Texas Administrative Code
Title 43 - TRANSPORTATION
Part 10 - TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Chapter 215 - MOTOR VEHICLE DISTRIBUTION
Subchapter D - GENERAL DISTINGUISHING NUMBERS AND IN-TRANSIT LICENSES
Section 215.138 - Use of Dealer's License Plates

Universal Citation: 43 TX Admin Code ยง 215.138

Current through Reg. 49, No. 38; September 20, 2024

(a) A dealer's standard or personalized prestige license plate must be attached to the rear of a vehicle in accordance with § 217.27 of this title (relating to Vehicle Registration Insignia).

(b) A copy of the receipt for a dealer's standard or personalized prestige license plate issued by the department should be carried in the vehicle to present to law enforcement personnel upon request.

(c) A dealer's standard or personalized prestige license plate may not be displayed on:

(1) a laden commercial vehicle being operated or moved on the public streets or highways; or

(2) the dealer's service or work vehicle, except as provided by Transportation Code, § 503.068(b-1).

(d) For purposes of this section, a dealer's service or work vehicle includes:

(1) a vehicle used for towing or transporting another vehicle;

(2) a vehicle, including a light truck, used in connection with the operation of the dealer's shops or parts department;

(3) a courtesy car on which a courtesy car sign is displayed;

(4) a rental or lease vehicle; and

(5) a boat trailer owned by a dealer or manufacturer that is used to transport more than one boat.

(e) For purposes of this section, a light truck as defined by Transportation Code, § 541.201, is not considered a laden commercial vehicle when it is:

(1) mounted with a camper unit; or

(2) towing a trailer for recreational purposes.

(f) A dealer's standard or personalized prestige license plate may be displayed only on the type of vehicle for which the GDN is issued and for which a dealer is licensed to sell. A nonfranchised dealer may not display a dealer's standard or personalized prestige license plate on a new motor vehicle.

(g) A dealer's standard or personalized prestige license plate may be displayed only on a vehicle that has a valid inspection in accordance with Transportation Code, Chapter 548.

(h) A dealer shall maintain a record of each dealer's standard or personalized prestige license plate issued by the department to that dealer. The license plate record must contain:

(1) the license plate number;

(2) the year and make of the vehicle to which the dealer's license plate is affixed;

(3) the VIN of the vehicle; and

(4) the name of the person in control of the vehicle.

(i) If a dealer cannot account for a dealer's standard or personalized prestige license plate that the department issued to that dealer, the dealer shall:

(1) document the dealer's license plate as "void" in the dealer's license plate record;

(2) within three days of discovering that the dealer's license plate is missing or damaged, report the dealer's license plate as lost, stolen, or damaged in the electronic system designated by the department; and

(3) if found, cease use of the dealer's license plate.

(j) A dealer's standard or personalized prestige license plate is no longer valid for use after the dealer reports to the department that the dealer's license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged. A dealer shall:

(1) render a void plate unusable by permanently marking the front of the plate with the word "VOID" or a large "X"; and

(2) destroy or recycle the license plate or return the license plate to the department within 10 days.

(k) A dealer's license plate record must be available for inspection and copying by the department during normal business hours or be available to submit electronically to the department upon request.

(l) A dealer shall return a department-issued license plate, sticker, or receipt to the department within 10 days of the dealer closing the associated license or the department revoking or canceling the license.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Texas may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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