reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter C. Provisions Relating to the Offer, Distribution, and Sale of Vehicle Equipment › Section 547.207. Compliance Proceeding Issues

Sec. 547.207.  COMPLIANCE PROCEEDING ISSUES.  (a)  In a hearing under Section 547.206 or in the absence of a request for a hearing, the department may make a determination of the following issues only:
(1)  whether an item of vehicle equipment has been offered, distributed, or sold in violation of a department standard;
(2)  whether the manufacturer did not submit test data required by the department under Section 547.203;  and
(3)  whether an item of vehicle equipment has been offered, distributed, or sold without the identification required by Section 547.201.
(b)  The department by order shall prohibit the manufacture, offer for sale, distribution for sale, or sale of the item if the department finds affirmatively on at least one of the issues.
(c)  After entering its order, the department shall send written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to each person the department notified under Section 547.205.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter C. Provisions Relating to the Offer, Distribution, and Sale of Vehicle Equipment › Section 547.208. Judicial Review and Judicial Enforcement

Sec. 547.208.  JUDICIAL REVIEW AND JUDICIAL ENFORCEMENT.  (a)  A person may appeal an order entered under Section 547.207 to a district court in Travis County only if a hearing was held by the department and the person:
(1)  is aggrieved by the order;  and
(2)  appeared at the hearing on compliance.
(b)  The department may bring suit in a district court of Travis County for an injunction to prohibit the manufacture, offer, distribution, or sale of an item of vehicle equipment that is the subject of a department order entered under Section 547.207.  The attorney general shall represent the department in the suit.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter D. General Provisions Regarding Lighting Requirements › Section 547.301. General Provisions Relating to Measurements

Sec. 547.301.  GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO MEASUREMENTS.  (a)  Unless expressly stated otherwise, a visibility distance requirement imposed by this chapter for a lamp or device applies when a lighted lamp or device is required and is measured as if the vehicle were unloaded and on a straight, level, unlighted highway under normal atmospheric conditions.
(b)  A mounted height requirement imposed by this chapter for a lamp or device is measured as if the vehicle were unloaded and on level ground and is measured from the center of the lamp or device to the ground.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter D. General Provisions Regarding Lighting Requirements › Section 547.302. Duty to Display Lights

Sec. 547.302.  DUTY TO DISPLAY LIGHTS.  (a)  A vehicle shall display each lighted lamp and illuminating device required by this chapter to be on the vehicle:
(1)  at nighttime;  and
(2)  when light is insufficient or atmospheric conditions are unfavorable so that a person or vehicle on the highway is not clearly discernible at a distance of 1,000 feet ahead.
(b)  A signaling device, including a stoplamp or a turn signal lamp, shall be lighted as prescribed by this chapter.
(c)  At least one lighted lamp shall be displayed on each side of the front of a motor vehicle.
(d)  Not more than four of the following may be lighted at one time on the front of a motor vehicle:
(1)  a headlamp required by this chapter;  or
(2)  a lamp, including an auxiliary lamp or spotlamp, that projects a beam with an intensity brighter than 300 candlepower.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter D. General Provisions Regarding Lighting Requirements › Section 547.303. Color Requirements

Sec. 547.303.  COLOR REQUIREMENTS.  (a)  Unless expressly provided otherwise, a lighting device or reflector mounted on the rear of a vehicle must be or reflect red.
(b)  A signaling device mounted on the rear of a vehicle may be red, amber, or yellow.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter D. General Provisions Regarding Lighting Requirements › Section 547.304. Applicability

Sec. 547.304.  APPLICABILITY.  (a)  A provision of this chapter that requires a vehicle to be equipped with fixed electric lights does not apply to a farm trailer or fertilizer trailer registered under Section 502.146 or a boat trailer with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less if the trailer is not operated at a time or under a condition specified by Section 547.302(a).
(b)  Except for Sections 547.323 and 547.324, a provision of this chapter that requires a vehicle to be equipped with fixed electric lights does not apply to a boat trailer with a gross weight of less than 4,500 pounds if the trailer is not operated at a time or under a condition specified by Section 547.302(a).
(c)  Except for Sections 547.323 and 547.324, a provision of this chapter that requires a vehicle to be equipped with lamps, reflectors, and lighting equipment does not apply to a mobile home if the mobile home:
(1)  is moved under a permit issued by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles under Subchapter D, Chapter 623; and
(2)  is not moved at a time or under a condition specified by Section 547.302(a).
(d)  A mobile home lighted as provided by this section may be moved only during daytime.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 280 (H.B. 505), Sec. 4, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1345 (S.B. 1420), Sec. 96, eff. September 1, 2011.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 161 (S.B. 1093), Sec. 20.021, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter D. General Provisions Regarding Lighting Requirements › Section 547.306. Led Ground Effect Lighting Equipment on Motorcycle or Moped

Sec. 547.306.  LED GROUND EFFECT LIGHTING EQUIPMENT ON MOTORCYCLE OR MOPED.  (a)  In this section, "LED ground effect lighting equipment" means light emitting diode (LED) technology that is attached to the underbody of a motorcycle or moped for the purpose of illuminating:
(1)  the body of the motorcycle or moped; or
(2)  the ground below the motorcycle or moped.
(b)  A person may operate a motorcycle or moped equipped with LED ground effect lighting only if the lighting emits a non-flashing amber or white light, and no other type of light.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 641 (S.B. 1918), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 882 (H.B. 3171), Sec. 2.09, eff. September 1, 2019.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 531 (H.B. 3313), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter E. General Lighting Requirements for Vehicles › Section 547.321. Headlamps Required

Sec. 547.321.  HEADLAMPS REQUIRED.  (a)  A motor vehicle shall be equipped with at least two headlamps.
(b)  At least one headlamp shall be mounted on each side of the front of the vehicle.
(c)  Each headlamp shall be mounted at a height from 24 to 54 inches.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter E. General Lighting Requirements for Vehicles › Section 547.3215. Use of Federal Standard

Sec. 547.3215.  USE OF FEDERAL STANDARD.  Unless specifically prohibited by this chapter, lighting, reflective devices, and associated equipment on a vehicle or motor vehicle must comply with:
(1)  the current federal standards in 49 C.F.R. Section 571.108;  or
(2)  the federal standards in that section in effect, if any, at the time the vehicle or motor vehicle was manufactured.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 324, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter E. General Lighting Requirements for Vehicles › Section 547.322. Taillamps Required

Sec. 547.322.  TAILLAMPS REQUIRED.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or vehicle that is towed at the end of a combination of vehicles shall be equipped with at least two taillamps.
(b)  A passenger car or truck that was manufactured or assembled before the model year 1960 shall be equipped with at least one taillamp.
(c)  Taillamps shall be mounted on the rear of the vehicle:
(1)  at a height from 15 to 72 inches;  and
(2)  at the same level and spaced as widely apart as practicable if a vehicle is equipped with more than one lamp.
(d)  A taillamp shall emit a red light plainly visible at a distance of 1,000 feet from the rear of the vehicle.
(e)  If vehicles are traveling in combination, only the taillamps on the rearmost vehicle are required to emit a light for the distance specified in Subsection (d).
(f)  A taillamp or a separate lamp shall be constructed and mounted to emit a white light that:
(1)  illuminates the rear license plate;  and
(2)  makes the plate clearly legible at a distance of 50 feet from the rear.
(g)  A taillamp, including a separate lamp used to illuminate a rear license plate, must emit a light when a headlamp or auxiliary driving lamp is lighted.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter E. General Lighting Requirements for Vehicles › Section 547.323. Stoplamps Required

Sec. 547.323.  STOPLAMPS REQUIRED.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer shall be equipped with at least two stoplamps.
(b)  A passenger car manufactured or assembled before the model year 1960 shall be equipped with at least one stoplamp.
(c)  A stoplamp shall be mounted on the rear of the vehicle.
(d)  A stoplamp shall emit a red or amber light, or a color between red and amber, that is:
(1)  visible in normal sunlight at a distance of at least 300 feet from the rear of the vehicle;  and
(2)  displayed when the vehicle service brake is applied.
(e)  If vehicles are traveling in combination, only the stoplamps on the rearmost vehicle are required to emit a light for the distance specified in Subsection (d).
(f)  A stoplamp may be included as a part of another rear lamp.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter E. General Lighting Requirements for Vehicles › Section 547.324. Turn Signal Lamps Required

Sec. 547.324.  TURN SIGNAL LAMPS REQUIRED.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer shall be equipped with electric turn signal lamps that indicate the operator's intent to turn by displaying flashing lights to the front and rear of a vehicle or combination of vehicles and on that side of the vehicle or combination toward which the turn is to be made.
(b)  Subsection (a) does not apply to a passenger car or truck less than 80 inches wide manufactured or assembled before the model year 1960.
(c)  Turn signal lamps:
(1)  shall be mounted at the same level and spaced as widely apart as practicable on the front and on the rear of the vehicle;  and
(2)  may be included as a part of another lamp on the vehicle.
(d)  A turn signal lamp shall emit:
(1)  a white or amber light, or a color between white and amber, if the lamp is mounted on the front of the vehicle;  or
(2)  a red or amber light, or a color between red and amber, if the lamp is mounted on the rear of the vehicle.
(e)  A turn signal lamp must be visible in normal sunlight at a distance of:
(1)  at least 500 feet from the front and rear of the vehicle if the vehicle is at least 80 inches wide;  and
(2)  at least 300 feet from the front and rear of the vehicle if the vehicle is less than 80 inches wide.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter E. General Lighting Requirements for Vehicles › Section 547.325. Reflectors Required

Sec. 547.325.  REFLECTORS REQUIRED.  (a)  Except as provided by Subchapter F, a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer shall be equipped with at least two red reflectors on the rear of the vehicle.  A red reflector may be included as a part of a taillamp.
(b)  A reflector shall be:
(1)  mounted at a height from 15 to 60 inches;  and
(2)  visible at night at all distances:
(A)  from 100 to 600 feet when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps;  or
(B)  from 100 to 350 feet when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps if the vehicle was manufactured or assembled before January 1, 1972.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter E. General Lighting Requirements for Vehicles › Section 547.326. Minimum Lighting Equipment Required

Sec. 547.326.  MINIMUM LIGHTING EQUIPMENT REQUIRED.  (a)  A vehicle that is not specifically required to be equipped with lamps or other lighting devices shall be equipped at the times specified in Section 547.302(a) with at least one lamp that emits a white light visible at a distance of at least 1,000 feet from the front and:
(1)  two lamps that emit a red light visible at a distance of at least 1,000 feet from the rear;  or
(2)  one lamp that emits a red light visible at a distance of at least 1,000 feet from the rear and two red reflectors visible when illuminated by the lawful lower beams of headlamps at all distances from 100 to 600 feet to the rear.
(b)  This section also applies to an animal-drawn vehicle and a vehicle exempted from this chapter by Section 547.002.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter E. General Lighting Requirements for Vehicles › Section 547.327. Spotlamps Permitted

Sec. 547.327.  SPOTLAMPS PERMITTED.  (a)  A motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two spotlamps.
(b)  A spotlamp shall be aimed so that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam strikes the windshield, window, mirror, or occupant of another vehicle in use.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter E. General Lighting Requirements for Vehicles › Section 547.328. Fog Lamps Permitted

Sec. 547.328.  FOG LAMPS PERMITTED.  (a)  A motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two fog lamps.
(b)  A fog lamp shall be:
(1)  mounted on the front of the vehicle at a height from 12 to 30 inches;  and
(2)  aimed so that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam from a lamp mounted to the left of center on a vehicle projects a beam of light at a distance of 25 feet that is higher than four inches below the level of the center of the lamp.
(c)  Lighted fog lamps may be used with lower headlamp beams as specified by Section 547.333.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter E. General Lighting Requirements for Vehicles › Section 547.329. Auxiliary Passing Lamps Permitted

Sec. 547.329.  AUXILIARY PASSING LAMPS PERMITTED.  (a)  A motor vehicle may be equipped with no more than two auxiliary passing lamps.
(b)  An auxiliary passing lamp shall be mounted on the front of the vehicle at a height from 24 to 42 inches.
(c)  An auxiliary passing lamp may be used with headlamps as specified by Section 547.333.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter E. General Lighting Requirements for Vehicles › Section 547.330. Auxiliary Driving Lamps Permitted

Sec. 547.330.  AUXILIARY DRIVING LAMPS PERMITTED.  (a)  A motor vehicle may be equipped with no more than two auxiliary driving lamps.
(b)  An auxiliary driving lamp shall be mounted on the front of the vehicle at a height from 16 to 42 inches.
(c)  Auxiliary driving lamps may be used with headlamps as specified by Section 547.333.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter E. General Lighting Requirements for Vehicles › Section 547.331. Hazard Lamps Permitted

Sec. 547.331.  HAZARD LAMPS PERMITTED.  (a)  A vehicle may be equipped with lamps to warn other vehicle operators of a vehicular traffic hazard that requires unusual care in approaching, overtaking, or passing.
(b)  The lamps shall be:
(1)  mounted at the same level and spaced as widely apart as practicable on the front and on the rear of the vehicle;  and
(2)  visible at a distance of at least 500 feet in normal sunlight.
(c)  The lamps shall display simultaneously flashing lights that emit:
(1)  a white or amber light, or a color between white and amber, if the lamp is mounted on the front of the vehicle;  or
(2)  a red or amber light, or a color between red and amber, if the lamp is mounted on the rear of the vehicle.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter E. General Lighting Requirements for Vehicles › Section 547.332. Other Lamps Permitted

Sec. 547.332.  OTHER LAMPS PERMITTED.  A motor vehicle may be equipped with:
(1)  not more than two side cowl or fender lamps that emit an amber or white light without glare;
(2)  not more than two running board courtesy lamps, one on each side of the vehicle, that emit an amber or white light without glare;  and
(3)  one or more backup lamps that:
(A)  emit an amber or white light only when the vehicle is not moving forward;  and
(B)  may be displayed separately or in combination with another lamp.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter E. General Lighting Requirements for Vehicles › Section 547.333. Multiple-Beam Lighting Equipment Required

Sec. 547.333.  MULTIPLE-BEAM LIGHTING EQUIPMENT REQUIRED.  (a)  Unless provided otherwise, a headlamp, auxiliary driving lamp, auxiliary passing lamp, or combination of those lamps mounted on a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle or moped:
(1)  shall be arranged so that the operator can select at will between distributions of light projected at different elevations; and
(2)  may be arranged so that the operator can select the distribution automatically.
(b)  A lamp identified by Subsection (a) shall produce:
(1)  an uppermost distribution of light or composite beam that is aimed and emits light sufficient to reveal a person or vehicle at a distance of at least 450 feet ahead during all conditions of loading;  and
(2)  a lowermost distribution of light or composite beam that:
(A)  is aimed and emits light sufficient to reveal a person or vehicle at a distance of at least 150 feet ahead;  and
(B)  is aimed so that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam on a vehicle that is operated on a straight, level road under any condition of loading projects into the eyes of an approaching vehicle operator.
(c)  A person who operates a vehicle on a roadway or shoulder shall select a distribution of light or composite beam that is aimed and emits light sufficient to reveal a person or vehicle at a safe distance ahead of the vehicle, except that:
(1)  an operator approaching an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet shall select:
(A)  the lowermost distribution of light or composite beam, regardless of road contour or condition of loading;  or
(B)  a distribution aimed so that no part of the high-intensity portion of the lamp projects into the eyes of an approaching vehicle operator;  and
(2)  an operator approaching a vehicle from the rear within 300 feet may not select the uppermost distribution of light.
(d)  A motor vehicle of a model year of 1948 or later, other than a motorcycle or moped, that has multiple-beam lighting equipment shall be equipped with a beam indicator that is:
(1)  designed and located so that the lighted indicator is visible without glare to the vehicle operator; and
(2)  lighted only when the uppermost distribution of light is in use.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 882 (H.B. 3171), Sec. 2.10, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter E. General Lighting Requirements for Vehicles › Section 547.334. Single-Beam Lighting Equipment Permitted

Sec. 547.334.  SINGLE-BEAM LIGHTING EQUIPMENT PERMITTED.  (a)  In lieu of the multiple-beam lighting equipment required by Section 547.333, a headlamp system that provides a single distribution of light and meets the requirements of Subsection (b) is permitted for:
(1)  a farm tractor;  or
(2)  a motor vehicle manufactured and sold before September 4, 1948.
(b)  The headlamp system specified by Subsection (a) shall:
(1)  emit a light sufficient to reveal a person or vehicle at a distance of at least 200 feet;  and
(2)  be aimed so that no part of the high-intensity portion of the lamp projects a beam:
(A)  higher than five inches below the level of the center of the lamp at a distance of 25 feet ahead;  or
(B)  higher than 42 inches above the ground at a distance of 75 feet ahead.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter E. General Lighting Requirements for Vehicles › Section 547.335. Alternative Road Lighting Equipment Permitted

Sec. 547.335.  ALTERNATIVE ROAD LIGHTING EQUIPMENT PERMITTED.  In lieu of the multiple-beam or single-beam lighting equipment otherwise required by this subchapter, a motor vehicle that is operated at a speed of not more than 20 miles per hour under the conditions specified in Section 547.302(a) may be equipped with two lighted lamps:
(1)  mounted on the front of the vehicle;  and
(2)  capable of revealing a person or vehicle 100 feet ahead.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter F. Additional Lighting Requirements for Certain Large Vehicles › Section 547.351. Applicability

Sec. 547.351.  APPLICABILITY.  The color, mounting, and visibility requirements in this subchapter apply only to equipment on a vehicle described by Section 547.352.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter F. Additional Lighting Requirements for Certain Large Vehicles › Section 547.352. Additional Lighting Equipment Requirements

Sec. 547.352.  ADDITIONAL LIGHTING EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS.  In addition to other equipment required by this chapter:
(1)  a bus, truck, trailer, or semitrailer that is at least 80 inches wide shall be equipped with:
(A)  two clearance lamps on the front, one at each side;
(B)  two clearance lamps on the rear, one at each side;
(C)  four side marker lamps, one on each side at or near the front and one on each side at or near the rear;
(D)  four reflectors, one on each side at or near the front and one on each side at or near the rear;  and
(E)  hazard lamps that meet the requirements of Section 547.331;
(2)  a bus or truck that is at least 30 feet long shall be equipped with hazard lamps that meet the requirements of Section 547.331;
(3)  a trailer or semitrailer that is at least 30 feet long shall be equipped with:
(A)  two side marker lamps, one centrally mounted on each side with respect to the length of the vehicle;
(B)  two reflectors, one centrally mounted on each side with respect to the length of the vehicle;  and
(C)  hazard lamps that meet the requirements of Section 547.331;
(4)  a pole trailer shall be equipped with:
(A)  two side marker lamps, one at each side at or near the front of the load;
(B)  one reflector at or near the front of the load;
(C)  one combination marker lamp that:
(i)  emits an amber light to the front and a red light to the rear and side;  and
(ii)  is mounted on the rearmost support for the load to indicate the maximum width of the trailer;  and
(D)  hazard lamps that meet the requirements of Section 547.331, if the pole trailer is at least 30 feet long or at least 80 inches wide;
(5)  a truck-tractor shall be equipped with:
(A)  two clearance lamps, one at each side on the front of the cab;  and
(B)  hazard lamps that meet the requirements of Section 547.331, if the truck-tractor is at least 30 feet long or at least 80 inches wide;  and
(6)  a vehicle at least 80 inches wide may be equipped with:
(A)  not more than three front identification lamps without glare;  and
(B)  not more than three rear identification lamps without glare.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter F. Additional Lighting Requirements for Certain Large Vehicles › Section 547.353. Color Requirements

Sec. 547.353.  COLOR REQUIREMENTS.  (a)  A clearance lamp, identification lamp, side marker lamp, or reflector mounted on the front, on the side near the front, or in the center of the vehicle must be or reflect amber.
(b)  A clearance lamp, identification lamp, side marker lamp, or reflector mounted on the rear or the side near the rear of the vehicle must be or reflect red.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter F. Additional Lighting Requirements for Certain Large Vehicles › Section 547.354. Mounting Requirements

Sec. 547.354.  MOUNTING REQUIREMENTS.  (a)  A reflector shall be mounted:
(1)  at a height from 24 to 60 inches;  or
(2)  as high as practicable on the permanent structure of the vehicle if the highest part of the permanent structure is less than 24 inches.
(b)  A rear reflector may be:
(1)  included as a part of a taillamp if the reflector meets each other requirement of this subchapter;  and
(2)  mounted on each side of the bolster or load, if the vehicle is a pole trailer.
(c)  A clearance lamp shall be mounted, if practicable, on the permanent structure of the vehicle to indicate the extreme height and width of the vehicle, except that:
(1)  a clearance lamp on a truck-tractor shall be mounted to indicate the extreme width of the cab;  and
(2)  a front clearance lamp may be mounted at a height that indicates, as near as practicable, the extreme width of the trailer if mounting of the lamp as otherwise provided by this section would not indicate the extreme width of the trailer.
(d)  A clearance lamp and side marker lamp may be mounted in combination if each lamp complies with the visibility requirements of Section 547.355.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter F. Additional Lighting Requirements for Certain Large Vehicles › Section 547.355. Visibility Requirements

Sec. 547.355.  VISIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.  (a)  A clearance lamp, identification lamp, or side marker lamp shall be visible and recognizable under normal atmospheric conditions at all distances from 50 to 500 feet from the vehicle on the side, front, or rear where the lamp is mounted.
(b)  A reflector required by this chapter mounted on a vehicle subject to this subchapter shall be visible from the rear, if a rear reflector, or from the applicable side, if a side reflector, at nighttime at all distances from 100 to 600 feet from the vehicle when the reflector is directly in front of:
(1)  lawful lower beams of headlamps;  or
(2)  lawful upper beams of headlamps on a vehicle manufactured or assembled before January 1, 1972.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter G. Alternative Lighting Requirements for Farm Tractors, Farm Equipment, and Implements of Husbandry › Section 547.371. General Lighting Equipment Requirements

Sec. 547.371.  GENERAL LIGHTING EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), a farm tractor, self-propelled unit of farm equipment, or implement of husbandry shall be equipped with:
(1)  at least two headlamps that comply with Section 547.333, 547.334, or 547.335;
(2)  at least one red lamp visible at a distance of at least 1,000 feet from the rear and mounted as far to the left of the center of the vehicle as practicable;
(3)  at least two red reflectors visible at all distances from 100 to 600 feet from the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps;  and
(4)  hazard lamps as described in Section 547.331, which shall be lighted and visible in normal sunlight at a distance of at least 1,000 feet from the front and rear.
(b)  A farm tractor, self-propelled unit of farm equipment, or implement of husbandry manufactured or assembled on or before January 1, 1972, is required to be equipped as provided by Subsection (a) only at the times specified by Section 547.302(a), and hazard lamps are not required.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter G. Alternative Lighting Requirements for Farm Tractors, Farm Equipment, and Implements of Husbandry › Section 547.372. Lighting Requirements for Combination Vehicles

Sec. 547.372.  LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS FOR COMBINATION VEHICLES.  (a)  If a unit of farm equipment or implement of husbandry is towed by a farm tractor and the towed object or its load extends more than four feet to the rear of the tractor or obscures a light on the tractor, the towed object shall be equipped at the times specified by Section 547.302(a) with at least two rear red reflectors that are:
(1)  visible at all distances from 100 to 600 feet when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps;  and
(2)  mounted to indicate, as nearly as practicable, the extreme width of the vehicle or combination of vehicles.
(b)  If a unit of farm equipment or implement of husbandry is towed by a farm tractor and extends more than four feet to the left of the centerline of the tractor, the towed object shall be equipped at the times specified by Section 547.302(a) with a front amber reflector that is:
(1)  visible at all distances from 100 to 600 feet when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps;  and
(2)  mounted to indicate, as nearly as practicable, the extreme left projection of the towed object.
(c)  Reflective tape or paint may be used as an alternative to the reflectors required by this section if the alternative complies with the other requirements of this section.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter H. Lighting Requirements in Special Circumstances › Section 547.381. Obstructed Lights on Combination Vehicles

Sec. 547.381.  OBSTRUCTED LIGHTS ON COMBINATION VEHICLES.  (a)  A motor vehicle when operated in combination with another vehicle is not required to display a lighted lamp, other than a taillamp, if the lamp is obscured because of its location by another vehicle in the combination of vehicles.
(b)  Subsection (a) is not an exception for the lighting as provided by this chapter of:
(1)  front clearance lamps on the frontmost vehicle in the combination;  or
(2)  rear lamps on the rearmost vehicle in the combination.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter H. Lighting Requirements in Special Circumstances › Section 547.382. Lighting Equipment on Projecting Loads

Sec. 547.382.  LIGHTING EQUIPMENT ON PROJECTING LOADS.  (a)  A vehicle transporting a load that extends to the rear at least four feet beyond the bed or body of the vehicle shall display on the extreme end of the load at the times specified in Section 547.302(a):
(1)  two red lamps visible at a distance of at least 500 feet from the rear;
(2)  two red reflectors that indicate the maximum width and are visible at nighttime at all distances from 100 to 600 feet from the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps;  and
(3)  two red lamps, one on each side, that indicate the maximum overhang and are visible at a distance of at least 500 feet from the side.
(b)  At all other times, a vehicle transporting a load that extends beyond the vehicle's sides or more than four feet beyond the vehicle's rear shall display red flags that:
(1)  are at least 12 inches square;
(2)  mark the extremities of the load;  and
(3)  are placed where a lamp is required by this section.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter H. Lighting Requirements in Special Circumstances › Section 547.383. Lighting Requirements on Parked Vehicles

Sec. 547.383.  LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS ON PARKED VEHICLES.  (a)  A vehicle, other than a moped or a motorcycle equipped with a motor that has an engine piston displacement of 250 cubic centimeters or less, shall be equipped with at least one lamp, or a combination of lamps, that:
(1)  emits a white or amber light visible at a distance of 1,000 feet from the front and a red light visible at a distance of 1,000 feet from the rear; and
(2)  is mounted so that at least one lamp is installed as near as practicable to the side of the vehicle that is closest to passing traffic.
(b)  A vehicle, other than a moped or a motorcycle equipped with a motor that has an engine piston displacement of 250 cubic centimeters or less, that is parked or stopped on a roadway or shoulder at a time specified in Section 547.302(a) shall display a lamp that complies with Subsection (a).
(c)  A vehicle that is lawfully parked on a highway is not required to display lights at night-time if there is sufficient light to reveal a person or vehicle on the highway at a distance of 1,000 feet.
(d)  A lighted headlamp on a parked vehicle shall be dimmed.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 882 (H.B. 3171), Sec. 2.11, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter I. Provisions Relating to Brake Requirements on Vehicles › Section 547.401. Brakes Required

Sec. 547.401.  BRAKES REQUIRED.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or combination of those vehicles shall be equipped with brakes that comply with this chapter.
(b)  A trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer is not required to have brakes if:
(1)  its gross weight is 4,500 pounds or less;  or
(2)  its gross weight is heavier than 4,500 pounds but not heavier than 15,000 pounds, and it is drawn at a speed of not more than 30 miles per hour.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter I. Provisions Relating to Brake Requirements on Vehicles › Section 547.402. Operation and Maintenance of Brakes

Sec. 547.402.  OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF BRAKES.  (a)  Required brakes shall operate on each wheel of a vehicle except:
(1)  special mobile equipment;
(2)  a vehicle that is towed as a commodity when at least one set of the towed vehicle's wheels is on the roadway, if the combination of vehicles complies with the performance requirements of this chapter;  and
(3)  a trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer with a gross weight heavier than 4,500 pounds but not heavier than 15,000 pounds drawn at a speed of more than 30 miles per hour, if the brakes operate on both wheels of the rear axle.
(b)  A truck or truck-tractor that has at least three axles is not required to have brakes on the front wheels, but must have brakes that:
(1)  operate on the wheels of one steerable axle if the vehicle is equipped with at least two steerable axles;  and
(2)  comply with the performance requirements of this chapter.
(c)  A trailer or semitrailer that has a gross weight of 15,000 pounds or less may use surge or inertia brake systems to satisfy the requirements of Subsection (a).
(d)  Brakes shall be maintained in good working order and adjusted to operate on wheels on each side of the vehicle as equally as practicable.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter I. Provisions Relating to Brake Requirements on Vehicles › Section 547.403. Service Brakes Required

Sec. 547.403.  SERVICE BRAKES REQUIRED.  (a)  A vehicle required to have brakes by this subchapter, other than special mobile equipment, shall be equipped with service brakes that:
(1)  comply with the performance requirements of this subchapter;  and
(2)  are adequate to control the movement of the vehicle, including stopping and holding, under all loading conditions and when on any grade on which the vehicle is operated.
(b)  A vehicle required to have brakes by this subchapter shall be equipped so that one control device operates the service brakes.  This subsection does not prohibit an additional control device that may be used to operate brakes on a towed vehicle.  A vehicle that tows another vehicle as a commodity when at least one set of the towed vehicle's wheels is on the roadway is not required to comply with this requirement unless the brakes on the towing and towed vehicles are designed to be operated by a single control on the towing vehicle.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter I. Provisions Relating to Brake Requirements on Vehicles › Section 547.404. Parking Brakes Required

Sec. 547.404.  PARKING BRAKES REQUIRED.  (a)  A vehicle required to have brakes by this subchapter, other than a motorcycle or moped, shall be equipped with parking brakes adequate to hold the vehicle:
(1)  on any grade on which the vehicle is operated;
(2)  under all loading conditions; and
(3)  on a surface free from snow, ice, or loose material.
(b)  The parking brakes shall be:
(1)  designed to operate continuously as required once applied, despite a leakage or an exhaustion of power source;  and
(2)  activated by the vehicle operator's muscular effort, by spring action, or by equivalent means.
(c)  The parking brakes may be assisted by the service brakes or by another power source, unless a failure in the power source would prevent the parking brakes from operating as required by this section.
(d)  The same brake drums, brake shoes and lining assemblies, brake shoe anchors, and mechanical brake shoe actuation mechanism normally associated with wheel brake assemblies may be used for the parking brakes and service brakes.
(e)  If the means of applying the parking brakes and service brakes are connected, the brake system shall be constructed so that the failure of one part will not cause the vehicle to be without operative brakes.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 882 (H.B. 3171), Sec. 2.12, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter I. Provisions Relating to Brake Requirements on Vehicles › Section 547.405. Emergency Brakes Required

Sec. 547.405.  EMERGENCY BRAKES REQUIRED.  (a)  A vehicle used to tow another vehicle equipped with air-controlled brakes shall be equipped with the following means, together or separate, for applying the trailer brakes in an emergency:
(1)  an automatic device that applies the brakes to a fixed pressure from 20 to 45 pounds per square inch if the towing vehicle's air supply is reduced;  and
(2)  a manual device to apply and release the brakes that is readily operable by a person seated in the operator's seat and arranged so that:
(A)  its emergency position or method of operation is clearly indicated;  and
(B)  its use does not prevent operation of the automatic brakes.
(b)  In addition to the single control device required by Section 547.403, a vehicle used to tow another vehicle equipped with vacuum brakes shall be equipped with a second control device that:
(1)  is used to operate the brakes on a towed vehicle in an emergency;
(2)  is independent of brake air, hydraulic, or other pressure and independent of other controls, unless the braking system is arranged to automatically apply the towed vehicle's brakes if the pressure for the second control device on the towing vehicle fails;  and
(3)  is not required to provide modulated braking.
(c)  Subsections (a) and (b) do not apply to a vehicle that tows another vehicle as a commodity when at least one set of wheels of the towed vehicle is on the roadway.
(d)  A trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer that is equipped with air or vacuum brakes or that has a gross weight heavier than 4,500 pounds shall be equipped with brakes that:
(1)  operate on all wheels required to have brakes under Section 547.402; and
(2)  are promptly applied automatically and remain applied for at least 15 minutes in case of a breakaway from the towing vehicle.
(e)  A motor vehicle used to tow a trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer equipped with brakes shall be equipped with service brakes arranged so that, in case of a breakaway of the towed vehicle, the towing vehicle is capable of stopping by use of its service brakes.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 854 (H.B. 2810), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 860 (H.B. 2837), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter I. Provisions Relating to Brake Requirements on Vehicles › Section 547.406. Brake Reservoir or Reserve Capacity Required

Sec. 547.406.  BRAKE RESERVOIR OR RESERVE CAPACITY REQUIRED.  (a)  A bus, truck, or truck-tractor equipped with air brakes shall be equipped with at least one reservoir that:
(1)  is sufficient to ensure that the service brakes can be fully applied without lowering the reservoir pressure, if fully charged to the maximum pressure as regulated by the air compressor governor cut-out setting, by more than 20 percent;  and
(2)  has a means for readily draining accumulated oil or water.
(b)  A truck with at least three axles that is equipped with vacuum brakes or a truck-tractor or truck used to tow a vehicle equipped with vacuum brakes shall be equipped with a reserve capacity or a vacuum reservoir sufficient to ensure that, with the reserve capacity or vacuum reservoir fully charged and with the engine stopped, the service brakes can be fully applied without depleting the vacuum supply by more than 40 percent.
(c)  A motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer that is equipped with an air or vacuum reservoir or reserve capacity shall be equipped with a check valve or equivalent device to prevent depletion of the air or vacuum supply by failure or leakage.
(d)  An air brake system installed on a trailer shall be designed to prevent a backflow of air from the supply reservoir through the supply line.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle C - Rules of the Road › Chapter 547 - Vehicle Equipment › Subchapter I. Provisions Relating to Brake Requirements on Vehicles › Section 547.407. Brake Warning Devices Required

Sec. 547.407.  BRAKE WARNING DEVICES REQUIRED.  (a)  A bus, truck, or truck-tractor that uses air to operate its brakes or the brakes of a towed vehicle shall be equipped with:
(1)  a warning signal, other than a pressure gauge, that is readily audible or visible to the vehicle operator and that shows when the air reservoir pressure is below 50 percent of the air compressor governor cut-out pressure;  and
(2)  a pressure gauge visible to the vehicle operator that shows in pounds per square inch the pressure available for braking.
(b)  A truck-tractor or truck used to tow a vehicle equipped with vacuum brakes, or a truck with at least three axles that is equipped with vacuum brakes, shall be equipped with a warning signal, other than a gauge showing vacuum, that is readily audible or visible to the vehicle operator and that shows when the vacuum in the reservoir or reserve capacity is less than eight inches of mercury.  This subsection does not apply to an operation in which a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer is transported as a commodity when at least one set of the vehicle's wheels is on the roadway.
(c)  If a vehicle required to be equipped with a warning device is equipped with air and vacuum power to operate its brakes or the brakes on a towed vehicle, the warning devices required may be combined into a single device that is not a pressure or vacuum gauge.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.