reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
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 I. Alternate Registration Fees › Section 502.433. Fee: Commercial Farm Motor Vehicle

Sec. 502.433.  FEE:  COMMERCIAL FARM MOTOR VEHICLE.  (a)  The registration fee for a commercial motor vehicle as a farm vehicle is 50 percent of the applicable fee under Section 502.252 or 502.253, as applicable, if the vehicle's owner will use the vehicle for commercial purposes only to transport:
(1)  the person's own poultry, dairy, livestock, livestock products, timber in its natural state, or farm products to market or another place for sale or processing;
(2)  laborers from their place of residence to the owner's farm or ranch; or
(3)  without charge, materials, tools, equipment, or supplies from the place of purchase or storage to the owner's farm or ranch exclusively for the owner's use or for use on the farm or ranch.
(a-1)  A commercial motor vehicle registration may not be issued or renewed under this section unless the vehicle's owner provides a registration number issued by the comptroller under Section 151.1551, Tax Code.  The comptroller shall allow access to the online system established under Section 151.1551(l), Tax Code, to verify a registration number provided under this subsection.
(b)  A commercial motor vehicle may be registered under this section despite its use for transporting without charge the owner or a member of the owner's family:
(1)  to attend church or school;
(2)  to visit a doctor for medical treatment or supplies;
(3)  for other necessities of the home or family; or
(4)  for the purpose of participating in equine activities or attending livestock shows, as defined by Section 87.001, Civil Practice and Remedies Code.
(c)  Subsection (b) does not permit the use of a vehicle registered under this section in connection with gainful employment other than farming or ranching.
(d)  The department shall provide distinguishing license plates for a vehicle registered under this section.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.163 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 143, eff. January 1, 2012.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1068 (H.B. 3256), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 72, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 968 (S.B. 2075), Sec. 11, 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 I. Alternate Registration Fees › Section 502.434. Farm Vehicles: Excess Weight

Sec. 502.434.  FARM VEHICLES: EXCESS WEIGHT.  (a)  The owner of a registered commercial motor vehicle, truck-tractor, trailer, or semitrailer may obtain a short-term permit to haul loads of a weight more than that for which the vehicle is registered by paying an additional fee before the additional weight is hauled to transport:
(1)  the person's own seasonal agricultural products to market or another point for sale or processing;
(2)  seasonal laborers from their place of residence to a farm or ranch; or
(3)  materials, tools, equipment, or supplies, without charge, from the place of purchase or storage to a farm or ranch exclusively for use on the farm or ranch.
(a-1)  A permit may not be issued under this section unless the vehicle's owner provides a registration number issued by the comptroller under Section 151.1551, Tax Code. The comptroller shall allow access to the online system established under Section 151.1551(l), Tax Code, to verify a registration number provided under this subsection.  This subsection does not apply to a permit issued to a retail dealer of tools or equipment that is transporting the tools or equipment from the place of purchase or storage to the customer's farm or ranch.
(b)  A permit may not be issued under this section for a period that is less than one month or that:
(1)  is greater than one year; or
(2)  extends beyond the expiration of the registration year for the vehicle.
(c)  A permit issued under this section for a quarter must be for a calendar quarter.
(d)  The fee for a permit under this section is a percentage of the difference between the registration fee otherwise prescribed for the vehicle and the annual fee for the desired weight, as follows:
One month (30 consecutive days)
10 percent
One quarter
30 percent
Two quarters
60 percent
Three quarters
90 percent
(e)  The department shall design, prescribe, and furnish a sticker, plate, or other means of indicating the additional weight and the registration period for each vehicle registered under this section.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.351 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 144, eff. January 1, 2012.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1068 (H.B. 3256), Sec. 3, 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 I. Alternate Registration Fees › Section 502.435. Certain Soil Conservation Equipment

Sec. 502.435.  CERTAIN SOIL CONSERVATION EQUIPMENT.  (a)  The owner of a truck-tractor, semitrailer, or low-boy trailer used on a highway exclusively to transport the owner's soil conservation machinery or equipment used in clearing real property, terracing, or building farm ponds, levees, or ditches may register the vehicle for a fee equal to 50 percent of the fee otherwise prescribed by this chapter for the vehicle.
(b)  An owner may register only one truck-tractor and only one semitrailer or low-boy trailer under this section.
(c)  An owner must certify that the vehicle is to be used only as provided by Subsection (a).
(d)  The registration receipt issued for a vehicle registered under this section must be carried in or on the vehicle and state the nature of the operation for which the vehicle may be used.
(e)  A vehicle to which this section applies that is operated on a public highway in violation of this section is considered to be operated while unregistered and is immediately subject to the applicable registration fees and penalties prescribed by this chapter.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.188 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 145, 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 J. Registrations Exempt From Fees › Section 502.451. Exempt Vehicles

Sec. 502.451.  EXEMPT VEHICLES.  (a)  Before license plates are issued or delivered to the owner of a vehicle that is exempt by law from payment of registration fees, the department must approve the application for registration.  The department may not approve an application if there is the appearance that:
(1)  the vehicle was transferred to the owner or purported owner:
(A)  for the sole purpose of evading the payment of registration fees; or
(B)  in bad faith; or
(2)  the vehicle is not being used in accordance with the exemption requirements.
(b)  The department shall revoke the registration of a vehicle issued license plates under this section and may recall the plates if the vehicle is no longer:
(1)  owned and operated by the person whose ownership of the vehicle qualified the vehicle for the exemption; or
(2)  used in accordance with the exemption requirements.
(c)  The department shall provide by rule for the issuance of specially designated license plates for vehicles that are exempt by law.  Except as provided by Subsection (f), the license plates must bear the word "exempt."
(d)  A license plate under Subsection (c) is not issued annually, but remains on the vehicle until:
(1)  the registration is revoked as provided by Subsection (b); or
(2)  the plate is lost, stolen, or mutilated.
(e)  A person who operates on a public highway a vehicle after the registration has been revoked is liable for the penalties for failing to register a vehicle.
(f)  The department shall provide by rule for the issuance of regularly designed license plates not bearing the word "exempt" for a vehicle that is exempt by law and that is:
(1)  a law enforcement vehicle, if the agency certifies to the department that the vehicle will be dedicated to law enforcement activities;
(2)  a vehicle exempt from inscription requirements under a rule adopted as provided by Section 721.003; or
(3)  a vehicle exempt from inscription requirements under an order or ordinance adopted by a governing body of a municipality or commissioners court of a county as provided by Section 721.005, if the applicant presents a copy of the order or ordinance.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.201 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 147, 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 J. Registrations Exempt From Fees › Section 502.454. Vehicles Used by Nonprofit Disaster Relief Organizations

Sec. 502.454.  VEHICLES USED BY NONPROFIT DISASTER RELIEF ORGANIZATIONS.  (a)  The owner of a commercial motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer may apply for registration under Section 502.451 and is exempt from the payment of the registration fee that would otherwise be required by this chapter if the vehicle is:
(1)  owned by a nonprofit disaster relief organization; and
(2)  used by the organization exclusively for emergencies, training, equipment maintenance, transportation of disaster relief supplies, or other activities related to disaster relief.
(b)  An application for registration under this section must include:
(1)  a statement by the owner of the vehicle that the vehicle is used exclusively as described by Subsection (a) and has not been used for any other purpose;
(2)  a statement signed by an officer of the nonprofit disaster relief organization that the vehicle has been used exclusively as described by Subsection (a) and qualifies for registration under this section; and
(3)  a reasonable description of the vehicle and the emergency equipment included in the vehicle.
(c)  An applicant for registration under this section must pay a fee of $5.
(d)  A commercial motor vehicle registered under this section must display the name of the organization that owns it on each front door.
(e)  A vehicle registered under this section must display at all times an appropriate license plate showing the vehicle's status.
(f)  A vehicle registered under this section that is used other than as described by Subsection (a) may not again be registered under this section.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.203 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 150, eff. January 1, 2012.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 657 (H.B. 53), Sec. 1, 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 J. Registrations Exempt From Fees › Section 502.455. Trailers and Semitrailers Owned by Religious Organizations

Sec. 502.455.  TRAILERS AND SEMITRAILERS OWNED BY RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS.  (a)  A trailer or semitrailer may be registered without payment if the trailer or semitrailer is:
(1)  owned by an organization that qualifies as a religious organization under Section 11.20, Tax Code; and
(2)  used primarily for the purpose of transporting property in connection with the charitable activities and functions of the organization.
(b)  An application for registration under this section must include a statement signed by an officer of the religious organization stating that the trailer or semitrailer qualifies for registration under this section.
Transferred and redesignated from Transportation Code, Section 502.2035 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 151, 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 J. Registrations Exempt From Fees › Section 502.456. Emergency Services Vehicles

Sec. 502.456.  EMERGENCY SERVICES VEHICLES.  (a)  A vehicle may be registered without payment if:
(1)  the vehicle is owned or leased by an emergency medical services provider that:
(A)  is a nonprofit entity; or
(B)  is created and operated by:
(i)  a county;
(ii)  a municipality; or
(iii)  any combination of counties and municipalities through a contract, joint agreement, or other method provided by Chapter 791, Government Code, or other law authorizing counties and municipalities to provide joint programs; and
(2)  the vehicle:
(A)  is authorized under an emergency medical services provider license issued by the Department of State Health Services under Chapter 773, Health and Safety Code, and is used exclusively as an emergency medical services vehicle; or
(B)  is an emergency medical services chief or supervisor vehicle and is used exclusively as an emergency services vehicle.
(b)  A vehicle may be registered without payment of a registration fee if the vehicle:
(1)  is owned by the Civil Air Patrol, Texas Wing; and
(2)  is used exclusively as an emergency services vehicle by members of the Civil Air Patrol, Texas Wing.
(c)  An application for registration under Subsection (a) must be accompanied by a copy of the license issued by the Department of State Health Services.  An application for registration of an emergency medical services vehicle must include a statement signed by an officer of the emergency medical services provider that the vehicle is used exclusively as an emergency response vehicle and qualifies for registration under this section.  An application for registration of an emergency medical services chief or supervisor vehicle must include a statement signed by an officer of the emergency medical services provider stating that the vehicle qualifies for registration under this section.
(d)  An application for registration under Subsection (b) must include a statement signed by an officer of the Civil Air Patrol, Texas Wing, that the vehicle is used exclusively as an emergency services vehicle by members of the Civil Air Patrol, Texas Wing.
(e)  The department must approve an application for registration under this section as provided by Section 502.451.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.204 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 152, 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 J. Registrations Exempt From Fees › Section 502.457. Persons on Active Duty in Armed Forces of United States

Sec. 502.457.  PERSONS ON ACTIVE DUTY IN ARMED FORCES OF UNITED STATES.  (a)  This section applies only to a used motor vehicle that is owned by a person who:
(1)  is on active duty in the armed forces of the United States;
(2)  is stationed in or has been assigned to another nation under military orders; and
(3)  has registered the vehicle or been issued a license for the vehicle under the applicable status of forces agreement by:
(A)  the appropriate branch of the armed forces of the United States; or
(B)  the nation in which the person is stationed or to which the person has been assigned.
(b)  The requirement that a used vehicle be registered under the law of this state does not apply to a vehicle described by Subsection (a).  In lieu of delivering the license receipt to the transferee of the vehicle, as required by Section 501.0721, the person selling, trading, or otherwise transferring a used motor vehicle described by Subsection (a) shall deliver to the transferee:
(1)  a letter written on official letterhead by the owner's unit commander attesting to the registration of the vehicle under Subsection (a)(3); or
(2)  the registration receipt issued by the appropriate branch of the armed forces or host nation.
(c)  A registration receipt issued by a host nation that is not written in the English language must be accompanied by:
(1)  a written translation of the registration receipt in English; and
(2)  an affidavit, in English and signed by the person translating the registration receipt, attesting to the person's ability to translate the registration receipt into English.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 520.0225 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 153, 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 J. Registrations Exempt From Fees › Section 502.458. Vehicles Used by Nonprofit Food Banks

Sec. 502.458.  VEHICLES USED BY NONPROFIT FOOD BANKS.  (a)  In this section, "nonprofit food bank" has the meaning assigned by Section 162.001, Tax Code.
(b)  The owner of a motor vehicle described by Section 162.104(a)(10)(A) or 162.204(a)(16)(A), Tax Code, may apply for registration under Section 502.451 of this code and is exempt from the payment of the registration fee that would otherwise be required by this chapter if the vehicle is used by a nonprofit food bank to deliver food.
(c)  An application for registration under this section must include:
(1)  a statement by the owner of the vehicle that the vehicle is used by a nonprofit food bank to deliver food; and
(2)  a statement signed by an officer of the nonprofit food bank that the vehicle has been used by a nonprofit food bank to deliver food and qualifies for registration under this section.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 536 (H.B. 3599), Sec. 8, 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 K. Offenses and Penalties › Section 502.471. General Penalty

Sec. 502.471.  GENERAL PENALTY.  (a)  A person commits an offense if the person violates a provision of this chapter and no other penalty is prescribed for the violation.
(b)  This section does not apply to a violation of Section 502.003, 502.042, 502.197, or 502.431.
(c)  Unless otherwise specified, an offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $200.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.401 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 155, 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 K. Offenses and Penalties › Section 502.472. Operation of Vehicle Under Improper Registration

Sec. 502.472.  OPERATION OF VEHICLE UNDER IMPROPER REGISTRATION.   A person commits an offense if the person operates a motor vehicle that has not been registered or registered for a class other than that to which the vehicle belongs as required by law.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.402 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 156, 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 K. Offenses and Penalties › Section 502.473. Operation of Vehicle Without Registration Insignia

Sec. 502.473.  OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT REGISTRATION INSIGNIA.  (a)   A person commits an offense if the person operates on a public highway during a registration period a motor vehicle that does not properly display the registration insignia issued by the department that establishes that the license plates have been validated for the period.
(b)  A person commits an offense if the person operates on a public highway during a registration period a road tractor, motorcycle, trailer, or semitrailer that does not display a registration insignia issued by the department that establishes that the vehicle is registered for the period.
(c)  This section does not apply to a dealer operating a vehicle as provided by law.
(d)  A court may dismiss a charge brought under Subsection (a) if the defendant pays a reimbursement fee not to exceed $10 and:
(1)  remedies the defect before the defendant's first court appearance; or
(2)  shows that the motor vehicle was issued a registration insignia by the department that was attached to the motor vehicle, establishing that the vehicle was registered for the period during which the offense was committed.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.404 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 157, eff. January 1, 2012.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 73, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1352 (S.B. 346), Sec. 2.63, eff. January 1, 2020.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 919 (S.B. 1923), Sec. 11, 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 K. Offenses and Penalties › Section 502.474. Operation of One-Trip Permit Vehicle

Sec. 502.474.  OPERATION OF ONE-TRIP PERMIT VEHICLE.  A person commits an offense if the person operates a vehicle for which a one-trip permit is required without the registration receipt and properly displayed temporary tag.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 158, 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 K. Offenses and Penalties › Section 502.475. Wrong, Fictitious, Altered, or Obscured Insignia

Sec. 502.475.  WRONG, FICTITIOUS, ALTERED, OR OBSCURED INSIGNIA.  (a)  A person commits an offense if the person attaches to or displays on a motor vehicle a registration insignia that:
(1)  is assigned to a different motor vehicle;
(2)  is assigned to the vehicle under any other motor vehicle law other than by the department;
(3)  is assigned for a registration period other than the registration period in effect; or
(4)  is fictitious.
(b)  Except as provided by Subsection (d), an offense under Subsection (a) is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $200, unless it is shown at the trial of the offense that the owner knowingly altered or made illegible the letters, numbers, and other identification marks, in which case the offense is a Class B misdemeanor.
(c)  A court may dismiss a charge brought under Subsection (a)(3) if the defendant:
(1)  remedies the defect before the defendant's first court appearance; and
(2)  pays a reimbursement fee not to exceed $10.
(d)  An offense under Subsection (a)(4) is a Class B misdemeanor.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.409 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 159, eff. January 1, 2012.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1352 (S.B. 346), Sec. 2.64, eff. January 1, 2020.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 919 (S.B. 1923), Sec. 12, 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 K. Offenses and Penalties › Section 502.4755. Deceptively Similar Insignia

Sec. 502.4755.  DECEPTIVELY SIMILAR INSIGNIA.  (a)  A person commits an offense if the person:
(1)  manufactures, sells, or possesses a registration insignia deceptively similar to the registration insignia of the department; or
(2)  makes a copy or likeness of an insignia deceptively similar to the registration insignia of the department with intent to sell the copy or likeness.
(b)  For the purposes of this section, an insignia is deceptively similar to the registration insignia of the department if the insignia is not prescribed by the department but a reasonable person would presume that it was prescribed by the department.
(c)  A district or county court, on application of the attorney general or of the district attorney or prosecuting attorney performing the duties of the district attorney for the district in which the court is located, may enjoin a violation or threatened violation of this section on a showing that a violation has occurred or is likely to occur.
(d)  It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under this section that the insignia was produced pursuant to a licensing agreement with the department.
(e)  An offense under this section is:
(1)  a felony of the third degree if the person manufactures or sells a deceptively similar registration insignia; or
(2)  a Class C misdemeanor if the person possesses a deceptively similar registration insignia, except that the offense is a Class B misdemeanor if the person has previously been convicted of an offense under this subdivision.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 74, 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 K. Offenses and Penalties › Section 502.476. Annual Permits; Offense

Sec. 502.476.  ANNUAL PERMITS; OFFENSE.  A person who violates Section 502.093 commits an offense.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 160, 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 K. Offenses and Penalties › Section 502.477. Nonresident-Owned Vehicles Used to Transport Agricultural Product; Offense

Text of section effective until July 01, 2025
Sec. 502.477.  NONRESIDENT-OWNED VEHICLES USED TO TRANSPORT AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT; OFFENSE.  (a)  A person operating a vehicle under a permit issued under Section 502.092 commits an offense if the person transports farm products to a place of market, storage, or processing or a railhead or seaport that is farther from the place of production or point of entry, as appropriate, than the distance provided for in the permit.
(b)  An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $25 or more than $200.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 160, eff. January 1, 2012.
Repealed by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 668 (H.B. 718), Sec. 32(2), eff. July 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 K. Offenses and Penalties › Section 502.478. Commercial Motor Vehicle Used Primarily for Agricultural Purposes; Offense

Sec. 502.478.  COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE USED PRIMARILY FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES; OFFENSE.  (a)  The owner of a commercial motor vehicle registered under Section 502.433 commits an offense if the person uses or permits the use of the vehicle for a purpose other than one allowed under Section 502.433. Each use or permission of use in violation of this section is a separate offense.
(b)  An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $25 or more than $200.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 160, 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 K. Offenses and Penalties › Section 502.479. Seasonal Agricultural Vehicle; Offense

Sec. 502.479.  SEASONAL AGRICULTURAL VEHICLE; OFFENSE. A person issued a registration under Section 502.432 commits an offense if the person, during the registration period, uses the truck-tractor or commercial motor vehicle for a purpose other than to transport a seasonal agricultural product.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 160, 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 K. Offenses and Penalties › Section 502.480. Violation by County Assessor-Collector; Penalty

Sec. 502.480.  VIOLATION BY COUNTY ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR;  PENALTY.  (a)  A county assessor-collector commits an offense if the county assessor-collector knowingly accepts an application for the registration of a motor vehicle that:
(1)  has had the original motor number or vehicle identification number removed, erased, or destroyed; and
(2)  does not bear a motor number or vehicle identification number assigned by the department.
(b)  An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $10 and not more than $50.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 520.014 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 161, 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 L. Registration and Transfer of Used Vehicles › Section 502.491. Transfer of Vehicle Registration

Sec. 502.491.  TRANSFER OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION.  (a)  On the sale or transfer of a vehicle, the registration insignia issued for the vehicle shall be removed.  The registration period remaining at the time of sale or transfer expires at the time of sale or transfer.
(b)  On a sale or transfer of a vehicle in which neither party holds a general distinguishing number issued under Chapter 503, the part of the registration period remaining at the time of the sale or transfer shall continue with the vehicle being sold or transferred and does not transfer with the license plates or registration validation insignia.  To continue the remainder of the registration period, the purchaser or transferee must file the documents required under Section 501.145.
(c)  On the sale or transfer of a vehicle to a dealer, as defined by Section 503.001, who holds a general distinguishing number issued under Chapter 503, the registration period remaining at the time of the sale or transfer expires at the time of the sale or transfer.  On the sale of a used vehicle by a dealer, the dealer shall issue to the buyer new registration documents for an entire registration year.
(d)  If the transferor has paid for more than one year of registration, the department may credit the transferor for any time remaining on the registration in annual increments.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 101 (H.B. 310), Sec. 2, eff. January 1, 2008.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 432 (S.B. 1057), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.451 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 163, eff. January 1, 2012.
Reenacted and amended by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 161 (S.B. 1093), Sec. 20.014, eff. September 1, 2013.
Reenacted and amended by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 75, 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 L. Registration and Transfer of Used Vehicles › Section 502.492. Temporary Transit Permit for a Vehicle Purchased

Sec. 502.492.  TEMPORARY TRANSIT PERMIT FOR A VEHICLE PURCHASED.  (a)  A purchaser may obtain from the department a temporary transit permit to operate a motor vehicle:
(1)  that is subject to registration in this state;
(2)  from which the license plates and the registration insignia have been removed as authorized by Section 502.491 or 504.901; and
(3)  that is not authorized to travel on a public roadway because the required license plates and the registration insignia are not attached to the vehicle.
(b)  The department may issue the permit in accordance with this section.
(c)  A permit issued under this section is valid for one trip between the point of origin and the destination and those intermediate points specified in the permit.
(d)  A permit issued under this section may not be valid for longer than a five-day period.
(e)  A person may obtain a permit under this section by applying, as provided by the department, to the department.  Application may be made using the department's Internet website.
(f)  A person is eligible to receive only one permit under this section for a motor vehicle.
(g)  A permit receipt issued under this section must be in a manner provided by the department. The receipt must contain the information required by this section and shall be carried in the vehicle at all times during which it is valid.
(h)  The department may refuse to issue a permit under this section for any vehicle if in the department's opinion the applicant has been involved in operations that constitute an abuse of the privilege granted under this section.
Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.454 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 164, eff. January 1, 2012.
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 A. General Provisions › Section 503.002. Rules

Sec. 503.002.  RULES.  The board may adopt rules for the administration of this chapter.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 4, eff. May 14, 2001.
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 A. General Provisions › Section 503.003. Display or Sale of Nonmotorized Vehicle or Trailer

Sec. 503.003.  DISPLAY OR SALE OF NONMOTORIZED VEHICLE OR TRAILER.  This chapter does not prohibit the display or sale of a nonmotorized vehicle or trailer at a regularly scheduled vehicle or boat show involving multiple dealers conducted in accordance with board rules.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5, eff. May 14, 2001.
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 A. General Provisions › Section 503.004. Buying, Selling, Exchanging, or Manufacturing Vehicles

Sec. 503.004.  BUYING, SELLING, EXCHANGING, OR MANUFACTURING VEHICLES.  This chapter does not prohibit a person from entering into the business of buying, selling, or exchanging new or used vehicles at wholesale or retail or from manufacturing vehicles.
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 A. General Provisions › Section 503.005. Notice of Sale or Transfer

Sec. 503.005.  NOTICE OF SALE OR TRANSFER.  (a)  A manufacturer or dealer shall immediately notify the department if the manufacturer or dealer transfers, including by sale or lease, a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer to a person other than a manufacturer or dealer.
(b)  The notice must be in writing using the form provided by the department and must include:
(1)  the date of the transfer;
(2)  the names and addresses of the transferrer and transferee;  and
(3)  a description of the vehicle.
(c)  A dealer who submits information to the database under Section 503.0631 satisfies the requirement for the dealer to notify the department of the sale or transfer of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer under this section.
(d)  The notice required under this section is in addition to the application for vehicle registration and certificate of title a dealer is required to submit under Section 501.0234.
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. 8.01, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1336 (S.B. 1786), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
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 A. General Provisions › Section 503.006. Notice of Change of Address

Sec. 503.006.  NOTICE OF CHANGE OF ADDRESS.  A dealer or manufacturer who has been issued dealer's, converter's, or manufacturer's license plates shall notify the department of a change to the dealer's, converter's, or manufacturer's address not later than the 10th day after the date the change occurs.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 6, eff. May 14, 2001.
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 A. General Provisions › Section 503.007. Fees for General Distinguishing Number

Sec. 503.007.  FEES FOR GENERAL DISTINGUISHING NUMBER.  (a)  The fee for an original general distinguishing number is $500 for the first year and $200 for each subsequent year for which the number is valid.
(b)  The fee for the renewal of a general distinguishing number is $200 a year.
(c)  The registration fee for a drive-a-way in-transit license is $50 a year.
(d)  A fee collected under this section shall be deposited to the credit of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles fund.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.69(b), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 732 (H.B. 2651), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1287 (H.B. 2202), Sec. 28, eff. September 1, 2013.
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 A. General Provisions › Section 503.008. Fees for License Plates

Sec. 503.008.  FEES FOR LICENSE PLATES.
Text of subsection effective until July 01, 2025
(a)  The fee for a metal dealer's license plate is $20 a year.
Text of subsection effective on July 01, 2025
(a)  The fee for:
(1)  a dealer's license plate issued under Section 503.061 is $20 a year; and
(2)  a dealer's temporary license plate issued under Section 503.062 is $10.
(b)  The fee for a manufacturer's license plate is $40 a year.
(c)  The fee for an additional set of drive-a-way in-transit license plates is $5 a year.
(d)  A fee collected under this section shall be deposited to the credit of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles fund.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.69(c), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 732 (H.B. 2651), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1287 (H.B. 2202), Sec. 29, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 668 (H.B. 718), Sec. 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 A. General Provisions › Section 503.009. Procedure for Certain Contested Cases

Sec. 503.009.  PROCEDURE FOR CERTAIN CONTESTED CASES.  (a)  The board may conduct hearings in contested cases brought under this chapter as provided by this chapter and Chapter 2301, Occupations Code.
(b)  The procedures applicable to a hearing conducted under this section are those applicable to a hearing conducted under Chapter 2301, Occupations Code, or Chapter 2001, Government Code.
(c)  A decision or final order issued under this section is final and may not be appealed, as a matter of right, to the board.
(d)  The board may adopt rules for the procedure, a hearing, or an enforcement proceeding for an action brought under this section.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1421, Sec. 12, eff. June 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 76, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 140(2), eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1379 (H.B. 1692), Sec. 11, eff. January 1, 2014.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 276 (H.B. 3514), Sec. 11, eff. September 1, 2021.
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 A. General Provisions › Section 503.010. Term of General Distinguishing Number, License, or License Plate

Sec. 503.010.  TERM OF GENERAL DISTINGUISHING NUMBER, LICENSE, OR LICENSE PLATE.  Each general distinguishing number, license, or license plate issued under this chapter is valid for the period prescribed by the commission.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 732 (H.B. 2651), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2007.
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 A. General Provisions › Section 503.011. Prorating Fees

Sec. 503.011.  PRORATING FEES.  If the board prescribes the term of a general distinguishing number, license, or license plate under this chapter for a period other than one year, the board shall prorate the applicable annual fee required under this chapter as necessary to reflect the term of the number, license, or license plate.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 732 (H.B. 2651), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2007.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1290 (H.B. 2017), Sec. 26, eff. September 1, 2011.
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 A. General Provisions › Section 503.012. Collected Money

Sec. 503.012.  COLLECTED MONEY.  Section 403.095, Government Code, does not apply to money received by the department and deposited to the credit of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles fund in accordance with this chapter.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 732 (H.B. 2651), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2007.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1287 (H.B. 2202), Sec. 30, eff. September 1, 2013.
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 A. General Provisions › Section 503.013. Dealer Transfer of Certain Assembled Vehicles Prohibited

Sec. 503.013.  DEALER TRANSFER OF CERTAIN ASSEMBLED VEHICLES PROHIBITED.  (a)  In this section, "assembled vehicle" and "replica" have the meanings assigned by Section 731.001.
(b)  Ownership of an assembled vehicle, other than a replica, may not be transferred to or by a dealer under this chapter.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1079 (H.B. 1755), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2019.
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 B. General Distinguishing Number › Section 503.021. Dealer General Distinguishing Number

Sec. 503.021.  DEALER GENERAL DISTINGUISHING NUMBER.  A person may not engage in business as a dealer, directly or indirectly, including by consignment, without a dealer general distinguishing number in one of the categories described by Section 503.029(a)(6) for each location from which the person conducts business as a dealer.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.69(d), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 710 (H.B. 2216), Sec. 4, eff. June 15, 2007.
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 B. General Distinguishing Number › Section 503.022. Wholesale Motor Vehicle Auction General Distinguishing Number

Sec. 503.022.  WHOLESALE MOTOR VEHICLE AUCTION GENERAL DISTINGUISHING NUMBER.  A person may not engage in the business of conducting a wholesale motor vehicle auction without a wholesale motor vehicle auction general distinguishing number for each location from which the person conducts business.
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 B. General Distinguishing Number › Section 503.023. Drive-a-Way Operator License

Sec. 503.023.  DRIVE-A-WAY OPERATOR LICENSE.  A person may not engage in business as a drive-a-way operator without a drive-a-way in-transit license.
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 B. General Distinguishing Number › Section 503.025. Wholesale Motor Vehicle Auction Exception

Sec. 503.025.  WHOLESALE MOTOR VEHICLE AUCTION EXCEPTION.  A person exempt under Section 503.024(d) is not required to obtain a wholesale motor vehicle auction general distinguishing number.
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 B. General Distinguishing Number › Section 503.026. Requirement for Each Type of Dealer Vehicle

Sec. 503.026.  REQUIREMENT FOR EACH TYPE OF DEALER VEHICLE.  A person must obtain a dealer general distinguishing number for each type of vehicle the person intends to sell.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 871, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.