(a) The department may issue a temporary registration permit in lieu of registration for a commercial motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or motor bus that:

1. (1) is owned by a resident of the United States, Canada, or the United Mexican States;
2. (2) is subject to registration in this state; and
3. (3) is not authorized to travel on a public highway because of the lack of registration in this state or the lack of reciprocity with the state or province in which the vehicle is registered.

(c) A person may obtain a permit under this section by:

1. (1) applying to the county assessor-collector or the department;
2. (2) paying a fee of $25 for a 72-hour permit or $50 for a 144-hour permit in the manner prescribed by the department that may include a service charge for a credit card payment or escrow account;
3. (3) furnishing to the county assessor-collector or the department evidence of financial responsibility for the vehicle that complies with Sections 502.046(c) and 601.168(a); and
4. (4) submitting a copy of the applicable federal declaration form required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or its successor in connection with the importation of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment subject to the federal motor vehicle safety, bumper, and theft prevention standards.

(e) A vehicle issued a permit under this section is subject to Chapter 548, unless the vehicle:

1. (1) is registered in another state of the United States, in a province of Canada, or in a state of the United Mexican States; or
2. (2) is mobile drilling or servicing equipment used in the production of gas, crude petroleum, or oil, including a mobile crane or hoisting equipment, mobile lift equipment, forklift, or tug.

(f) A commercial motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or motor bus apprehended for violating a registration law of this state:

1. (1) may not be issued a permit under this section; and
2. (2) is immediately subject to registration in this state.

(h) The department may establish one or more escrow accounts in the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles fund for the prepayment of a 72-hour permit or a 144-hour permit. Any fee established by the department for the administration of this subsection shall be administered as required by an agreement entered into by the department.

Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.352 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 97, eff. January 1, 2012.

Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1135 (H.B. 2741), Sec. 69, eff. September 1, 2013.

Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1287 (H.B. 2202), Sec. 16, eff. September 1, 2013.

Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 851 (H.B. 3297), Sec. 8, eff. January 1, 2025.