By: Kolkhorst (Senate Sponsor - Hegar) H.B. No. 894

(In the Senate - Received from the House May 6, 2013; May 7, 2013, read first time and referred to Committee on Transportation; May 16, 2013, reported adversely, with favorable Committee Substitute by the following vote: Yeas 8, Nays 0; May 16, 2013, sent to printer.)

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR H.B. No. 894 By: Paxton

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the use of dealer's license plates on vehicles by independent motor vehicle dealers to transport vehicles to or from a point of sale.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 503.068, Transportation Code, is amended by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:

(b) A person may not use a metal dealer's license plate or dealer's temporary tag on:

(1) a service or work vehicle, except as provided by Subsection (b-1); or

(2) a commercial vehicle that is carrying a load.

(b-1) An independent motor vehicle dealer or an employee of an independent motor vehicle dealer may use a metal dealer's license plate on a service or work vehicle used to transport a vehicle in the dealer's inventory to or from a point of sale. This subsection does not authorize a person to operate a service or work vehicle as a tow truck, as defined by Section 2308.002, Occupations Code, without a license or permit required by Chapter 2308, Occupations Code.

SECTION 2. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles shall adopt rules consistent with Section 503.068, Transportation Code, as amended by this Act, not later than December 1, 2013.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.

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