor-collectors as uniformly as possible throughout the year.  The department may establish separate registration years for any vehicle or classification of vehicle and may adopt rules to administer the year-round registration system.
(c)  The department may designate a registration period of less than 12 months to be computed at a rate of one-twelfth the annual registration fee multiplied by the number of months in the registration period.  The board by rule may allow payment of registration fees for a designated period not to exceed the amount of time determined by department rule.
(d)  The department shall issue a registration receipt and registration insignia that are valid until the expiration of the designated period.
(e)  The department shall use the date of sale of the vehicle in designating the registration year for a vehicle for which registration is applied for under Section 501.0234.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.158 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 82, eff. January 1, 2012.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 696 (H.B. 2874), 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 502 - Registration of Vehicles › Subchapter B. Registration Requirements › Section 502.045. Delinquent Registration

Sec. 502.045.  DELINQUENT REGISTRATION.  (a)  A registration fee for a vehicle becomes delinquent immediately if the vehicle is used on a public highway without the fee having been paid in accordance with this chapter.
(b)  An applicant for registration who provides evidence to establish good reason for delinquent registration and who complies with the other requirements for registration under this chapter may register the vehicle for a 12-month period that ends on the last day of the 11th month after the month in which the registration occurs under this subsection.
(c)  An applicant for registration who is delinquent and has not provided evidence acceptable to establish good reason for delinquent registration but who complies with the other requirements for registration under this chapter shall register the vehicle for a 12-month period without changing the initial month of registration.
(d)  A person who has been arrested or received a citation for a violation of Section 502.472 may register the vehicle being operated at the time of the offense for a 12-month period without change to the initial month of registration only if the person:
(1)  meets the other requirements for registration under this chapter; and
(2)  pays an additional charge equal to 20 percent of the prescribed fee.
(e)  The board by rule shall adopt a list of evidentiary items sufficient to establish good reason for delinquent registration under Subsection (b) and provide for the evidence that may be used to establish good reason under that subsection.
(f)  The board by rule shall adopt procedures to implement this section in connection with the delinquent registration of a vehicle registered directly with the department or through other means.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.176 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 83, eff. January 1, 2012.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 502 - Registration of Vehicles › Subchapter B. Registration Requirements › Section 502.047. Registration-Based Enforcement of Motor Vehicle Inspection Requirements

Sec. 502.047.  REGISTRATION-BASED ENFORCEMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS.
Text of subsection effective until January 01, 2025
(a)  Except as provided by Chapter 548, the department and the Department of Public Safety shall ensure compliance with the motor vehicle inspection requirements under Chapter 548, including compliance with the motor vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program under Subchapter F of that chapter, through a vehicle registration-based enforcement system.
Text of subsection effective on January 01, 2025
(a)  Except as provided by Chapter 548, the department and the Department of Public Safety shall ensure compliance with motor vehicle inspection requirements under Chapter 548 through a vehicle registration-based enforcement system.
(b)  A motor vehicle may not be registered if the department receives from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality or the Department of Public Safety notification that the registered owner of the vehicle has not complied with Chapter 548.
(c)  A motor vehicle may not be registered if the vehicle was denied registration under Subsection (b) unless verification is received that the registered vehicle owner is in compliance with Chapter 548.
(d)  The department and the Department of Public Safety shall enter into an agreement regarding the timely submission by the Department of Public Safety of inspection compliance information to the department.
(d-1)  The department, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the Department of Public Safety shall enter an agreement regarding the responsibilities for costs associated with implementing this section.
(e)  A county tax assessor-collector is not liable to any person for refusing to register a motor vehicle because of the person's failure to provide verification of the person's compliance with Chapter 548.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1069, Sec. 3, eff. June 19, 1997.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1075, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.009 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 85, eff. January 1, 2012.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1291 (H.B. 2305), Sec. 12, eff. March 1, 2015.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 752 (H.B. 1888), Sec. 1, eff. January 1, 2016.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 851 (H.B. 3297), Sec. 6, eff. January 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle A - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Chapter 502 - Registration of Vehicles › Subchapter B. Registration Requirements › Section 502.048. Refusal to Register Unsafe Vehicle

Sec. 502.048.  REFUSAL TO REGISTER UNSAFE VEHICLE.   The department may refuse to register a motor vehicle and may cancel, suspend, or revoke a registration if the department determines that a motor vehicle is unsafe, improperly equipped, or otherwise unfit to be operated on a public highway.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.005 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 86, eff. January 1, 2012.