reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
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 683.056. Demolisher's Duty

Sec. 683.056.  DEMOLISHER'S DUTY.  (a)  A motor vehicle demolisher who acquires a motor vehicle for dismantling or demolishing shall obtain from the person delivering the vehicle:
(1)  the motor vehicle's certificate of title;
(2)  a sales receipt for the motor vehicle;
(3)  a transfer document for the vehicle as provided by Subchapter B or Subchapter E;  or
(4)  a certificate of authority for the disposal of the motor vehicle.
(b)  A demolisher is not required to obtain a certificate of title for the vehicle in the demolisher's name.
(c)  On the department's demand, the demolisher shall surrender for cancellation the certificate of title or certificate of authority.
(d)  The department shall adopt rules and forms necessary to regulate the surrender of auction sales receipts and certificates of title.
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 D. Demolition of Motor Vehicles › Section 683.057. Demolisher's Records; Offense

Sec. 683.057.  DEMOLISHER'S RECORDS;  OFFENSE.  (a)  A motor vehicle demolisher shall keep a record of a motor vehicle that is acquired in the course of business.
(b)  The record must contain:
(1)  the name and address of the person from whom the vehicle was acquired;  and
(2)  the date of acquisition of the vehicle.
(c)  The demolisher shall keep the record until the first anniversary of the date of acquisition of the vehicle.
(d)  The record shall be open to inspection by the department or any law enforcement agency at any time during normal business hours.
(e)  A motor vehicle demolisher commits an offense if the demolisher fails to keep a record as provided by this section.
(f)  An offense under Subsection (e) is a misdemeanor punishable by:
(1)  a fine of not less than $100 or more than $1,000;
(2)  confinement in the county jail for a term of not less than 10 days or more than six months;  or
(3)  both the fine and confinement.
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 E. Junked Vehicles: Public Nuisance; Abatement › Section 683.071. Definition and Applicability

Sec. 683.071.  DEFINITION AND APPLICABILITY.  (a)  In this subchapter, "junked vehicle" means a vehicle that:
(1)  is self-propelled; and
(2)  is:
(A)  wrecked, dismantled or partially dismantled, or discarded; or
(B)  inoperable and has remained inoperable for more than:
(i)  72 consecutive hours, if the vehicle is on public property; or
(ii)  30 consecutive days, if the vehicle is on private property.
(b)  For purposes of this subchapter, "junked vehicle" includes a motor vehicle, aircraft, or watercraft.  This subchapter applies only to:
(1)  a motor vehicle that displays an expired license plate or does not display a license plate;
(2)  an aircraft that does not have lawfully printed on the aircraft an unexpired federal aircraft identification number registered under Federal Aviation Administration aircraft registration regulations in 14 C.F.R. Part 47; or
(3)  a watercraft that:
(A)  does not have lawfully on board an unexpired certificate of number; and
(B)  is not a watercraft described by Section 31.055, Parks and Wildlife Code.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 746, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 798, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 500 (S.B. 350), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 720 (H.B. 787), Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2011.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 753 (H.B. 1376), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.
Reenacted and amended by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1291 (H.B. 2305), Sec. 49, eff. March 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 683 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Subchapter E. Junked Vehicles: Public Nuisance; Abatement › Section 683.0711. Municipal Requirements

Sec. 683.0711.  MUNICIPAL REQUIREMENTS.  An ordinance adopted by a governing body of a municipality may provide for a more inclusive definition of a junked vehicle subject to regulation under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1073, Sec. 1, 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 E. Junked Vehicles: Public Nuisance; Abatement › Section 683.072. Junked Vehicle Declared to Be Public Nuisance

Sec. 683.072.  JUNKED VEHICLE DECLARED TO BE PUBLIC NUISANCE.  A junked vehicle, including a part of a junked vehicle, that is visible at any time of the year from a public place or public right-of-way:
(1)  is detrimental to the safety and welfare of the public;
(2)  tends to reduce the value of private property;
(3)  invites vandalism;
(4)  creates a fire hazard;
(5)  is an attractive nuisance creating a hazard to the health and safety of minors;
(6)  produces urban blight adverse to the maintenance and continuing development of municipalities;  and
(7)  is a public nuisance.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1073, Sec. 2.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 683 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Subchapter E. Junked Vehicles: Public Nuisance; Abatement › Section 683.073. Offense

Sec. 683.073.  OFFENSE.  (a)  A person commits an offense if the person maintains a public nuisance described by Section 683.072.
(b)  An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $200.
(c)  The court shall order abatement and removal of the nuisance on conviction.
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 E. Junked Vehicles: Public Nuisance; Abatement › Section 683.074. Authority to Abate Nuisance; Procedures

Sec. 683.074.  AUTHORITY TO ABATE NUISANCE;  PROCEDURES.  (a)  A municipality or county may adopt procedures that conform to this subchapter for the abatement and removal from private or public property or a public right-of-way of a junked vehicle or part of a junked vehicle as a public nuisance.
(b)  The procedures must:
(1)  prohibit a vehicle from being reconstructed or made operable after removal;
(2)  require a public hearing on request of a person who receives notice as provided by Section 683.075 if the request is made not later than the date by which the nuisance must be abated and removed; and
(3)  require that notice identifying the vehicle or part of the vehicle be given to the department not later than the fifth day after the date of removal.
(c)  An appropriate court of the municipality or county may issue necessary orders to enforce the procedures.
(d)  Procedures for abatement and removal of a public nuisance must be administered by regularly salaried, full-time employees of the municipality or county, except that any authorized person may remove the nuisance.
(e)  A person authorized to administer the procedures may enter private property to examine a public nuisance, to obtain information to identify the nuisance, and to remove or direct the removal of the nuisance.
(f)  On receipt of notice of removal of a motor vehicle under Subsection (b)(3), the department shall immediately cancel the certificate of title issued for the vehicle.
(g)  The procedures may provide that the relocation of a junked vehicle that is a public nuisance to another location in the same municipality or county after a proceeding for the abatement and removal of the public nuisance has commenced has no effect on the proceeding if the junked vehicle constitutes a public nuisance at the new location.
(h)  On receipt of notice of removal of a watercraft under Subsection (b)(3), the department shall notify the Parks and Wildlife Department of the removal.  On receipt of the notice from the department, the Parks and Wildlife Department shall immediately cancel the certificate of title issued for the watercraft.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1226, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 500 (S.B. 350), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 720 (H.B. 787), Sec. 10, 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 E. Junked Vehicles: Public Nuisance; Abatement › Section 683.075. Notice

Sec. 683.075.  NOTICE.  (a)  The procedures for the abatement and removal of a public nuisance under this subchapter must provide not less than 10 days' notice of the nature of the nuisance.  The notice must be personally delivered, sent by certified mail with a five-day return requested, or delivered by the United States Postal Service with signature confirmation service to:
(1)  the last known registered owner of the nuisance;
(2)  each lienholder of record of the nuisance; and
(3)  the owner or occupant of:
(A)  the property on which the nuisance is located; or
(B)  if the nuisance is located on a public right-of-way, the property adjacent to the right-of-way.
(b)  The notice must state that:
(1)  the nuisance must be abated and removed not later than the 10th day after the date on which the notice was personally delivered or mailed;  and
(2)  any request for a hearing must be made before that 10-day period expires.
(c)  If the post office address of the last known registered owner of the nuisance is unknown, notice may be placed on the nuisance or, if the owner is located, personally delivered.
(d)  If notice is returned undelivered, action to abate the nuisance shall be continued to a date not earlier than the 11th day after the date of the return.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 413, Sec. 13, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 369 (S.B. 351), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 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 E. Junked Vehicles: Public Nuisance; Abatement › Section 683.076. Hearing

Sec. 683.076.  HEARING.  (a)  The governing body of the municipality or county or a board, commission, or official designated by the governing body shall conduct hearings under the procedures adopted under this subchapter.
(b)  If a hearing is requested by a person for whom notice is required under Section 683.075(a)(3), the hearing shall be held not earlier than the 11th day after the date of the service of notice.
(c)  At the hearing, the junked motor vehicle is presumed, unless demonstrated otherwise by the owner, to be inoperable.
(d)  If the information is available at the location of the nuisance, a resolution or order requiring removal of the nuisance must include:
(1)  for a motor vehicle, the vehicle's:
(A)  description;
(B)  vehicle identification number; and
(C)  license plate number;
(2)  for an aircraft, the aircraft's:
(A)  description; and
(B)  federal aircraft identification number as described by Federal Aviation Administration aircraft registration regulations in 14 C.F.R. Part 47; and
(3)  for a watercraft, the watercraft's:
(A)  description; and
(B)  identification number as set forth in the watercraft's certificate of number.
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. 11, 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 E. Junked Vehicles: Public Nuisance; Abatement › Section 683.0765. Alternative Procedure for Administrative Hearing

Sec. 683.0765.  ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE FOR ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING.  A municipality by ordinance may provide for an administrative adjudication process under which an administrative penalty may be imposed for the enforcement of an ordinance adopted under this subchapter.  If a municipality provides for an administrative adjudication process under this section, the municipality shall use the procedure described by Section 54.044, Local Government Code.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 413, Sec. 14, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 683 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Subchapter E. Junked Vehicles: Public Nuisance; Abatement › Section 683.077. Inapplicability of Subchapter

Sec. 683.077.  INAPPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER.  (a)  Procedures adopted under Section 683.074 or 683.0765 may not apply to a vehicle or vehicle part:
(1)  that is completely enclosed in a building in a lawful manner and is not visible from the street or other public or private property;  or
(2)  that is stored or parked in a lawful manner on private property in connection with the business of a licensed vehicle dealer or junkyard, or that is an antique or special interest vehicle stored by a motor vehicle collector on the collector's property, if the vehicle or part and the outdoor storage area, if any, are:
(A)  maintained in an orderly manner;
(B)  not a health hazard;  and
(C)  screened from ordinary public view by appropriate means, including a fence, rapidly growing trees, or shrubbery.
(b)  In this section:
(1)  "Antique vehicle" means a passenger car or truck that is at least 25 years old.
(2)  "Motor vehicle collector" means a person who:
(A)  owns one or more antique or special interest vehicles;  and
(B)  acquires, collects, or disposes of an antique or special interest vehicle or part of an antique or special interest vehicle for personal use to restore and preserve an antique or special interest vehicle for historic interest.
(3)  "Special interest vehicle" means a motor vehicle of any age that has not been changed from original manufacturer's specifications and, because of its historic interest, is being preserved by a hobbyist.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 413, Sec. 15, eff. Sept. 1, 2001;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1431, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 683 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Subchapter E. Junked Vehicles: Public Nuisance; Abatement › Section 683.078. Junked Vehicle Disposal

Sec. 683.078.  JUNKED VEHICLE DISPOSAL.  (a)  A junked vehicle, including a part of a junked vehicle, may be removed to a scrapyard, a motor vehicle demolisher, or a suitable site operated by a municipality or county.
(b)  A municipality or county may operate a disposal site if its governing body determines that commercial disposition of junked vehicles is not available or is inadequate.  A municipality or county may:
(1)  finally dispose of a junked vehicle or vehicle part;  or
(2)  transfer it to another disposal site if the disposal is scrap or salvage only.
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 686 - Valet Parking Services › Section 686.001. Definitions

Sec. 686.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Financial responsibility" means the ability to respond in damages for liability for a collision that:
(A)  occurs after the effective date of the document evidencing the establishment of the financial responsibility; and
(B)  arises out of the operation of a motor vehicle by an employee of a valet parking service.
(2)  "Public accommodation" means any:
(A)  inn, hotel, or motel;
(B)  restaurant, cafeteria, or other facility principally engaged in selling food for consumption on the premises;
(C)  bar, nightclub, or other facility engaged in selling alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises;
(D)  motion picture house, theater, concert hall, stadium, or other place of exhibition or entertainment;  or
(E)  other facility used by or open to members of the public.
(3)  "Valet parking service" means a parking service through which the motor vehicles of patrons of a public accommodation are parked for a fee by a third party who is not an employee of the public accommodation.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 23.002, eff. March 1, 2004.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 709 (H.B. 2190), Sec. 98, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 686 - Valet Parking Services › Section 686.002. Requirement of Financial Responsibility for Valet Parking Services

Sec. 686.002.  REQUIREMENT OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR VALET PARKING SERVICES.  A person may not operate a valet parking service unless financial responsibility for each employee who operates a motor vehicle for the service is established through:
(1)  a motor vehicle liability or comprehensive general liability and garage insurance policy in an amount established by Section 686.004;
(2)  a surety bond filed under Section 601.121;  or
(3)  a deposit in the amount of $450,000 under Section 601.122, notwithstanding any other amount prescribed by that section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 23.002, eff. March 1, 2004.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 686 - Valet Parking Services › Section 686.003. Evidence of Financial Responsibility

Sec. 686.003.  EVIDENCE OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.  (a)  The owner or operator of a valet parking service shall provide evidence of financial responsibility in the same manner as required under Section 601.053.
(b)  In addition to complying with Subsection (a), an owner or operator of a valet parking service shall exhibit, for public inspection, evidence of financial responsibility at a public accommodation whose patrons use the service.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 23.002, March 1, 2004.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 686 - Valet Parking Services › Section 686.004. Minimum Coverage Amounts

Sec. 686.004.  MINIMUM COVERAGE AMOUNTS.  (a)  The minimum amounts of motor vehicle liability insurance coverage required to establish financial responsibility under this chapter are:
(1)  $100,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person in one collision;
(2)  $300,000 for bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in one collision, subject to the amount provided by Subdivision (1) for bodily injury to or death of one of the persons; and
(3)  $50,000 for damage to or destruction of property of others in one collision.
(b)  The comprehensive general liability insurance must be on a broad form and provide limits of liability for bodily injury and property damage of not less than $300,000 combined single limit or the equivalent.
(c)  The garage insurance must provide limits of liability for bodily injury and property damage of not less than $300,000 combined single limit, or the equivalent, and must provide the following coverages:
(1)  comprehensive and collision coverage for physical damage;
(2)  coverage for vehicle storage;  and
(3)  coverage for a vehicle driven by or at the direction of the valet parking service.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 23.002, eff. March 1, 2004.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 709 (H.B. 2190), Sec. 99, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 686 - Valet Parking Services › Section 686.005. Common Law Defenses

Sec. 686.005.  COMMON LAW DEFENSES.  In an action against an owner or operator of a valet parking service that has not established financial responsibility as required by this chapter to recover damages for personal injuries, death, or property damage sustained in a motor vehicle collision arising out of the operation of a valet parking service, it is not a defense that the party who brings the action:
(1)  was guilty of contributory negligence; or
(2)  assumed the risk of injury, death, or property damage.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 23.002, eff. March 1, 2004.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 709 (H.B. 2190), Sec. 100, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 686 - Valet Parking Services › Section 686.006. Operation of Motor Vehicle in Violation of Financial Responsibility Requirement; Offense

Sec. 686.006.  OPERATION OF MOTOR VEHICLE IN VIOLATION OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REQUIREMENT;  OFFENSE.  (a)  A person commits an offense if the person, while in the course and scope of the person's employment with a valet parking service, operates a motor vehicle of a patron of the service without the financial responsibility required by this chapter.
(b)  Except as provided by Subsections (c) and (d), an offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $175 or more than $350.
(c)  If a person has been previously convicted of an offense under this section, an offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $350 or more than $1,000.
(d)  If the court determines that a person who has not been previously convicted of an offense under this section is economically unable to pay the fine, the court may reduce the fine to not less than $175.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 23.002, eff. March 1, 2004.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle H - Parking, Towing, and Storage of Vehicles › Chapter 686 - Valet Parking Services › Section 686.007. Defense: Financial Responsibility in Effect at Time of Alleged Offense

Sec. 686.007.  DEFENSE:  FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN EFFECT AT TIME OF ALLEGED OFFENSE.  It is a defense to prosecution under Section 686.002 that the person charged produces one of the documents listed in Section 601.053 that was valid at the time the offense is alleged to have occurred.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 816, Sec. 23.002, eff. March 1, 2004.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle I - Enforcement of Traffic Laws › Chapter 701 - County Traffic Officers › Section 701.001. Authorization

Sec. 701.001.  AUTHORIZATION.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), acting in conjunction with the sheriff of the county, the commissioners court of a county may employ not more than five regular deputies as county traffic officers.
(b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), the commissioners court may employ not more than two additional deputies as county traffic officers to aid the regular officers in special emergencies.
(c)  The limitation on the number of deputies that may be employed under Subsections (a) and (b) does not apply to a county with a population of more than 2.5 million.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 548 (H.B. 1165), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2005.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 644 (H.B. 4559), Sec. 269, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle I - Enforcement of Traffic Laws › Chapter 701 - County Traffic Officers › Section 701.002. Power to Act; Guidance

Sec. 701.002.  POWER TO ACT;  GUIDANCE.  (a)  A county traffic officer:
(1)  must be deputized by the sheriff or a constable of the county in which the officer is employed;
(2)  must give a bond and take an oath of office as other deputy sheriffs;
(3)  must work under the direction of the sheriff;  and
(4)  has the same right and duty as a deputy sheriff to arrest a person who violates a law.
(b)  Repealed by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 471, Sec. 2, eff. June 19, 2009.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 471 (S.B. 376), Sec. 2, eff. June 19, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle I - Enforcement of Traffic Laws › Chapter 701 - County Traffic Officers › Section 701.003. Duties

Sec. 701.003.  DUTIES.  (a)  A county traffic officer shall:
(1)  be a motorcycle rider when practicable;
(2)  cooperate with the police department of each municipality in the county to enforce state traffic laws in that municipality and in the county;
(3)  enforce state laws that regulate the operation of a motor vehicle on a highway, street, or alley;  and
(4)  remain on and patrol the highway at all times when performing the officer's duties.
(b)  An officer may leave a highway only in pursuit of an offender the officer is unable to apprehend on the highway.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle I - Enforcement of Traffic Laws › Chapter 701 - County Traffic Officers › Section 701.004. Compensation

Sec. 701.004.  COMPENSATION.  (a)  The compensation to be paid a county traffic officer shall be set before the officer is employed.
(b)  Salary paid to the officer is independent of a salary paid to the sheriff and sheriff's deputies who do not act as highway officers.  Compensation for an officer may not be included in the sheriff's settlement in accounting for a fee of office or as salary paid to the sheriff or a sheriff's deputy.
(c)  The commissioners court may provide necessary equipment for the officer at the county's expense.  An officer's equipment may include a motorcycle and maintenance of that motorcycle.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle I - Enforcement of Traffic Laws › Chapter 701 - County Traffic Officers › Section 701.005. Fees

Sec. 701.005.  FEES.  A fee may not be charged for a service of a county traffic officer.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle I - Enforcement of Traffic Laws › Chapter 701 - County Traffic Officers › Section 701.006. Dismissal

Sec. 701.006.  DISMISSAL.  The commissioners court on its own initiative, or on recommendation of the sheriff, may dismiss a county traffic officer if the officer is no longer needed or if the officer's service is unsatisfactory.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 471 (S.B. 376), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle I - Enforcement of Traffic Laws › Chapter 702 - Contracts for Enforcement of Certain Arrest Warrants › Section 702.001. Definitions

Sec. 702.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Department" means the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
(2)  "Registration" of a motor vehicle includes a renewal of the registration of that vehicle.
(3)  "Traffic law" means a statute or ordinance, a violation of which is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $200, that regulates, on a street, road, or highway of this state:
(A)  the conduct or condition of a person while operating a motor vehicle;  or
(B)  the condition of a motor vehicle being operated.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.160(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933 (H.B. 3097), Sec. 2S.01, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle I - Enforcement of Traffic Laws › Chapter 702 - Contracts for Enforcement of Certain Arrest Warrants › Section 702.003. Refusal to Register Vehicle

Sec. 702.003.  REFUSAL TO REGISTER VEHICLE.  (a)  A county assessor-collector or the department may refuse to register a motor vehicle if the assessor-collector or the department receives under a contract information from a municipality that the owner of the vehicle has an outstanding warrant from that municipality for failure to appear or failure to pay a fine on a complaint that involves the violation of a traffic law.
(b)  A municipality may contract with a county in which the municipality is located or the department to provide information to the county assessor-collector or department necessary to make a determination under Subsection (a).
(c)  A municipality that has a contract under Subsection (b) shall notify the county assessor-collector or the department regarding a person for whom the county assessor-collector or the department has refused to register a motor vehicle on:
(1)  entry of a judgment against the person and the person's payment to the court of the fine for the violation and of all court costs;
(2)  perfection of an appeal of the case for which the arrest warrant was issued; or
(3)  dismissal of the charge for which the arrest warrant was issued.
(d)  After notice is received under Subsection (c), the county assessor-collector or the department may not refuse to register the motor vehicle under Subsection (a).
(e)  A contract under Subsection (b) must be entered into in accordance with Chapter 791, Government Code, and is subject to the ability of the parties to provide or pay for the services required under the contract.
(e-1)  A municipality that has a contract under Subsection (b) may impose an additional $20 reimbursement fee to a person who has an outstanding warrant from the municipality for failure to appear or failure to pay a fine on a complaint that involves the violation of a traffic law.  The additional reimbursement fee may be used only to reimburse the department or the county assessor-collector for its expenses for providing services under the contract, or another county department for expenses related to services under the contract.
(f)  This section does not apply to the registration of a motor vehicle under Section 501.0234.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.160(b), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 542 (S.B. 1617), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1094 (S.B. 1386), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2011.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1352 (S.B. 346), Sec. 2.77, eff. January 1, 2020.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle I - Enforcement of Traffic Laws › Chapter 702 - Contracts for Enforcement of Certain Arrest Warrants › Section 702.004. Warning; Citation

Sec. 702.004.  WARNING;  CITATION.  (a)  A peace officer authorized to issue citations in a municipality that has a contract under Section 702.003 shall issue a written warning to each person to whom the officer issues a citation for a violation of a traffic law in the municipality.
(b)  The warning must state that if the person fails to appear in court as provided by law for the prosecution of the offense or fails to pay a fine for the violation, the person might not be permitted to register a motor vehicle in this state.
(c)  The warning required by this section may be printed on the citation.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Renumbered from Transportation Code Sec. 702.005 and amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.160, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle I - Enforcement of Traffic Laws › Chapter 703 - Nonresident Violator Compact of 1977 › Article I. Findings, Declaration of Policy, and Purpose

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(a)  The party jurisdictions find that:
(1)  In most instances, a motorist who is cited for a traffic violation in a jurisdiction other than his home jurisdiction:
(i)  Must post collateral or bond to secure appearance for trial at a later date;  or
(ii)  If unable to post collateral or bond, is taken into custody until the collateral or bond is posted;  or
(iii)  Is taken directly to court for his trial to be held.
(2)  In some instances, the motorist's driver's license may be deposited as collateral to be returned after he has complied with the terms of the citation.
(3)  The purpose of the practices described in paragraphs (1) and (2) above is to ensure compliance with the terms of a traffic citation by the motorist who, if permitted to continue on his way after receiving the traffic citation, could return to his home jurisdiction and disregard his duty under the terms of the traffic citation.
(4)  A motorist receiving a traffic citation in his home jurisdiction is permitted, except for certain violations, to accept the citation from the officer at the scene of the violation and to immediately continue on his way after promising or being instructed to comply with the terms of the citation.
(5)  The practice described in paragraph (1) above causes unnecessary inconvenience and, at times, a hardship for the motorist who is unable at the time to post collateral, furnish a bond, stand trial, or pay the fine, and thus is compelled to remain in custody until some arrangement can be made.
(6)  The deposit of a driver's license as a bail bond, as described in paragraph (2) above, is viewed with disfavor.
(7)  The practices described herein consume an undue amount of law enforcement time.
(b)  It is the policy of the party jurisdictions to:
(1)  Seek compliance with the laws, ordinances, and administrative rules and regulations relating to the operation of motor vehicles in each of the jurisdictions.
(2)  Allow motorists to accept a traffic citation for certain violations and proceed on their way without delay whether or not the motorist is a resident of the jurisdiction in which the citation was issued.
(3)  Extend cooperation to its fullest extent among the jurisdictions for obtaining compliance with the terms of a traffic citation issued in one jurisdiction to a resident of another jurisdiction.
(4)  Maximize effective utilization of law enforcement personnel and assist court systems in the efficient disposition of traffic violations.
(c)  The purpose of this compact is to:
(1)  Provide a means through which the party jurisdictions may participate in a reciprocal program to effectuate the policies enumerated in paragraph (b) above in a uniform and orderly manner.
(2)  Provide for the fair and impartial treatment of traffic violators operating within party jurisdictions in recognition of the motorist's right of due process and the sovereign status of a party jurisdiction.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle I - Enforcement of Traffic Laws › Chapter 703 - Nonresident Violator Compact of 1977 › Article II. Definitions

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(a)  In the Nonresident Violator Compact, the following words have the meaning indicated, unless the context requires otherwise.
(b)(1) "Citation" means any summons, ticket, or other official document issued by a police officer for a traffic violation containing an order which requires the motorist to respond.
(2)  "Collateral" means any cash or other security deposited to secure an appearance for trial, following the issuance by a police officer of a citation for a traffic violation.
(3)  "Court" means a court of law or traffic tribunal.
(4)  "Driver's license" means any license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle issued under the laws of the home jurisdiction.
(5)  "Home jurisdiction" means the jurisdiction that issued the driver's license of the traffic violator.
(6)  "Issuing jurisdiction" means the jurisdiction in which the traffic citation was issued to the motorist.
(7)  "Jurisdiction" means a state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(8)  "Motorist" means a driver of a motor vehicle operating in a party jurisdiction other than the home jurisdiction.
(9)  "Personal recognizance" means an agreement by a motorist made at the time of issuance of the traffic citation that he will comply with the terms of that traffic citation.
(10)  "Police officer" means any individual authorized by the party jurisdiction to issue a citation for a traffic violation.
(11)  "Terms of the citation" means those options expressly stated upon the citation.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle I - Enforcement of Traffic Laws › Chapter 703 - Nonresident Violator Compact of 1977 › Article III. Procedure for Issuing Jurisdiction

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(a)  When issuing a citation for a traffic violation, a police officer shall issue the citation to a motorist who possesses a driver's license issued by a party jurisdiction and shall not, subject to the exceptions noted in paragraph (b) of this article, require the motorist to post collateral to secure appearance, if the officer receives the motorist's personal recognizance that he or she will comply with the terms of the citation.
(b)  Personal recognizance is acceptable only if not prohibited by law.  If mandatory appearance is required, it must take place immediately following issuance of the citation.
(c)  Upon failure of a motorist to comply with the terms of a traffic citation, the appropriate official shall report the failure to comply to the licensing authority of the jurisdiction in which the traffic citation was issued.  The report shall be made in accordance with procedures specified by the issuing jurisdiction and shall contain information as specified in the Compact Manual as minimum requirements for effective processing by the home jurisdiction.
(d)  Upon receipt of the report, the licensing authority of the issuing jurisdiction shall transmit to the licensing authority in the home jurisdiction of the motorist the information in a form and content as contained in the Compact Manual.
(e)  The licensing authority of the issuing jurisdiction may not suspend the privilege of a motorist for whom a report has been transmitted.
(f)  The licensing authority of the issuing jurisdiction shall not transmit a report on any violation if the date of transmission is more than six months after the date on which the traffic citation was issued.
(g)  The licensing authority of the issuing jurisdiction shall not transmit a report on any violation where the date of issuance of the citation predates the most recent of the effective dates of entry for the two jurisdictions affected.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle I - Enforcement of Traffic Laws › Chapter 703 - Nonresident Violator Compact of 1977 › Article IV. Procedure for Home Jurisdiction

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(a)  Upon receipt of a report of a failure to comply from the licensing authority of the issuing jurisdiction, the licensing authority of the home jurisdiction shall notify the motorist and initiate a suspension action, in accordance with the home jurisdiction's procedures, to suspend the motorist's driver's license until satisfactory evidence of compliance with the terms of the traffic citation has been furnished to the home jurisdiction licensing authority.  Due process safeguards will be accorded.
(b)  The licensing authority of the home jurisdiction shall maintain a record of actions taken and make reports to issuing jurisdictions as provided in the Compact Manual.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle I - Enforcement of Traffic Laws › Chapter 703 - Nonresident Violator Compact of 1977 › Article V. Applicability of Other Laws

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Except as expressly required by provisions of this compact, nothing contained herein shall be construed to affect the right of any party jurisdiction to apply any of its other laws relating to licenses to drive to any person or circumstance, or to invalidate or prevent any driver license agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a party jurisdiction and a nonparty jurisdiction.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle I - Enforcement of Traffic Laws › Chapter 703 - Nonresident Violator Compact of 1977 › Article VI. Compact Administrator Procedures

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(a)  For the purpose of administering the provisions of this compact and to serve as a governing body for the resolution of all matters relating to the operation of this compact, a Board of Compact Administrators is established.  The board shall be composed of one representative from each party jurisdiction to be known as the compact administrator.  The compact administrator shall be appointed by the jurisdiction executive and will serve and be subject to removal in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction he represents.  A compact administrator may provide for the discharge of his duties and the performance of his functions as a board member by an alternate.  An alternate may not be entitled to serve unless written notification of his identity has been given to the board.
(b)  Each member of the Board of Compact Administrators shall be entitled to one vote.  No action of the board shall be binding unless taken at a meeting at which a majority of the total number of votes on the board are cast in favor.  Action by the board shall be only at a meeting at which a majority of the party jurisdictions are represented.
(c)  The board shall elect annually, from its membership, a chairman and a vice chairman.
(d)  The board shall adopt bylaws, not inconsistent with the provisions of this compact or the laws of a party jurisdiction, for the conduct of its business and shall have the power to amend and rescind its bylaws.
(e)  The board may accept for any of its purposes and functions under this compact any and all donations, and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services, conditional or otherwise, from any jurisdiction, the United States, or any other governmental agency, and may receive, utilize, and dispose of the same.
(f)  The board may contract with, or accept services or personnel from, any governmental or intergovernmental agency, person, firm, or corporation, or any private nonprofit organization or institution.
(g)  The board shall formulate all necessary procedures and develop uniform forms and documents for administering the provisions of this compact.  All procedures and forms adopted pursuant to board action shall be contained in the Compact Manual.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle I - Enforcement of Traffic Laws › Chapter 703 - Nonresident Violator Compact of 1977 › Article VII. Entry Into Compact and Withdrawal

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(a)  This compact shall become effective when it has been adopted by at least two jurisdictions.
(b)(1) Entry into the compact shall be made by a Resolution of Ratification executed by the authorized officials of the applying jurisdiction and submitted to the chairman of the board.
(2)  The resolution shall be in a form and content as provided in the Compact Manual and shall include statements that in substance are as follows:
(i)  A citation of the authority by which the jurisdiction is empowered to become a party to this compact.
(ii)  Agreement to comply with the terms and provisions of the compact.
(iii)  That compact entry is with all jurisdictions then party to the compact and with any jurisdiction that legally becomes a party to the compact.
(3)  The effective date of entry shall be specified by the applying jurisdiction, but it shall not be less than 60 days after notice has been given by the chairman of the Board of Compact Administrators or by the secretariat of the board to each party jurisdiction that the resolution from the applying jurisdiction has been received.
(c)  A party jurisdiction may withdraw from this compact by official written notice to the other party jurisdictions, but a withdrawal shall not take effect until 90 days after notice of withdrawal is given.  The notice shall be directed to the compact administrator of each member jurisdiction.  No withdrawal shall affect the validity of this compact as to the remaining party jurisdictions.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle I - Enforcement of Traffic Laws › Chapter 703 - Nonresident Violator Compact of 1977 › Article VIII. Exceptions

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The provisions of this compact shall not apply to offenses which mandate personal appearance, moving traffic violations which alone carry a suspension, equipment violations, inspection violations, parking or standing violations, size and weight limit violations, violations of law governing the transportation of hazardous materials, motor carrier violations, lease law violations, and registration law violations.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle I - Enforcement of Traffic Laws › Chapter 703 - Nonresident Violator Compact of 1977 › Article IX. Amendments to the Compact

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(a)  This compact may be amended from time to time.  Amendments shall be presented in resolution form to the chairman of the Board of Compact Administrators and may be initiated by one or more party jurisdictions.
(b)  Adoption of an amendment shall require endorsement of all party jurisdictions and shall become effective 30 days after the date of the last endorsement.
(c)  Failure of a party jurisdiction to respond to the compact chairman within 120 days after receipt of the proposed amendment shall constitute endorsement.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle I - Enforcement of Traffic Laws › Chapter 703 - Nonresident Violator Compact of 1977 › Article X. Construction and Severability

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This compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes stated herein.  The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any party jurisdiction or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance, the compact shall not be affected thereby.  If this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any jurisdiction party thereto, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining jurisdictions and in full force and effect as to the jurisdiction affected as to all severable matters.
2023 Texas Statutes › Transportation Code › Title 7 - Vehicles and Traffic › Subtitle I - Enforcement of Traffic Laws › Chapter 703 - Nonresident Violator Compact of 1977 › Article XI. Title › Section 703.003. Nonresident Violator Compact Administrator

Sec. 703.003.  NONRESIDENT VIOLATOR COMPACT ADMINISTRATOR.  (a)  The office of nonresident violator compact administrator is created.
(b)  The governor shall appoint the compact administrator with the advice and consent of the senate to a two-year term that expires on February 1 of each odd-numbered year.
(c)  The compact administrator is entitled to compensation and reimbursement for expenses as provided by legislative appropriation.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.