By: Seliger S.B. No. 1816

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to certain temporary vehicle permits and tags.

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

SECTION 1. Section 502.094, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Subsection (i) to read as follows:

(i) A permit issued under this section must be carried in the vehicle, or, if the vehicle is a trailer or semitrailer, in the motor vehicle pulling the trailer or semitrailer, at all times during the period in which the permit is valid, including when the vehicle is being operated.

SECTION 2. Section 502.095(f), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:

(f) A registration receipt shall be carried in the vehicle at all times during the period in which it is valid. The permit [temporary tag] must contain all pertinent information required by this section and must be attached to the vehicle in the license plate display area located at the rear of the vehicle, so that the entire permit is visible and legible at all times, including when the vehicle is being operated. If the vehicle does not have a license plate display area at the rear of the vehicle, the permit [displayed in the rear window of the vehicle so that the tag is clearly visible and legible when viewed from the rear of the vehicle. If the vehicle does not have a rear window, the temporary tag] must be attached to [on or carried in] the vehicle to allow ready inspection. The registration receipt must be carried, in a manner prescribed by the department, in the vehicle at all times during the period in which it is valid.

SECTION 3. Section 502.474, Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 502.474. OPERATION OF ONE-TRIP PERMIT VEHICLE. A person commits an offense if the person operates a vehicle for which a one-trip permit is required without the registration receipt and properly displayed permit [temporary tag].

SECTION 4. Section 503.0626(a), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) The department shall develop, manage, and maintain a secure, real-time database of information on vehicles to which dealers and converters have affixed temporary tags. [The database shall be managed by the vehicle titles and registration division of the department.]

SECTION 5. Section 503.0631(a), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) The department shall develop, manage, and maintain a secure, real-time database of information on persons to whom temporary buyer's tags are issued that may be used by a law enforcement agency in the same manner that the agency uses vehicle registration information. [The database shall be managed by the vehicle titles and registration division of the department.]

SECTION 6. Subchapter C, Chapter 503, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 503.0632 to read as follows:

Sec. 503.0632. MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TEMPORARY TAGS. (a) The department by rule may establish the maximum number of temporary tags that a dealer or converter may obtain under Section 503.062, 503.0625, 503.0626, 503.063, or 503.0631.

(b) The maximum number of temporary tags that the department determines a dealer or converter may obtain under this section must be based on the dealer's or converter's anticipated need for temporary tags, taking into consideration:

(1) the dealer's or converter's:

(A) time in operation;

(B) sales data; and

(C) expected growth;

(2) expected changes in the dealer's or converter's market; and

(3) temporary conditions that may affect sales by the dealer or converter.

(c) At the request of a dealer or converter, the department may authorize additional temporary tags of any type for the dealer or converter if the dealer or converter demonstrates a need for additional temporary tags resulting from business operations, including anticipated need.

(d) The department's denial of a request under Subsection (c) may be overturned if a dealer or converter shows by a preponderance of the evidence the need for additional temporary tags.

SECTION 7. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.