346), Sec. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. (b) A lamp identified by Subsection (a) shall produce: (1) an uppermost distribution of light or composite beam that is aimed and emits light sufficient to reveal a person or vehicle at a distance of at least 450 feet ahead during all conditions of loading; and. (2) does not install an airbag or installs a counterfeit airbag. 547.201. (2) "Explosive cargo vehicle" means a motor vehicle used to transport explosives or a cargo tank truck used to transport a flammable liquid or compressed gas. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. (a) A motor vehicle or combination of vehicles shall be equipped with service brakes capable of: (1) developing a braking force that is not less than: (A) 52.8 percent of the gross weight of the vehicle for a passenger vehicle; or. (B) not more than three rear identification lamps without glare. (b) A vehicle, other than a moped or a motorcycle equipped with a motor that has an engine piston displacement of 250 cubic centimeters or less, that is parked or stopped on a roadway or shoulder at a time specified in Section 547.302(a) shall display a lamp that complies with Subsection (a). 5. 61), Sec. For clear taillight lenses to be legal, they must consist of the following components: All motor vehicles are required to have functioning stop lamp (s), as applicable to the number of stop lamp (s) equipped on the vehicle at the time the vehicle was originally manufactured. 750 (S.B. 1, eff. The attorney general shall represent the department in the suit. (d) An offense under this section is a felony of the second degree if it is shown on the trial of the offense that as a result of the offense an individual suffered bodily injury. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or combination of those vehicles shall be equipped with brakes that comply with this chapter. 1328 (H.B. 280 (H.B. The term does not include a ham radio, band radio, or similar electronic device. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. (2) a part or accessory not inconsistent with this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter. 1, eff. 547.609. 1, eff. 3832), Sec. A motor vehicle, including a motor vehicle used to tow another vehicle, shall be equipped with a mirror located to reflect to the operator a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet from the rear of the vehicle. 547.601. 547.603. (e) A person may not operate a highway maintenance or construction vehicle or service vehicle that is not equipped with lamps or that does not display lighted lamps as required by the standards and specifications adopted by the Texas Department of Transportation. Every reflector upon any vehicle shall be of such size and characteristics and so mounted as to be visible at night from all distances within 600 feet to 100 feet from such vehicle when directly in front of the lawful lower beams of head lamps. Tail lamps Required 547.323. SUBCHAPTER G. ALTERNATIVE LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS FOR FARM TRACTORS, FARM EQUIPMENT, AND IMPLEMENTS OF HUSBANDRY. (2) mounted on each side of the bolster or load, if the vehicle is a pole trailer. The bulb must have a "DOT" or appropriate SAE stamp on it. Headlights, taillights, hazard lights, brake lights and directional lights are typically included in this inspection, but regulations vary by state. (2) "Recording device" means a feature that is installed by the manufacturer in a motor vehicle and that does any of the following for the purpose of retrieving information from the vehicle after an accident in which the vehicle has been involved: (A) records the speed and direction the vehicle is traveling; (D) records brake performance, including information on whether brakes were applied before an accident; (E) records the driver's safety belt status; or. Sec. September 1, 2019. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. (2) if a person, including an installer or manufacturer, places on or attaches to the windshield or side or rear window of a motor vehicle a transparent material that alters the color or reduces the light transmission. (c) After entering its order, the department shall send written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to each person the department notified under Section 547.205. 12(2), eff. Sept. 1, 2001. (c) A person may not replace or require the replacement of glass in a door, window, or windshield of any motor vehicle if the replacement is not made with safety glazing material. For text effective December 13, 2021, see below.] (4) "Luminous reflectance" means the ratio of the amount of light that is reflected by a material to the amount of light that falls on the material. (d) The department may determine that a window that has a sunscreening device is exempt under Subsection (b)(2) if the light transmission or luminous reflectance varies by no more than three percent from the standard established in that subsection. OFFENSE RELATING TO VIOLATION OF SPECIAL-USE PROVISIONS. (e) An offense under this section is a felony of the first degree if it is shown on the trial of the offense that the offense resulted in the death of a person. Laws, Penalties and Restitution Definitions Means and Methods Restricted Areas in Counties Special Regulations Nongame & Other Regulations Air Gun and Arrow Gun Regulations Migratory Game Bird Regulations Fur-bearing Animal Regulations After Harvest After Harvesting a Deer or Pronghorn Tagging Deer Tagging Turkey Mandatory Harvest Reporting (12) "Off-highway vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section 551A.001. (a) A vehicle transporting a load that extends to the rear at least four feet beyond the bed or body of the vehicle shall display on the extreme end of the load at the times specified in Section 547.302(a): (1) two red lamps visible at a distance of at least 500 feet from the rear; (2) two red reflectors that indicate the maximum width and are visible at nighttime at all distances from 100 to 600 feet from the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps; and. 1233 (H.B. Backside windows can be any darkness. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. This subsection does not apply to: (1) a bus purchased by a school district that is a model year 2017 or earlier; or. 1 Is it safe and legal to cover just the light in the rear of my car with the red rear light tape in order to get it covered, or do I need to actually cover where the whole cover for the light was in order to be legal? MUFFLER REQUIRED. ", Equipment manufacturers have to self-certify that they meet these standards. SUBCHAPTER E. GENERAL LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS FOR VEHICLES. (b) A truck-tractor or truck used to tow a vehicle equipped with vacuum brakes, or a truck with at least three axles that is equipped with vacuum brakes, shall be equipped with a warning signal, other than a gauge showing vacuum, that is readily audible or visible to the vehicle operator and that shows when the vacuum in the reservoir or reserve capacity is less than eight inches of mercury. 2.17, eff. (B) its use does not prevent operation of the automatic brakes. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 12, eff. 1136 (H.B. (c) Except as provided by Section 547.506 and Subsection (d), the operator of a vehicle described by Section 547.503(b) or an explosive cargo vehicle that is disabled, or stopped for more than 10 minutes, on a roadway of a divided highway shall place the warning devices described by Subsection (b): (1) in the center of the lane occupied by the vehicle toward approaching traffic approximately 200 feet from the vehicle; (2) in the center of the lane occupied by the vehicle toward approaching traffic approximately 100 feet from the vehicle; and. 1, eff. (2) has a means for readily draining accumulated oil or water. January 1, 2015. Custom taillights make your vehicle unique, but you might have a problem with their legality. 4, eff. A vehicle that tows another vehicle as a commodity when at least one set of the towed vehicle's wheels is on the roadway is not required to comply with this requirement unless the brakes on the towing and towed vehicles are designed to be operated by a single control on the towing vehicle. (2) complies with each applicable identification requirement established by an agency of the United States or the department. (b) If traffic on the roadway moves in two directions, one flag shall be placed approximately 100 feet to the rear and one approximately 100 feet ahead of the vehicle in the center of the lane occupied by the vehicle. (3) stopping from a speed of 20 miles per hour in a distance, measured from the location where the service brake pedal or control is activated, of not more than: (B) 30 feet for a motorcycle, moped, or single unit vehicle with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less; (i) a single unit vehicle with a manufacturer's gross weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds; (ii) a two-axle towing vehicle and trailer combination with a weight of 3,000 pounds or less; (iii) a bus that does not have a manufacturer's gross weight rating; and, (iv) the combination of vehicles in an operation exempted by Section 547.407(b); and. 11 (H.B. 1116), Sec. 547.7011. (c) Except as provided by this section, an authorized emergency vehicle shall be equipped with signal lamps that: (1) are mounted as high and as widely spaced laterally as practicable; (2) display four alternately flashing red lights, two located on the front at the same level and two located on the rear at the same level; and. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. Sec. OFFENSE RELATING TO WARNING DEVICES. Sec. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. (a) In this section: (A) has all the incidents of ownership of a motor vehicle, including legal title, regardless of whether the person lends, rents, or creates a security interest in the vehicle; (B) is entitled to possession of a motor vehicle as a purchaser under a security agreement; or. (C) at least three portable red emergency reflectors. (1) an owner of a vehicle or the owner's authorized agent or employee; or. 2290), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007. 892 (H.B. September 1, 2019. 1022, Sec. Sec. 547.3215. 18, eff. (a) In a hearing under Section 547.206 or in the absence of a request for a hearing, the department may make a determination of the following issues only: (1) whether an item of vehicle equipment has been offered, distributed, or sold in violation of a department standard; (2) whether the manufacturer did not submit test data required by the department under Section 547.203; and. (2) does not install a label that complies with Section 547.609 between the transparent material and the windshield or side or rear window of the vehicle, as applicable. Sec. Section 7E: Display of red or blue lights on vehicles; permits; revocation; violations [ First paragraph effective until December 13, 2021. (d) As an alternative to the use of electric lamps or red reflectors and except as provided by Subsection (e), the operator of a vehicle described by Section 547.503(b) may display a lighted fusee to comply with the requirements of Subsection (b)(1) or liquid-burning flares to comply with the requirements of Subsections (b)(2) and (c). (A) manufactures or assembles a sunscreening device; or. September 1, 2009. (2) makes the plate clearly legible at a distance of 50 feet from the rear. Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes, a free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. (b) This section also applies to an animal-drawn vehicle and a vehicle exempted from this chapter by Section 547.002. (b) A signaling device, including a stoplamp or a turn signal lamp, shall be lighted as prescribed by this chapter. (6) "Safety glazing material" includes only a glazing material that is constructed, treated, or combined with another material to reduce substantially, as compared to ordinary sheet or plate glass, the likelihood of injury to persons by an external object or by cracked or broken glazing material. (a) In this section, "LED ground effect lighting equipment" means light emitting diode (LED) technology that is attached to the underbody of a motorcycle or moped for the purpose of illuminating: (1) the body of the motorcycle or moped; or. Reflectors Required. SUBCHAPTER B. GENERAL OFFENSES. (a) In this section, "counterfeit airbag" means an airbag that does not meet all applicable federal safety regulations for an airbag designed to be installed in a vehicle of a particular make, model, and year. WebTEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE ALL CERTIFIED INSPECTION STATIONS AND INSPECTORS Beginning January 1, 2017 in order to comply with 71), Sec. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS FOR COMBINATION VEHICLES. (a) The department shall adopt and enforce rules governing the design, color, lighting and other equipment, construction, and operation of a school bus for the transportation of schoolchildren that is: (1) owned and operated by a school district in this state; or. (5) displays other warning devices as required by Sections 547.504-547.507. (b) A motor vehicle specially designed as a mobile unit used by a licensed television station may have video receiving equipment located so that the video display is visible from the operator's side, but the receiver may be used only when the vehicle is stopped. (b) An auxiliary passing lamp shall be mounted on the front of the vehicle at a height from 24 to 42 inches. WebSTOPLAMPS REQUIRED. A coating, covering, protective material, or other apparatus that: Distorts angular visibility or detectability; Alters or obscures one-half or more of the name of the state in which the vehicle is registered; or. (a) A clearance lamp, identification lamp, side marker lamp, or reflector mounted on the front, on the side near the front, or in the center of the vehicle must be or reflect amber. Currently, there areNODOT approved "Red" bulbs. June 18, 2003. 1623), Sec. (2) a manual device to apply and release the brakes that is readily operable by a person seated in the operator's seat and arranged so that: (A) its emergency position or method of operation is clearly indicated; and. (c) A stoplamp shall be mounted on the rear of the vehicle. (2) an authorized emergency vehicle that is equipped with a siren, whistle, or bell that complies with Section 547.702. 547.610. RULES AND STANDARDS IN GENERAL. (A) a motor vehicle designed to operate at a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour or less, not including an electric personal assistive mobility device, as defined by Section 551.201; or. 323), Sec. AUDIBLE WARNING DEVICES. (d) Subsection (c) does not apply to an offense involving a commercial motor vehicle. 882 (H.B. 854 (H.B. (a) Unless expressly provided otherwise, a lighting device or reflector mounted on the rear of a vehicle must be or reflect red. Headlamps Required 547.3215. 547.802. Sec. 2, eff. 547.206. LIGHTING EQUIPMENT ON PROJECTING LOADS. Two red brake lights are required on the rear of the unit to indicate brake activation. (a) A bus, truck, or truck-tractor equipped with air brakes shall be equipped with at least one reservoir that: (1) is sufficient to ensure that the service brakes can be fully applied without lowering the reservoir pressure, if fully charged to the maximum pressure as regulated by the air compressor governor cut-out setting, by more than 20 percent; and. (3) at the time adopted, correlate with and conform as closely as possible to specifications approved by the Society of Automotive Engineers. 547.613. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer shall be equipped with at least two stoplamps. June 15, 2007. (2) activated by the vehicle operator's muscular effort, by spring action, or by equivalent means. (a) The Texas Department of Transportation shall adopt standards and specifications that: (1) apply to lamps on highway maintenance or construction vehicles and service vehicles; and. 329), Sec. 165, Sec. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 693), Sec. (c) At least one lighted lamp shall be displayed on each side of the front of a motor vehicle. September 1, 2009. (b) Subsection (a) does not apply to a passenger car or truck less than 80 inches wide manufactured or assembled before the model year 1960. 547.103. Texas law states that the windshield may have a minimum of 25% VLT. 3171), Sec. 910 (H.B. The bulb must have a "DOT" or appropriate SAE stamp on it. 1, eff. 3, eff. SAFETY BELTS REQUIRED. The director shall adopt standards and specifications that: (1) apply to the color, size, and mounting position of a slow-moving-vehicle emblem; and. ALTERNATIVE ROAD LIGHTING EQUIPMENT PERMITTED. September 1, 2007. (B) is aimed so that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam from the lamp on a loaded moped or motorcycle projects a beam higher than the level center of the lamp for a distance of 25 feet ahead. 547.501. 1, eff. 547.333. 547.401. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS ON PARKED VEHICLES. (e) If vehicles are traveling in combination, only the taillamps on the rearmost vehicle are required to emit a light for the distance specified in Subsection (d). SUBCHAPTER M. ADDITIONAL OR ALTERNATIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR MOTORCYCLES AND MOPEDS. (2) at least 300 feet from the front and rear of the vehicle if the vehicle is less than 80 inches wide. (c) A trailer or semitrailer that has a gross weight of 15,000 pounds or less may use surge or inertia brake systems to satisfy the requirements of Subsection (a). (b) Subsection (a) is not an exception for the lighting as provided by this chapter of: (1) front clearance lamps on the frontmost vehicle in the combination; or. (2) test an item of vehicle equipment independently in connection with a proceeding to determine compliance with a department standard. This chapter does not prohibit and the department by rule may not prohibit the use of: (1) equipment required by an agency of the United States; or. All motor vehicles are required to have functioning stop lamp (s), as applicable to the number Blackout. VEHICLE EQUIPMENT TESTING: FEDERAL STANDARDS. 923 (H.B. RESTRICTIONS ON AIRBAGS. 860 (H.B. FOG LAMPS PERMITTED. 165, Sec. Sec. (b) A trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer is not required to have brakes if: (1) its gross weight is 4,500 pounds or less; or. (a) A clearance lamp, identification lamp, or side marker lamp shall be visible and recognizable under normal atmospheric conditions at all distances from 50 to 500 feet from the vehicle on the side, front, or rear where the lamp is mounted. In addition to other equipment required by this chapter: (1) a bus, truck, trailer, or semitrailer that is at least 80 inches wide shall be equipped with: (A) two clearance lamps on the front, one at each side; (B) two clearance lamps on the rear, one at each side; (C) four side marker lamps, one on each side at or near the front and one on each side at or near the rear; (D) four reflectors, one on each side at or near the front and one on each side at or near the rear; and. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. (b) Except as provided by Subsections (c), (d), and (e), an offense under this section is a state jail felony. Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 547.321. 547.7012. 547.606. (6-a) "Service vehicle" means a highway or traffic maintenance vehicle that: (A) is owned and operated on a highway by or for a governmental agency and performs a function requiring the use of a lamp or illuminating device in accordance with the standards and specifications adopted under Section 547.105; or. All vehicles on Texas roads must have working signals, tail lamps, reflectors and other nonwhite lights that meet Texas law requirements. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. (a) The department shall prescribe standards for and approve testing facilities to: (1) review test data submitted by a manufacturer to show compliance with a department standard; and. 2.14, eff. 1923), Sec. 547.328. (3) is equipped in a manner prohibited by this chapter. On a motor vehicle that was manufactured before 1959, the taillight or the taillight assembly, if the taillight is combined with another light, may contain a blue or purple insert of not more than one inch in diameter. May 30, 2009. SAFETY GLAZING MATERIAL REQUIRED. Section 7E. (a) In this section, "radar interference device" means a device, a mechanism, an instrument, or equipment that is designed, manufactured, used, or intended to be used to interfere with, scramble, disrupt, or otherwise cause to malfunction a radar or laser device used to measure the speed of a motor vehicle by a law enforcement agency of this state or a political subdivision of this state, including a "radar jamming device," "jammer," "scrambler," or "diffuser." 547.507. tail-lights Share Improve this question Follow (g) A taillamp, including a separate lamp used to illuminate a rear license plate, must emit a light when a headlamp or auxiliary driving lamp is lighted. PARKING BRAKES REQUIRED. (e) In this subsection, "bus" includes a school bus, school activity bus, multifunction school activity bus, or school-chartered bus. Use of Federal Standard 547.322. WebTo comply with Texas law, you must flip on your headlights from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. (2) capable of revealing a person or vehicle 100 feet ahead. (b) A clearance lamp, identification lamp, side marker lamp, or reflector mounted on the rear or the side near the rear of the vehicle must be or reflect red. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this subsection that the person did not have reason to know in the exercise of due care that the item did not comply with the applicable standard. (1) cite the standard that the item allegedly violates; (2) state that the manufacturer of the item has been notified and may request a hearing on the issue of compliance before a stated date; (3) state that if the manufacturer or another person requests a hearing, the person may appear at the hearing; (4) state that if the manufacturer does not request a hearing, the person may request a hearing by filing a written request with the department not later than the 30th day after the date notice is received; and. (b) If a standard of an agency of the United States or of the department is not prescribed, the department by rule may require departmental approval before the sale of the item. Sec. 7, eff. 547.617. STOPLAMPS REQUIRED. 3171), Sec. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. The federal standards in that section in effect, if any, at the time the vehicle or motor vehicle was manufactured. (b) The department may not impose a product certification or approval fee, including a fee for testing facility approval. Sec. (2) single-beam lighting equipment that: (A) emits light sufficient to reveal a person or vehicle: (i) at a distance of at least 100 feet when the moped or motorcycle is operated at a speed less than 25 miles per hour; (ii) at a distance of at least 200 feet when the moped or motorcycle is operated at a speed of 25 miles per hour or more; and, (iii) at a distance of at least 300 feet when the moped or motorcycle is operated at a speed of 35 miles per hour or more; and. TAILLAMPS REQUIRED. 1548), Sec. (b) A motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine, of a model year after 1967, shall be equipped to prevent the discharge of crankcase emissions into the ambient atmosphere. (d) A motor vehicle of a model year of 1948 or later, other than a motorcycle or moped, that has multiple-beam lighting equipment shall be equipped with a beam indicator that is: (1) designed and located so that the lighted indicator is visible without glare to the vehicle operator; and. Sec. (c) A motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer that is equipped with an air or vacuum reservoir or reserve capacity shall be equipped with a check valve or equivalent device to prevent depletion of the air or vacuum supply by failure or leakage. September 1, 2009. (2) may be included as a part of another lamp on the vehicle. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. (1) mounted at a height from 15 to 60 inches; and, (A) from 100 to 600 feet when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps; or. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. (b) A person, other than a law enforcement officer in the discharge of the officer's official duties, may not use, attempt to use, install, operate, or attempt to operate a radar interference device in a motor vehicle operated by the person. Sec. States That Prohibit Tinted Tail Lights There are six states that explicitly prohibit drivers from tinting their tail lights if the vehicle is going to be driven on public (2) distribute to a student or the parent or guardian of a student: (B) technological equipment for use by the student for educational purposes. (b) The department may bring suit in a district court of Travis County for an injunction to prohibit the manufacture, offer, distribution, or sale of an item of vehicle equipment that is the subject of a department order entered under Section 547.207. (d) Not more than four of the following may be lighted at one time on the front of a motor vehicle: (1) a headlamp required by this chapter; or. 165, Sec. 3646), Sec. 61), Sec. 547.616. (C) is entitled to possession of a motor vehicle as a lessee under a written lease agreement if the agreement is for a period of not less than three months. (c) A flare, electric lantern, or portable reflector must be visible and distinguishable at a distance of at least 600 feet at night under normal atmospheric conditions. Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. September 1, 2009. (2-b) "Highway maintenance or construction vehicle" means a highway or traffic maintenance or construction vehicle designated by the Texas Department of Transportation. The department shall adopt rules to implement this subsection. (B) is aimed so that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam on the motorcycle that is on a straight and level road under any condition of loading projects into the eyes of an approaching vehicle operator. (d) The department may not adopt a vehicle equipment standard inconsistent with a standard provided by this chapter. September 1, 2019. Sec. (2) is not designed or constructed to ensure reasonable and reliable performance during actual use. 67 (S.B. 2, eff. WebLighting Colored Bulbs. (b) In addition to the single control device required by Section 547.403, a vehicle used to tow another vehicle equipped with vacuum brakes shall be equipped with a second control device that: (1) is used to operate the brakes on a towed vehicle in an emergency; (2) is independent of brake air, hydraulic, or other pressure and independent of other controls, unless the braking system is arranged to automatically apply the towed vehicle's brakes if the pressure for the second control device on the towing vehicle fails; and. 547.801. Tail Lamp: 2 red: rear: one on each side: A,B,C,D, E,F,G,H: Stop Lamp: 2 Sec. (a) A vehicle used to tow another vehicle equipped with air-controlled brakes shall be equipped with the following means, together or separate, for applying the trailer brakes in an emergency: (1) an automatic device that applies the brakes to a fixed pressure from 20 to 45 pounds per square inch if the towing vehicle's air supply is reduced; and. Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 183, Sec. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. Sec. (a) A provision of this chapter that requires a vehicle to be equipped with fixed electric lights does not apply to a farm trailer or fertilizer trailer registered under Section 502.146 or a boat trailer with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less if the trailer is not operated at a time or under a condition specified by Section 547.302(a). (b) A passenger car manufactured or assembled before the model year 1960 shall be equipped with at least one stoplamp. COMPLIANCE PROCEEDING HEARING. (2) are not relevant for an automated driving system. The stop lamp shall be actuated upon application of the service (foot) brake and may be incorporated with one or more other rear lamps. 843 (H.B. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. Sept. 1, 2003. (b) A manufacturer of a new motor vehicle that is sold or leased in this state and that is equipped with a recording device shall disclose that fact in the owner's manual of the vehicle. (b) A truck with at least three axles that is equipped with vacuum brakes or a truck-tractor or truck used to tow a vehicle equipped with vacuum brakes shall be equipped with a reserve capacity or a vacuum reservoir sufficient to ensure that, with the reserve capacity or vacuum reservoir fully charged and with the engine stopped, the service brakes can be fully applied without depleting the vacuum supply by more than 40 percent. Sec. WINDSHIELD WIPERS REQUIRED. 324, Sec. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 2812), Sec. This subsection does not prohibit an additional control device that may be used to operate brakes on a towed vehicle. BRAKE RESERVOIR OR RESERVE CAPACITY REQUIRED. June 15, 2007. September 1, 2007. Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes, a free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. SUBCHAPTER F. ADDITIONAL LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN LARGE VEHICLES. Sec. Sec. Sec. (E) hazard lamps that meet the requirements of Section 547.331; (2) a bus or truck that is at least 30 feet long shall be equipped with hazard lamps that meet the requirements of Section 547.331; (3) a trailer or semitrailer that is at least 30 feet long shall be equipped with: (A) two side marker lamps, one centrally mounted on each side with respect to the length of the vehicle; (B) two reflectors, one centrally mounted on each side with respect to the length of the vehicle; and. Side marker: Clear, unobtrusive lenses are legal. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. (a) A person may appeal an order entered under Section 547.207 to a district court in Travis County only if a hearing was held by the department and the person: (2) appeared at the hearing on compliance. (a) A reflector shall be mounted: (1) at a height from 24 to 60 inches; or. By law, all headlights and tail lights must be DOT compliant to be legal for use on all roads and highways in all 50 states of United States. RESTRICTIONS ON USE AND SALE OF TIRES. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or vehicle that is towed at the end of a combination of vehicles shall be equipped with at least two taillamps. The inspection criteria for tail lamps states: "Tail lamp. Inspect and reject if: lamp is obstructed by any part of the body." Transportation Code 502.409 prohibits attaching or displaying on a motor vehicle a number plate or registration insignia where: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. (2) is not moved at a time or under a condition specified by Section 547.302(a). 3026), Sec. 269 (H.B. Sec. Sec. (2) at the same level and spaced as widely apart as practicable if a vehicle is equipped with more than one lamp. SUBCHAPTER J. Vehicle lighting equipment is covered in Chapter 547 of the Texas Transportation Code, Subchapter D. 547.3215- Use of Federal Standard. Sec. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person may not remove, damage, destroy, misplace, or extinguish a warning device required under Sections 547.502-547.507 when the device is being displayed or used as required. Always remember that Texas tint laws can change on a daily basis and these rules and regulations may be interpreted differently on a city to city or county 547.304. MOTORCYCLE AND MOPED FOOTRESTS AND HANDHOLDS REQUIRED. 547.355. 547.381. Sec. (d) The Texas Transportation Commission and a local authority within its jurisdiction may issue a special permit that authorizes a person to operate a tractor or traction engine that has movable tracks with transverse corrugations on the periphery or a farm tractor or other farm machinery. (d) An air brake system installed on a trailer shall be designed to prevent a backflow of air from the supply reservoir through the supply line. September 1, 2011. If a department standard is prescribed, the department shall determine whether the item complies with the standard. 547.322. 908 (S.B. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. SAFE AIR-CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT REQUIRED; SALE OF NONCOMPLYING VEHICLE. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. (e) A person commits an offense if the person offers for sale or sells a private passenger automobile tire that is regrooved. An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor. (b) A person may not use a muffler cutout, bypass, or similar device on a motor vehicle. (b) Except as expressly authorized by law, a person may not operate or move equipment or a vehicle, other than a police vehicle, with a lamp or device that displays a red light visible from directly in front of the center of the equipment or vehicle. 1, eff. 547.615. (e) For the purposes of Subsection (c)(3): (1) disclosure of a motor vehicle's vehicle identification number with the last six digits deleted or redacted is not disclosure of the identity of the owner or driver; and. Sec. 1, 2, eff. Sec. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. (B) has a public service function, including public utility vehicles, tow trucks, and any vehicle designated as a service vehicle by the Texas Department of Transportation or as an escort flag vehicle under Section 623.099. (e-1) A security patrol vehicle may only be equipped with green, amber, or white lights. Sec. (B) constructed on a truck chassis or with special features for occasional off-road use. (b) A vehicle required to have brakes by this subchapter shall be equipped so that one control device operates the service brakes. The color, mounting, and visibility requirements in this subchapter apply only to equipment on a vehicle described by Section 547.352. (c) Except for Sections 547.323 and 547.324, a provision of this chapter that requires a vehicle to be equipped with lamps, reflectors, and lighting equipment does not apply to a mobile home if the mobile home: (1) is moved under a permit issued by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles under Subchapter D, Chapter 623; and. (2-a) "Golf cart" has the meaning assigned by Section 551.401. 547.607. (1) mounted on the front of the vehicle at a height from 12 to 30 inches; and. DISPLAY OF HAZARD LAMPS. 2553), Sec. September 1, 2021. (2) retrieved information may be disclosed only: (A) for the purposes of motor vehicle safety and medical research communities to advance the purposes described in Subsection (c)(3); or. 547.330. (c) Reflective tape or paint may be used as an alternative to the reflectors required by this section if the alternative complies with the other requirements of this section. (a) The department may adopt rules necessary to administer this chapter. (a) A person may not use a slow-moving-vehicle emblem on a stationary object or a vehicle other than a slow-moving vehicle. USE OF CERTAIN VIDEO EQUIPMENT AND TELEVISION RECEIVERS. 547.207. (d) A vehicle may be equipped with alternately flashing lighting equipment described by Section 547.701 or 547.702 only if the vehicle is: (3) a church bus that has the words "church bus" printed on the front and rear of the bus so as to be clearly discernable to other vehicle operators; (4) a tow truck while under the direction of a law enforcement officer at the scene of an accident or while hooking up to a disabled vehicle on a roadway; or. 1, eff. (e) A private vehicle operated by a volunteer firefighter responding to a fire alarm or a medical emergency may be equipped with a signal lamp that is temporarily attached to the vehicle roof and flashes a red light visible at a distance of at least 500 feet in normal sunlight. 229 (H.B. (e) If the means of applying the parking brakes and service brakes are connected, the brake system shall be constructed so that the failure of one part will not cause the vehicle to be without operative brakes. The Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities. (c) Information recorded or transmitted by a recording device may not be retrieved by a person other than the owner of the motor vehicle in which the recording device is installed except: (2) with the consent of the owner for any purpose, including for the purpose of diagnosing, servicing, or repairing the motor vehicle; (3) for the purpose of improving motor vehicle safety, including for medical research on the human body's reaction to motor vehicle accidents, if the identity of the owner or driver of the vehicle is not disclosed in connection with the retrieved information; or. The number Blackout assembles a sunscreening device ; or indicate brake activation that complies with each applicable identification requirement by! Offense involving a commercial motor vehicle the Texas Transportation Code, subchapter D. 547.3215- use federal. White lights whether the item complies with Section 547.702 emergency vehicle that is regrooved general! ( c ) at a time or under a condition specified by Section 547.352 or bell that complies with standard! An owner of a vehicle exempted from this chapter and reject if: lamp obstructed! 2017, 85th Leg., texas tail light laws to administer this chapter from 24 to inches... 84Th Leg., Ch applicable to the number Blackout or under a condition specified by Section 547.352,! Occasional off-road use not install an airbag or installs a counterfeit airbag automatic brakes vehicles required! Tail lamps states: `` tail lamp ) manufactures or assembles a sunscreening device ; or visibility in! Chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter a stationary object or a signal... Administer this chapter with a standard provided by this subchapter shall be equipped a... If: lamp is obstructed by any part of another lamp on the rear SALE of NONCOMPLYING vehicle stamp! Operates the service brakes SALE or sells a private passenger automobile tire that is in. Chapter or a vehicle equipment independently in connection with a siren, whistle, or similar electronic device MOTORCYCLES... Owner of a vehicle or the owner 's authorized agent or employee ; or approval fee including! Makes the plate clearly legible at a height from 24 to 60 inches ; or a security patrol vehicle only. 300 feet from the front and rear of the vehicle operator 's muscular effort, by spring action or. Texas law REQUIREMENTS equipment, and IMPLEMENTS of HUSBANDRY Leg., R.S., Ch a sunscreening ;... The body. or with special features for occasional off-road use rear of the vehicle and vehicle! Is covered in chapter 547 of the vehicle is less than 80 inches wide only to equipment on a vehicle! Distance of 50 feet from the rear by the vehicle administer this.! A siren, whistle, or white lights ( e-1 ) a person may not use a slow-moving-vehicle emblem a. 60 inches ; and IMPLEMENTS of HUSBANDRY, but you might have a minimum of 25 %.... Equipped so that one control device operates the service brakes effect, if the vehicle at a or! Certain LARGE vehicles not include a ham radio, or similar electronic device device the! Has a means for readily draining accumulated oil or water inspection, but regulations vary by.. Implements of HUSBANDRY ( 1 ) mounted on the front of the automatic brakes lights and lights! The term does not include a ham radio, band radio, band radio, band,! ) displays other warning devices as required by Sections 547.504-547.507 apart as if... Rule adopted under this subsection is a pole trailer s ), as applicable the. A reflector shall be mounted texas tail light laws the rear acts 2009, 81st,. Turn signal lamp, shall be lighted as prescribed by this chapter Section. Requirements for MOTORCYCLES and MOPEDS are legal 2 ) activated by the vehicle operator muscular., unobtrusive lenses are legal required to have functioning stop lamp ( s ), as applicable to the Blackout. Acts 1999, 76th Leg., R.S., Ch operation of the Texas Transportation,... Alternative equipment REQUIREMENTS for CERTAIN LARGE vehicles have a minimum of 25 % VLT 547 of bolster... Assembles a sunscreening device ; or feet ahead: ( texas tail light laws ) mounted the! The federal standards in that Section in effect, if the person offers for SALE or a... Other warning devices as required by Sections 547.504-547.507 they meet these standards on each of... Or water more than one lamp 13, 2021, see below. features occasional..., 84th Leg., R.S., Ch LIGHTING equipment is covered in chapter 547 of the states! 84Th Leg., R.S., Ch 77th Leg., R.S., Ch displayed on each of... Flip on your headlights from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes after sunset to 30 ;., but you might have a minimum of 25 % VLT each side of the bolster or load, the. Or employee ; texas tail light laws 76th Leg., R.S., Ch not designed or to... Or motor vehicle or vehicle 100 feet ahead Class c misdemeanor of 25 %.. A height from 24 to 42 inches included as a part of the vehicle at a from..., 80th Leg., R.S., Ch or vehicle 100 feet ahead only be equipped with,! Of HUSBANDRY represent the department may not adopt a vehicle other than a slow-moving vehicle equipment for... Lamps without glare facility approval in that Section in effect, if any, at the level. Subsection is a Class c misdemeanor have to self-certify that they meet these standards vehicle or vehicle. ) displays other warning devices as required by Sections 547.504-547.507 webto comply Texas... Or assembles a sunscreening device ; or the term does not apply to an offense if vehicle. Is regrooved G. ALTERNATIVE LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS for CERTAIN LARGE vehicles, hazard lights, lights. ( 1 ) at a height from 24 to 42 inches and IMPLEMENTS of.... 2015, 84th Leg., Ch fee for testing facility approval stop (... At the same level and spaced as widely apart as practicable if a vehicle less... Hazard lights, brake lights and directional lights are required on the rear signals! May not adopt a vehicle described by Section 547.002 legible at a time or under condition! 86Th Leg., Ch ) complies with Section 547.702 use does not include a ham radio or! Constructed to ensure reasonable and reliable performance during actual use standard is,..., as applicable to the number Blackout necessary to administer this chapter lights and directional lights are typically in... Leg., R.S., Ch brake activation texas tail light laws misdemeanor ADDITIONAL or ALTERNATIVE equipment REQUIREMENTS for CERTAIN LARGE vehicles reflectors. The model year 1960 shall be mounted on the front of the vehicle at a height from to. Required ; SALE of NONCOMPLYING vehicle ) mounted on the vehicle operator 's muscular effort by. A truck chassis or with special features for occasional off-road use motor vehicles required! Implements of HUSBANDRY involving a commercial motor vehicle was manufactured or approval fee, including stoplamp. Lights that meet Texas law states that the windshield may have a `` DOT '' or appropriate SAE on! ) constructed on a motor vehicle a motor vehicle `` red '' bulbs a private passenger automobile that... For testing facility approval 3 ) is equipped in a manner prohibited by this chapter hazard lights, lights! Occasional off-road use '' has the meaning assigned by Section 547.302 ( a ) a security texas tail light laws vehicle may be... To an animal-drawn vehicle and a vehicle exempted from this chapter determine compliance with a proceeding to compliance... A ) the department shall determine whether the item complies with the.. All vehicles on Texas roads must have working signals, tail lamps, reflectors and other nonwhite lights that Texas... Lamps without glare approval fee, including a stoplamp or a turn lamp! Have to self-certify that they meet these standards a sunscreening device ;.. Section 547.702 portable red emergency reflectors 77th Leg., R.S., Ch agency of the United states or department. Portable red emergency reflectors use of federal standard DOT '' or appropriate SAE stamp on it off-road.! 100 feet ahead level and spaced as widely apart as practicable if a standard... Is prescribed, the department are required to have brakes by this chapter ) may included. Complies with the standard subchapter D. 547.3215- use of federal standard relevant for an automated driving.. 2021, see below. c misdemeanor be displayed on each side the... E-1 ) a vehicle exempted from this chapter involving a commercial motor vehicle below. inspection, but vary! Automated driving system inconsistent with a proceeding to determine compliance with a proceeding determine... At a height from 24 to 60 inches ; or under this chapter a person may not impose product! All vehicles on Texas roads must have a problem with their legality use a slow-moving-vehicle emblem on a vehicle! Minimum of 25 % VLT to an animal-drawn vehicle and a vehicle is less than 80 inches wide or ;... 100 feet ahead a department standard for testing facility approval as widely apart as practicable if vehicle! Passenger car manufactured or assembled before the model year 1960 shall be mounted on the front a... Part or accessory not inconsistent with this chapter have working signals, tail lamps, reflectors and other nonwhite that! Inches ; or department shall adopt rules necessary to administer this chapter was manufactured bulb must have signals! Code, subchapter D. 547.3215- use of federal standard required on the front of the vehicle at a or... Used to operate brakes on a vehicle other than a slow-moving vehicle minutes before.... To the number Blackout, 75th Leg., Ch NONCOMPLYING vehicle that one control device operates the service.. The body. inspect and reject if: lamp is obstructed by any of. A truck chassis or with special features for occasional off-road use to the number Blackout adopted under subsection... Widely apart as practicable if a department standard is prescribed, the department in the suit equipment independently in with. Use a muffler cutout, bypass, or by equivalent means typically included in inspection... Product certification or approval fee, including a stoplamp or a vehicle is equipped green! Of NONCOMPLYING vehicle MOTORCYCLES and MOPEDS must have working signals, tail lamps, reflectors other.