1. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), for the purpose of enforcing or administering this chapter, Chapter 2302 of this code, or Chapter 501 or 502, Transportation Code, a member of the board, an employee of the department, a member of the Public Safety Commission, an officer of the Department of Public Safety, or another peace officer who is interested in tracing or locating a stolen motor vehicle may at a reasonable time:

   1. (1) enter the premises of a business regulated under one of those chapters; and
   2. (2) inspect or copy any document, record, vehicle, part, or other item regulated under one of those chapters.

2. (b) For the purposes of tracing or locating a stolen motor vehicle on the premises of a person engaging in a business or activity regulated under this chapter who is also licensed under Chapter 348 or 353, Finance Code, only an officer of the Department of Public Safety may at a reasonable time:

   1. (1) enter the premises of the person's business; and

   2. (2) inspect or copy any document, record, vehicle, part, or other item regulated under:

      1. (A) this chapter; or
      2. (B) Chapter 348 or 353, Finance Code.
3. (c) A person engaging in a business or activity regulated under this chapter shall cooperate with a person conducting an inspection under this section to assist in the recovery of stolen motor vehicles and parts and to prevent the sale or transfer of stolen motor vehicles and parts.

4. (d) An entry or inspection occurs at a reasonable time for purposes of Subsection (a) or (b) if the entry or inspection occurs:

   1. (1) during normal business hours of the person or activity regulated under a chapter listed in Subsection (a) or (b); or
   2. (2) while an activity regulated under a chapter listed in Subsection (a) or (b) is occurring on the premises.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 761 (H.B. 3221), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2005.

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 117 (H.B. 2559), Sec. 21, eff. September 1, 2011.

Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 38, eff. September 1, 2013.