1. (a) For purposes of this section:

   1. (1) "rental fleet" means five or more rental trailers that are:

      1. (A) owned by the same owner; and
      2. (B) offered for rent or rented without drivers.

   2. (2) "utility trailer" means:

      1. (A) a trailer of flatbed design with no roof and either low side walls or no side walls; and
      2. (B) with a gross weight of 7,500 pounds or less.
2. (b) Notwithstanding §217.27(a)(2) and (c)(2) of this title (relating to Vehicle Registration Insignia), the department shall issue a registration receipt and one specialized metal license plate as evidence of registration for a utility trailer that is part of a rental fleet. The specialized metal license plate under this section does not include an expiration date or require an annual registration insignia to be valid under Transportation Code, §502.059.
3. (c) This section does not apply to vehicles registered under Transportation Code, §502.0023.

Source Note:The provisions of this §217.66 adopted to be effective March 6, 2025, 50 TexReg 1701.