reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 681 - Privileged Parking › Section 681.005. Duties of County Assessor-Collector

Sec. 681.005.  DUTIES OF COUNTY ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR.  Each county assessor-collector shall send to the department each fee collected under Section 681.003, to be deposited in the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles fund to defray the cost of providing the disabled parking placard.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 242, eff. January 1, 2012.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1287 (H.B. 2202), Sec. 66, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 681 - Privileged Parking › Section 681.006. Parking Privileges: Persons With Disabilities

Sec. 681.006.  PARKING PRIVILEGES:  PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.  (a)  Subject to Section 681.009(e), a vehicle may be parked for an unlimited period in a parking space or area that is designated specifically for persons with physical disabilities if:
(1)  the vehicle is being operated by or for the transportation of a person with a disability; and
(2)  there are:
(A)  displayed on the vehicle special license plates issued under Section 504.201; or
(B)  placed on the rearview mirror of the vehicle's front windshield a disabled parking placard.
(b)  The owner of a vehicle is exempt from the payment of a fee or penalty imposed by a governmental unit for parking at a meter if:
(1)  the vehicle is being operated by or for the transportation of a person with a disability; and
(2)  there are:
(A)  displayed on the vehicle special license plates issued under Section 504.201; or
(B)  placed on the rearview mirror of the vehicle's front windshield a disabled parking placard.
(c)  The exemption provided by Subsection (b) or (e) does not apply to a fee or penalty:
(1)  imposed by a branch of the United States government;  or
(2)  imposed by a governmental unit for parking at a meter, in a parking garage or lot, or in a space located within the boundaries of a municipal airport.
(d)  This section does not permit a vehicle to be parked at a time when or a place where parking is prohibited.
(e)  A governmental unit may provide by ordinance or order that the exemption provided by Subsection (b) also applies to payment of a fee or penalty imposed by the governmental unit for parking in a parking garage or lot or in a space with a limitation on the length of time for parking.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.156(c), eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 804, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1353, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1362, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 728 (H.B. 2018), Sec. 20.003(e), eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 681 - Privileged Parking › Section 681.007. Parking Privileges: Vehicles Displaying International Symbol of Access

Sec. 681.007.  PARKING PRIVILEGES: VEHICLES DISPLAYING INTERNATIONAL SYMBOL OF ACCESS.  A vehicle may be parked and is exempt from the payment of a fee or penalty in the same manner as a vehicle that has displayed on the vehicle special license plates issued under Section 504.201 or a disabled parking placard as provided by Section 681.006 if there is displayed on the vehicle a license plate or placard that:
(1)  bears the international symbol of access; and
(2)  is issued by a state or by a state or province of a foreign country to the owner or operator of the vehicle for the transportation of a person with a disability.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 728 (H.B. 2018), Sec. 20.003(f), eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 681 - Privileged Parking › Section 681.009. Designation of Parking Spaces by Political Subdivision or Private Property Owner

Sec. 681.009.  DESIGNATION OF PARKING SPACES BY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OR PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNER.  (a)  A political subdivision or a person who owns or controls property used for parking may designate one or more parking spaces or a parking area for the exclusive use of vehicles transporting persons with disabilities.
(b)  A political subdivision must designate a parking space or area by conforming to the standards and specifications adopted by the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation under Section 469.052, Government Code, relating to the identification and dimensions of parking spaces for persons with disabilities.  A person who owns or controls private property used for parking may designate a parking space or area without conforming to those standards and specifications, unless required to conform by law.
(c)  A political subdivision may require a private property owner or a person who controls property used for parking:
(1)  to designate one or more parking spaces or a parking area for the exclusive use of vehicles transporting persons with disabilities;  or
(2)  to conform to the standards and specifications referred to in Subsection (b) when designating a parking space or area for persons with disabilities.
(d)  The department shall provide at cost a design and stencil for use by a political subdivision or person who owns or controls property used for parking to designate spaces as provided by this section.
(e)  Parking spaces or areas designated for the exclusive use of vehicles transporting persons with disabilities may be used by vehicles displaying a white on blue shield disabled parking placard, license plates issued under Section 504.201 or 504.202(b-1), or a white on red shield disabled parking placard.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1246, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1999;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 11362, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 728 (H.B. 2018), Sec. 20.003(h), eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 357 (S.B. 251), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1160 (H.B. 3095), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1159 (H.B. 3163), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2019.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 92 (S.B. 792), Sec. 5, eff. January 1, 2022.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 681 - Privileged Parking › Section 681.010. Enforcement

Sec. 681.010.  ENFORCEMENT.  (a)  A peace officer or a person designated by a political subdivision to enforce parking regulations may file a charge against a person who commits an offense under this chapter at a parking space or area designated as provided by Section 681.009.
(b)  A security officer commissioned under Chapter 1702, Occupations Code, and employed by the owner of private property may file a charge against a person who commits an offense under this chapter at a parking space or area designated by the owner of the property as provided by Section 681.009.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 14.840, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 681 - Privileged Parking › Section 681.0101. Enforcement by Certain Appointed Persons

Sec. 681.0101.  ENFORCEMENT BY CERTAIN APPOINTED PERSONS.  (a)  A political subdivision may appoint a person to have authority to file a charge against a person who commits an offense under this chapter.
(b)  A person appointed under this section must:
(1)  be a United States citizen of good moral character who has not been convicted of a felony;
(2)  take and subscribe to an oath of office that the political subdivision prescribes;  and
(3)  successfully complete a training program of at least four hours in length developed by the political subdivision.
(c)  A person appointed under this section:
(1)  is not a peace officer;
(2)  has no authority other than the authority applicable to a citizen to enforce a law other than this chapter;  and
(3)  may not carry a weapon while performing duties under this section.
(d)  A person appointed under this section is not entitled to compensation for performing duties under this section or to indemnification from the political subdivision or the state for injury or property damage the person sustains or liability the person incurs in performing duties under this section.
(e)  The political subdivision and the state are not liable for any damage arising from an act or omission of a person appointed under Subsection (a) in performing duties under this section.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.156(d), eff. Sept. 1, 1997;   Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1353, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 681 - Privileged Parking › Section 681.0111. Manufacture, Sale, Possession, or Use of Counterfeit or Altered Placard

Sec. 681.0111.  MANUFACTURE, SALE, POSSESSION, OR USE OF COUNTERFEIT OR ALTERED PLACARD.  (a)  A person commits an offense if, without the department's authorization, the person:
(1)  manufactures, sells, or possesses a placard that is deceptively similar to a disabled parking placard; or
(2)  alters a genuine disabled parking placard.
(b)  A person commits an offense if the person knowingly parks a vehicle displaying a counterfeit or altered placard in a parking space or area designated specifically for persons with disabilities.
(c)  An offense under Subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor.  An offense under Subsection (b) is a Class C misdemeanor.
(d)  For purposes of this section, a placard is deceptively similar to a disabled parking placard if the placard is not a genuine disabled parking placard but a reasonable person would presume that it is a genuine disabled parking placard.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 400, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 756 (H.B. 1473), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 756 (H.B. 1473), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 681 - Privileged Parking › Section 681.012. Seizure and Revocation of Placard

Sec. 681.012.  SEIZURE AND REVOCATION OF PLACARD.  (a)  A law enforcement officer who believes that an offense under Section 681.011(a) or (d) has occurred in the officer's presence shall seize any disabled parking placard involved in the offense.  Not later than 48 hours after the seizure, the officer shall determine whether probable cause existed to believe that the offense was committed.  If the officer does not find that probable cause existed, the officer shall promptly return each placard to the person from whom it was seized.  If the officer finds that probable cause existed, the officer, not later than the fifth day after the date of the seizure, shall destroy the placard and notify the department.
(a-1)  A peace officer may seize a disabled parking placard from a person who operates a vehicle on which a disabled parking placard is displayed if the peace officer determines by inspecting the person's driver's license, personal identification certificate, or military identification that the disabled parking placard does not contain the first four digits of the driver's license number, personal identification certificate number, or military identification number and the initials of:
(1)  the person operating the vehicle;
(2)  the applicant on behalf of a person being transported by the vehicle; or
(3)  a person being transported by the vehicle.
(a-2)  A peace officer shall destroy a seized placard and notify the department.
(b)  On seizure of a placard under Subsection (a) or (a-1), a placard is revoked.  A person from whom the placard was seized may apply for a new placard by submitting an application under Section 681.003.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1353, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1336 (S.B. 52), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 243, eff. January 1, 2012.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 131, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 153 (H.B. 1790), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 681 - Privileged Parking › Section 681.013. Dismissal of Charge; Fine

Sec. 681.013.  DISMISSAL OF CHARGE; FINE.  (a)  In this section, "working day" means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday, or a holiday on which county offices are closed.
(b)  The court shall:
(1)  dismiss a charge for an offense under Section 681.011(b)(1) if:
(A)  the vehicle displayed a disabled parking placard that was not valid as expired;
(B)  the defendant remedies the defect by renewing the expired disabled parking placard within 20 working days from the date of the offense or before the defendant's first court appearance date, whichever is later; and
(C)  the disabled parking placard has not been expired for more than 60 days; and
(2)  assess a reimbursement fee not to exceed $20 when the charge has been remedied.
(c)  Notwithstanding Subsection (b)(1)(C), the court may dismiss a charge of unlawfully parking a vehicle in a space designated specifically for persons with disabilities, if at the time of the offense the defendant's vehicle displays a disabled parking placard that has been expired for more than 60 days.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 298 (H.B. 400), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1352 (S.B. 346), Sec. 2.75, eff. January 1, 2020.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1352 (S.B. 346), Sec. 2.76, eff. January 1, 2020.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 919 (S.B. 1923), Sec. 20, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 682 - Administrative Adjudication of Vehicle Parking and Stopping Offenses › Section 682.001. Applicability

Text of section as amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 156, Sec. 2
Sec. 682.001.  APPLICABILITY.  This chapter applies only to:
(1)  a municipality that:
(A)  has a population greater than 30,000 and operates under a council-manager form of government;  or
(B)  has a population of 500,000 or more;  and
(2)  an airport operated by a joint board to which Section 22.074(d) applies.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 156, Sec. 2, eff. May 21, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 682 - Administrative Adjudication of Vehicle Parking and Stopping Offenses › Section 682.001. Applicability

Text of section as amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 310, Sec. 1
Sec. 682.001.  APPLICABILITY.  This chapter applies only to a municipality that has a population greater than 30,000.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 310, Sec. 1, eff. May 29, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 682 - Administrative Adjudication of Vehicle Parking and Stopping Offenses › Section 682.002. Civil Offense

Sec. 682.002.  CIVIL OFFENSE.  (a)  A municipality may declare the violation of a municipal ordinance relating to parking or stopping a vehicle to be a civil offense.
(b)  A joint board to which Section 22.074(d) applies may declare the violation of a resolution, rule, or order of the joint board relating to parking or stopping a vehicle to be a civil offense.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 156, Sec. 2, eff. May 21, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 682 - Administrative Adjudication of Vehicle Parking and Stopping Offenses › Section 682.003. Adoption of Hearing Procedure

Sec. 682.003.  ADOPTION OF HEARING PROCEDURE.  A municipality may by ordinance or a joint board may by resolution, rule, or order establish an administrative adjudication hearing procedure under which a civil fine may be imposed.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 156, Sec. 2, eff. May 21, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 682 - Administrative Adjudication of Vehicle Parking and Stopping Offenses › Section 682.004. Content of Ordinance

Sec. 682.004.  CONTENT OF ORDINANCE.  An ordinance, resolution, rule, or order adopted under this chapter must provide that a person charged with violating a parking or stopping ordinance, resolution, rule, or order is entitled to a hearing and provide for:
(1)  the period during which a hearing must be held;
(2)  the appointment of a hearing officer with authority to administer oaths and issue orders compelling the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents;  and
(3)  the amount and disposition of civil fines, costs, and fees.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 156, Sec. 2, eff. May 21, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 682 - Administrative Adjudication of Vehicle Parking and Stopping Offenses › Section 682.005. Enforcement of Order Concerning Witnesses and Documents

Sec. 682.005.  ENFORCEMENT OF ORDER CONCERNING WITNESSES AND DOCUMENTS.  A municipal court may enforce an order of the hearing officer compelling the attendance of a witness or the production of a document.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 682 - Administrative Adjudication of Vehicle Parking and Stopping Offenses › Section 682.006. Citation or Summons

Sec. 682.006.  CITATION OR SUMMONS.  (a)  A citation or summons issued for a vehicle parking or stopping civil offense under this chapter must:
(1)  provide information as to the time and place of an administrative adjudication hearing;  and
(2)  contain a notification that the person charged with the civil offense has the right to an instanter hearing.
(b)  The original or any copy of the summons or citation shall be kept as a record in the ordinary course of business of the municipality and is rebuttable proof of the facts it contains.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 682 - Administrative Adjudication of Vehicle Parking and Stopping Offenses › Section 682.007. Appearance at Hearing

Sec. 682.007.  APPEARANCE AT HEARING.  (a)  A person charged with a civil offense who fails to appear at an administrative adjudication hearing authorized under this chapter is considered to admit liability for the offense charged.
(b)  The person who issued the citation or summons is not required to attend an instanter hearing.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 682 - Administrative Adjudication of Vehicle Parking and Stopping Offenses › Section 682.008. Presumptions

Sec. 682.008.  PRESUMPTIONS.  In an administrative adjudication hearing under this chapter:
(1)  it is presumed that the registered owner of the motor vehicle is the person who parked or stopped the vehicle at the time and place of the offense charged;  and
(2)  the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles' computer-generated record of the registered vehicle owner is prima facie evidence of the contents of the record.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933 (H.B. 3097), Sec. 2Q.01, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 682 - Administrative Adjudication of Vehicle Parking and Stopping Offenses › Section 682.009. Order

Sec. 682.009.  ORDER.  (a)  The hearing officer at an administrative adjudication hearing under this chapter shall issue an order stating:
(1)  whether the person charged with the violation is liable for the violation;  and
(2)  the amount of any fine, cost, or fee assessed against the person.
(b)  The order issued under Subsection (a) may be filed with the clerk or secretary of the municipality or a person designated by the joint board.  The clerk, secretary, or designated person shall keep the order in a separate index and file.  The order may be recorded using microfilm, microfiche, or data processing techniques.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 156, Sec. 3, eff. May 21, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 682 - Administrative Adjudication of Vehicle Parking and Stopping Offenses › Section 682.010. Enforcement

Sec. 682.010.  ENFORCEMENT.  (a)  An order filed under Section 682.009, or a fine, cost, or fee imposed under this chapter following a failure by the person charged to appear within the time specified by a municipality's ordinance, resolution, rule, or order, may be enforced by:
(1)  impounding the vehicle if the offender has committed three or more vehicle parking or stopping offenses in a calendar year;
(2)  placing a device on the vehicle that prohibits movement of the motor vehicle;
(3)  imposing an additional fine if the original fine is not paid within a specified time;
(4)  denying issuance of or revoking a parking or operating permit, as applicable;  or
(5)  filing an action to collect the fine, cost, or fee in a court of competent jurisdiction.
(b)  An action to collect a fine, cost, or fee under Subsection (a)(5) must be brought:
(1)  in the name of the municipality served by the hearing officer;  and
(2)  in a county in which all or part of that municipality is located.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 156, Sec. 4, eff. May 21, 1999;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 346, Sec. 2, eff. June 18, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 682 - Administrative Adjudication of Vehicle Parking and Stopping Offenses › Section 682.011. Appeal

Sec. 682.011.  APPEAL.  (a)  A person whom the hearing officer determines to be in violation of a vehicle parking or stopping ordinance may appeal the determination by filing a petition with the clerk of a municipal court and paying the costs required by law for municipal court not later than the 30th day after the date on which the order is filed.
(b)  The municipal court clerk shall schedule a hearing and notify each party of the date, time, and place of the hearing.
(c)  An appeal does not stay enforcement and collection of the judgment unless the person, before appealing, posts bond with, as applicable:
(1)  the agency of the municipality designated by ordinance to accept payment for a violation of a parking or stopping ordinance;  or
(2)  the agency of the joint board designated by the resolution, rule, or order to accept payment for a violation of a parking or stopping resolution, rule, or order.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 156, Sec. 5, eff. May 21, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 683 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 683.001. Definitions

Sec. 683.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Department" means the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
(2)  "Garagekeeper" means an owner or operator of a storage facility.
(3)  "Law enforcement agency" means:
(A)  the Department of Public Safety;
(B)  the police department of a municipality;
(C)  the police department of an institution of higher education;  or
(D)  a sheriff or a constable.
(4)  "Motor vehicle" means a vehicle that is subject to registration under Chapter 501.
(5)  "Motor vehicle demolisher" means a person in the business of:
(A)  converting motor vehicles into processed scrap or scrap metal;  or
(B)  wrecking or dismantling motor vehicles.
(6)  "Outboard motor" means an outboard motor subject to registration under Chapter 31, Parks and Wildlife Code.
(7)  "Storage facility" includes a garage, parking lot, or establishment for the servicing, repairing, or parking of motor vehicles.
(8)  "Watercraft" means a vessel subject to registration under Chapter 31, Parks and Wildlife Code.
(9)  "Abandoned nuisance vehicle" means a motor vehicle that is at least 10 years old and is of a condition only to be junked, crushed, or dismantled.
(10)  "Vehicle storage facility" means a vehicle storage facility, as defined by Section 2303.002, Occupations Code, that is operated by a person who holds a license issued under Chapter 2303 of that code to operate that vehicle storage facility.
(11)  "Aircraft" has the meaning assigned by Section 24.001.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1034, Sec. 14, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933 (H.B. 3097), Sec. 2R.01, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 720 (H.B. 787), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 683 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 683.002. Abandoned Motor Vehicle

Sec. 683.002.  ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE.  (a)  For the purposes of this chapter, a motor vehicle is abandoned if the motor vehicle:
(1)  is inoperable, is more than five years old, and has been left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours;
(2)  has remained illegally on public property for more than 48 hours;
(3)  has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in charge of the property for more than 48 hours;
(4)  has been left unattended on the right-of-way of a designated county, state, or federal highway for more than 48 hours;
(5)  has been left unattended for more than 24 hours on the right-of-way of a turnpike project constructed and maintained by the Texas Turnpike Authority division of the Texas Department of Transportation or a controlled access highway;  or
(6)  is considered an abandoned motor vehicle under Section 644.153(r).
(b)  In this section, "controlled access highway" has the meaning assigned by Section 541.302.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.157(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 359, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 16.06, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 683 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 683.003. Conflict of Laws; Effect on Other Laws

Sec. 683.003.  CONFLICT OF LAWS;  EFFECT ON OTHER LAWS.  (a)  Sections 683.051-683.055 may not be read as conflicting with Sections 683.074-683.078.
(b)  This chapter does not affect a law authorizing the immediate removal of a vehicle left on public property that is an obstruction to traffic.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 683 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Subchapter B. Abandoned Motor Vehicles: Seizure and Auction › Section 683.011. Authority to Take Abandoned Motor Vehicle Into Custody

Sec. 683.011.  AUTHORITY TO TAKE ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE INTO CUSTODY.  (a)  A law enforcement agency may take into custody an abandoned motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or outboard motor found on public or private property.
(b)  A law enforcement agency may use agency personnel, equipment, and facilities or contract for other personnel, equipment, and facilities to remove, preserve, store, send notice regarding, and dispose of an abandoned motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or outboard motor taken into custody by the agency under this subchapter.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 737 (H.B. 2630), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 720 (H.B. 787), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 683 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Subchapter B. Abandoned Motor Vehicles: Seizure and Auction › Section 683.013. Storage Fees

Sec. 683.013.  STORAGE FEES.  A law enforcement agency or the agent of a law enforcement agency that takes into custody an abandoned motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or outboard motor is entitled to reasonable storage fees:
(1)  for not more than 10 days, beginning on the day the item is taken into custody and ending on the day the required notice is mailed; and
(2)  beginning on the day after the day the agency mails notice and ending on the day accrued charges are paid and the vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or outboard motor is removed.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 720 (H.B. 787), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 683 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Subchapter B. Abandoned Motor Vehicles: Seizure and Auction › Section 683.014. Auction or Use of Abandoned Items; Waiver of Rights

Sec. 683.014.  AUCTION OR USE OF ABANDONED ITEMS;  WAIVER OF RIGHTS.  (a)  If an abandoned motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or outboard motor is not claimed under Section 683.012:
(1)  the owner or lienholder:
(A)  waives all rights and interests in the item; and
(B)  consents to the sale of the item by public auction or the transfer of the item, if a watercraft, as provided by Subsection (d); and
(2)  the law enforcement agency may sell the item at a public auction, transfer the item, if a watercraft, as provided by Subsection (d), or use the item as provided by Section 683.016.
(b)  Proper notice of the auction shall be given.  A garagekeeper who has a garagekeeper's lien shall be notified of the time and place of the auction.
(c)  The purchaser of a motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or outboard motor:
(1)  takes title free and clear of all liens and claims of ownership;
(2)  shall receive a sales receipt from the law enforcement agency; and
(3)  is entitled to register the motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or outboard motor with and receive a certificate of title from the appropriate authority.
(d)  On consent of the Parks and Wildlife Department, the law enforcement agency may transfer a watercraft that is not claimed under Section 683.012 to the Parks and Wildlife Department for use as part of an artificial reef under Chapter 89, Parks and Wildlife Code, or for other use by the Parks and Wildlife Department permitted under the Parks and Wildlife Code.  On transfer of the watercraft, the Parks and Wildlife Department:
(1)  takes title free and clear of all liens and claims of ownership; and
(2)  is entitled to register the watercraft and receive a certificate of title.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 190 (H.B. 883), Sec. 2, eff. May 27, 2005.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 720 (H.B. 787), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 683 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Subchapter B. Abandoned Motor Vehicles: Seizure and Auction › Section 683.016. Law Enforcement Agency Use of Certain Abandoned Motor Vehicles

Sec. 683.016.  LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY USE OF CERTAIN ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLES.  (a)  The law enforcement agency that takes an abandoned motor vehicle into custody that is not claimed under Section 683.012 may:
(1)  use the vehicle for agency purposes; or
(2)  transfer the vehicle to any other municipal or county agency, a groundwater conservation district governed by Chapter 36, Water Code, or a school district for the use of that agency or district.
(b)  The law enforcement agency shall auction the vehicle as provided by this subchapter if the law enforcement agency or the municipal or county agency, groundwater conservation district, or school district to which the vehicle was transferred under Subsection (a) discontinues use of the vehicle.
(c)  This section does not apply to an abandoned vehicle on which there is a garagekeeper's lien.
(d)  This section does not apply to a vehicle that is:
(1)  taken into custody by a law enforcement agency located in a county with a population of 3.3 million or more; and
(2)  removed to a privately owned storage facility.
(e)  A law enforcement agency must comply with the notice requirements of Section 683.012 before the law enforcement agency may transfer a vehicle under Subsection (a)(2).
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 446 (H.B. 195), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 941 (H.B. 3140), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1163 (H.B. 2702), Sec. 178, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 683 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Subchapter C. Vehicle Abandoned in Storage Facility › Section 683.031. Garagekeeper's Duty: Abandoned Motor Vehicles

Sec. 683.031.  GARAGEKEEPER'S DUTY:  ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLES.  (a)  A motor vehicle is abandoned if the vehicle is left in a storage facility operated for commercial purposes after the 10th day after the date on which:
(1)  the garagekeeper gives notice by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the last known registered owner of the vehicle and to each lienholder of record of the vehicle under Chapter 501 to remove the vehicle;
(2)  a contract for the vehicle to remain on the premises of the facility expires;  or
(3)  the vehicle was left in the facility, if the vehicle was left by a person other than the registered owner or a person authorized to have possession of the vehicle under a contract of use, service, storage, or repair.
(b)  If notice sent under Subsection (a)(1) is returned unclaimed by the post office, substituted notice is sufficient if published in one newspaper of general circulation in the area where the vehicle was left.
(c)  The garagekeeper shall report the abandonment of the motor vehicle to a law enforcement agency with jurisdiction where the vehicle is located and shall pay a $10 fee to be used by the law enforcement agency for the cost of the notice required by this subchapter or other cost incurred in disposing of the vehicle.
(d)  The garagekeeper shall retain custody of an abandoned motor vehicle until the law enforcement agency takes the vehicle into custody under Section 683.034.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 737 (H.B. 2630), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 216 (H.B. 864), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 683 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Subchapter C. Vehicle Abandoned in Storage Facility › Section 683.032. Garagekeeper's Fees and Charges

Sec. 683.032.  GARAGEKEEPER'S FEES AND CHARGES.  (a)  A garagekeeper who acquires custody of a motor vehicle for a purpose other than repair is entitled to towing, preservation, and notification charges and reasonable storage fees, in addition to storage fees earned under a contract, for each day:
(1)  not to exceed five days, until the notice described by Section 683.031(a) is mailed;  and
(2)  after notice is mailed, until the vehicle is removed and all accrued charges are paid.
(b)  A garagekeeper who fails to report an abandoned motor vehicle to a law enforcement agency within seven days after the date it is abandoned may not claim reimbursement for storage of the vehicle.
(c)  This subchapter does not impair any lien that a garagekeeper has on a vehicle except for the termination or limitation of claim for storage for the failure to report the vehicle to the law enforcement agency.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.158(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 683 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Subchapter C. Vehicle Abandoned in Storage Facility › Section 683.033. Unauthorized Storage Fee; Offense

Sec. 683.033.  UNAUTHORIZED STORAGE FEE;  OFFENSE.  (a)  A person commits an offense if the person charges a storage fee for a period for which the fee is not authorized by Section 683.032.
(b)  An offense under this subsection is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $200 or more than $1,000.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 683 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Subchapter C. Vehicle Abandoned in Storage Facility › Section 683.034. Disposal of Vehicle Abandoned in Storage Facility

Sec. 683.034.  DISPOSAL OF VEHICLE ABANDONED IN STORAGE FACILITY.  (a)  A law enforcement agency shall take into custody an abandoned vehicle left in a storage facility that has not been claimed in the period provided by the notice under Section 683.012.  In this section, a law enforcement agency has custody if the agency:
(1)  has physical custody of the vehicle;
(2)  has given notice to the storage facility that the law enforcement agency intends to dispose of the vehicle under this section; or
(3)  has received a report under Section 683.031(c) and the garagekeeper has met all of the requirements of that subsection.
(b)  The law enforcement agency may use the vehicle as authorized by Section 683.016 or sell the vehicle at auction as provided by Section 683.014.  If a vehicle is sold, the proceeds of the sale shall first be applied to a garagekeeper's charges for providing notice regarding the vehicle and for service, towing, impoundment, storage, and repair of the vehicle.
(c)  As compensation for expenses incurred in taking the vehicle into custody and selling it, the law enforcement agency shall retain:
(1)  two percent of the gross proceeds of the sale of the vehicle;  or
(2)  all the proceeds if the gross proceeds of the sale are less than $10.
(d)  Surplus proceeds shall be distributed as provided by Section 683.015.
(e)  If the law enforcement agency does not take the vehicle into custody before the 31st day after the date the vehicle was reported abandoned under Section 683.031:
(1)  the law enforcement agency may not take the vehicle into custody; and
(2)  the storage facility may dispose of the vehicle under:
(A)  Chapter 70, Property Code, except that notice under Section 683.012 satisfies the notice requirements of that chapter; or
(B)  Chapter 2303, Occupations Code, if the storage facility is a vehicle storage facility.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.158(b), eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1034, Sec. 16, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 737 (H.B. 2630), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 683 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Subchapter D. Demolition of Motor Vehicles › Section 683.051. Application for Authorization to Dispose of Certain Motor Vehicles

Sec. 683.051.  APPLICATION FOR AUTHORIZATION TO DISPOSE OF CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLES.  A person may apply to the department for authority:
(1)  to sell, give away, or dispose of a motor vehicle to a motor vehicle demolisher for demolition, wrecking, or dismantling if:
(A)  the person is the recorded owner or has been transferred ownership of the motor vehicle; or
(B)  the vehicle is an abandoned motor vehicle and is:
(i)  in the possession of the person; or
(ii)  located on property owned by the person; or
(2)  to dispose of a motor vehicle to a motor vehicle demolisher for demolition, wrecking, or dismantling if:
(A)  the motor vehicle is in the possession of a lienholder under:
(i)  Chapter 54, 59, or 70, Property Code; or
(ii)  Chapter 2303, Occupations Code;
(B)  the lienholder has complied with all notification requirements of the applicable chapter to foreclose on the lien; and
(C)  the lienholder determines:
(i)  the motor vehicle's only residual value is as a source of parts or scrap metal; or
(ii)  it is not economical to dispose of the vehicle at a public sale.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 612, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1291 (H.B. 2305), Sec. 48, eff. March 1, 2015.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1061 (H.B. 3131), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 683 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Subchapter D. Demolition of Motor Vehicles › Section 683.052. Contents of Application; Application Fee

Sec. 683.052.  CONTENTS OF APPLICATION; APPLICATION FEE.  (a)  An application under Section 683.051 must be made in a manner prescribed by the department and include:
(1)  the name and address of the applicant;
(2)  the year, make, model, body style, and vehicle identification number of the vehicle, if ascertainable;
(3)  a certification by the applicant that the facts stated in the application are true and that the applicant:
(A)  is the recorded owner or has been transferred ownership of the vehicle if the application is submitted under Section 683.051(1)(A); or
(B)  is a lienholder listed in Section 683.051(2)(A) that has complied with all applicable notification requirements if the application is submitted under Section 683.051(2);
(4)  any proof required by the department to verify compliance with notification requirements described by Section 683.051(2)(B); and
(5)  the physical location of the motor vehicle.
(b)  The department is not required to obtain an ownership document or any other verification of ownership in the name of an applicant under Section 683.051(1)(A) if the department is able to verify that the applicant is the recorded owner in the department's automated registration and titling system.
(c)   The application must be accompanied by a fee of $2, unless the application is made by a unit of government. Fees collected under this subsection 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 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1287 (H.B. 2202), Sec. 67, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1061 (H.B. 3131), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 683 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Subchapter D. Demolition of Motor Vehicles › Section 683.053. Department to Provide Notice

Sec. 683.053.  DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE NOTICE.  (a)  If an application is submitted to sell, give away, or dispose of an abandoned motor vehicle under Section 683.051(1)(B), the department shall:
(1)  send notice to any owners and lienholders of the abandoned motor vehicle identified in the department's automated registration and titling system; or
(2)  if the department has no record of owners or lienholders for the abandoned motor vehicle, publish notice of abandonment on the department's website.
(b)  The notice required by Subsection (a) must include:
(1)  the year, make, model, body style, and vehicle identification number of the motor vehicle;
(2)  the physical location of the motor vehicle;
(3)  a statement:
(A)  that an application has been submitted to the department for authorization to dispose of the motor vehicle to a motor vehicle demolisher;
(B)  informing the motor vehicle's owners or lienholders of the right to claim the motor vehicle not later than the 20th day after the date the notice is sent or published; and
(C)  that failure to claim the motor vehicle and notify the department that the vehicle has been claimed before the 21st day after the date the notice is sent or published:
(i)  waives a person's rights, title, and interest in the motor vehicle; and
(ii)  is considered consent for the department to issue to the applicant a certificate of authority under Section 683.054 to dispose of the motor vehicle to a motor vehicle demolisher; and
(4)  the date the notice was sent or published.
(c)  The department is not required to send or publish notice for an application submitted for a motor vehicle described by Section 683.051(1)(A) or (2).
(d)  Notice sent under Subsection (a)(1) must be sent by first class mail.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1061 (H.B. 3131), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 683 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Subchapter D. Demolition of Motor Vehicles › Section 683.054. Certificate of Authority to Dispose of Vehicle

Sec. 683.054.  CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY TO DISPOSE OF VEHICLE.  (a)  The department shall issue the applicant a certificate of authority to dispose of the vehicle to a motor vehicle demolisher for demolition, wrecking, or dismantling if the application submitted under Section 683.051:
(1)  is properly executed;
(2)  is accompanied by the required fee under Section 683.052; and
(3)  contains any proof of notification or ownership required by the department to enforce this subchapter.
(b)   A motor vehicle demolisher shall accept the certificate of authority in lieu of a certificate of title for the vehicle.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 612, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1061 (H.B. 3131), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 683 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Subchapter D. Demolition of Motor Vehicles › Section 683.055. Rules and Forms

Sec. 683.055.  RULES AND FORMS.  The department may adopt rules and prescribe forms to implement Sections 683.051-683.054.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.