547.608. (3) at the time adopted, correlate with and conform as closely as possible to specifications approved by the Society of Automotive Engineers. 3087), Sec. 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 (e) A flare, fusee, electric lantern, portable reflector, or warning flag must be a type approved by the department. (1) "Escort flag vehicle" means a vehicle that precedes or follows an oversize or overweight vehicle described by Subtitle E for the purpose of facilitating the safe movement of the oversize or overweight vehicle over roads. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. Sec. 11 (H.B. 30.119(a), eff. (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. (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. Transportation Code 502.409 prohibits attaching or displaying on a motor vehicle a number plate or registration insignia where: Letters, numbers, or other identification marks that because of blurring or reflective matter are not plainly visible at all times during daylight, or. (d) A stoplamp shall emit a red or amber light, or a color between red and amber, that is: (1) visible in normal sunlight at a distance of at least 300 feet from the rear of the vehicle; and. 1, eff. (d) A trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer that is equipped with air or vacuum brakes or that has a gross weight heavier than 4,500 pounds shall be equipped with brakes that: (1) operate on all wheels required to have brakes under Section 547.402; and. A red reflector may be included as a part of a taillamp. September 1, 2007. 4, eff. (c) The lamps shall display simultaneously flashing lights that emit: Sec. 2.13, eff. September 1, 2011. 2837), Sec. WebSTOPLAMPS REQUIRED. 547.102. 547.302. 9, eff. To comply with Texas law, you need to turn on your headlights from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. 2, eff. (4) causes another person to violate Subsection (a-1) or Subdivision (1), (2), or (3) or assists a person in violating Subsection (a-1) or Subdivision (1), (2), or (3). 165, Sec. 547.507. Sec. 165, Sec. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. (c) The notice required by Subsection (b) must: (1) cite the standard that the item allegedly violates; and. For instance, in New York, license plate lights are also inspected. APPLICABILITY. (1) included as a part of a taillamp if the reflector meets each other requirement of this subchapter; and. Sec. Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. Sec. 547.305. The department shall conduct a hearing on the issue of compliance if a person required by Section 547.205 to be notified requests a hearing in the manner and within the time specified by that section. 1, eff. (d) A private vehicle operated by a volunteer firefighter responding to a fire alarm or a medical emergency may, but is not required to, be equipped with signal lamps that comply with the requirements of Subsection (c). (e) In this subsection, "bus" includes a school bus, school activity bus, multifunction school activity bus, or school-chartered bus. (d) Subsection (c) does not apply to an offense involving a commercial motor vehicle. (d) A clearance lamp and side marker lamp may be mounted in combination if each lamp complies with the visibility requirements of Section 547.355. (2) displayed when the vehicle service brake is applied. 11 (H.B. 547.610. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. (b) The department may not require certification or approval of an item of vehicle equipment subject to a motor vehicle safety standard of the United States. For text effective December 13, 2021, see below.] 547.801. July 1, 1999. Sec. 1233 (H.B. This really only becomes an issue with some aftermarket lights that are not equipped from the auto manufacturer. Regarding tail lights, all vehicles in Texas are also required to have at least two stop lamps that emit a red or amber glow. These lights must be visible from at least 300 feet to the rear in normal sunlight. (2) an operator approaching a vehicle from the rear within 300 feet may not select the uppermost distribution of light. 11, eff. (b) Subsection (a) does not apply to a vehicle that is used in construction or maintenance work and is traveling in a construction area that is marked as required by the Texas Transportation Commission. Sec. (b) The department shall send written notice of the proceeding to the manufacturer of the item by certified mail, return receipt requested. 547.301. RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF LIGHTS. (b) A passenger car manufactured or assembled before the model year 1960 shall be equipped with at least one stoplamp. September 1, 2019. Sec. (2) may be arranged so that the operator can select the distribution automatically. September 1, 2019. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 547.351. September 1, 2007. Sec. (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. 1092 (H.B. (B) votes to approve that determination in a public meeting. September 1, 2019. Sec. An attached illuminated device or sticker, decal, emblem, or other insignia that is not authorized by law and that interferes with the readability of the letters or numbers on the plate or the name of the state in which the vehicle is registered. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 547.327. May 30, 2009. (2) is not moved at a time or under a condition specified by Section 547.302(a). 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. (2-b) "Highway maintenance or construction vehicle" means a highway or traffic maintenance or construction vehicle designated by the Texas Department of Transportation. Sept. 1, 1995. 547.331. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. (a) An authorized emergency vehicle may be equipped with a siren, exhaust whistle, or bell: (1) of a type approved by the department; and. 882 (H.B. Sec. 165, Sec. (a) A motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two spotlamps. 1, eff. September 1, 2017. September 1, 2009. (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. WebTaillamps shall be mounted on the rear of the vehicle: (1) at a height from 15 to 72 inches; and (2) at the same level and spaced as widely apart as practicable if a vehicle is FIRE EXTINGUISHER REQUIRED. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person who operates, outside an urban district or on a divided highway, a truck, bus, or truck-tractor or a motor vehicle towing a house trailer shall carry in the vehicle: (A) at least two red flags at least 12 inches square; and, (B) standards to support the flags; and. (C) hazard lamps that meet the requirements of Section 547.331; (4) a pole trailer shall be equipped with: (A) two side marker lamps, one at each side at or near the front of the load; (B) one reflector at or near the front of the load; (i) emits an amber light to the front and a red light to the rear and side; and, (ii) is mounted on the rearmost support for the load to indicate the maximum width of the trailer; and. 3171), Sec. SAFETY GUARDS OR FLAPS REQUIRED. Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. (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. Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1, eff. (a) Unless provided otherwise, a headlamp, auxiliary driving lamp, auxiliary passing lamp, or combination of those lamps mounted on a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle or moped: (1) shall be arranged so that the operator can select at will between distributions of light projected at different elevations; and. (3) two red lamps, one on each side, that indicate the maximum overhang and are visible at a distance of at least 500 feet from the side. (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. 547.003. Stop lamps Required 547.324. (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. (c) A bus to which this section applies must bear a sign on the rear of the bus stating: "Caution--children may be exiting". (b) A signaling device, including a stoplamp or a turn signal lamp, shall be lighted as prescribed by this chapter. (2) at least 300 feet from the front and rear of the vehicle if the vehicle is less than 80 inches wide. (3) independently test the vehicle or item of vehicle equipment. (b) A person may not operate a motor vehicle bearing the words "school bus" unless the vehicle is used primarily to transport persons to or from school or a school-related activity. 451 (S.B. (a) A motor vehicle shall be equipped with a muffler in good working condition that continually operates to prevent excessive or unusual noise. 323), Sec. (a) A motor vehicle may be equipped with no more than two auxiliary driving lamps. 3171), Sec. Sec. (a) 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, shall be equipped with at least one lamp, or a combination of lamps, that: (1) emits a white or amber light visible at a distance of 1,000 feet from the front and a red light visible at a distance of 1,000 feet from the rear; and. EMERGENCY BRAKES REQUIRED. (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. June 18, 2003. (c) Auxiliary driving lamps may be used with headlamps as specified by Section 547.333. Sec. (c) If a vehicle safety inspection is required under this code for the operation of a vehicle described by Subsection (b), the vehicle shall automatically be considered to pass the inspection with respect to any equipment: (1) the requirements from which the vehicle is exempt under Subsection (b); or. In this subsection "camper" means a structure designed to: (1) be loaded on or attached to a motor vehicle; and. 547.502. (a-1) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly: (1) installs or purports to install an airbag in a vehicle; and. 1136, Sec. 547.383. 1, eff. HEADLAMPS REQUIRED. (b) Except as provided by Subsections (c), (d), and (e), an offense under this section is a state jail felony. INITIATION OF COMPLIANCE PROCEEDING. WebTexas Administrative Code. DISPLAY OF DEVICES WHEN VIEW OF VEHICLE OBSTRUCTED. The device shall be maintained in good working condition. EQUIPMENT NOT AFFECTED. Laws & Regulations September 30, 2020. 280 (H.B. Inspect and reject if: lamp is obstructed by any part of the body.". 18, eff. 1, 2, eff. Sec. 547.303. (a) The operator of a vehicle that is described by Subsection (b) and that is stopped on a roadway or shoulder shall immediately display vehicular hazard warning lamps that comply with Section 547.331, unless the vehicle: (1) is parked lawfully in an urban district; (2) is stopped lawfully to receive or discharge a passenger; (3) is stopped to avoid conflict with other traffic; (4) is stopped to comply with a direction of a police officer or an official traffic-control device; or. (b) This section applies to a truck, bus, truck-tractor, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer at least 80 inches wide or at least 30 feet long. Stop lamp lens must be of a type meeting Department of Public Safety standards. Section 7671k(c). Headlamps Required 547.3215. 329), Sec. 9.02, eff. (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. (d) Except when travel conditions require the downshifting or use of lower gears to maintain reasonable momentum, a person commits an offense if the person operates, or as an owner knowingly permits another person to operate, a vehicle that emits: (1) visible smoke for 10 seconds or longer; or. 8, eff. September 1, 2019. (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. Sec. 165, Sec. The lights, both front and rear, are made by the manufacturer to meet this safety standard. SAFETY BELTS REQUIRED. (c) Lighted fog lamps may be used with lower headlamp beams as specified by Section 547.333. 1085, Sec. (2) the ground below the motorcycle or moped. ADDITIONAL LIGHTING EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. (b) At all other times, a vehicle transporting a load that extends beyond the vehicle's sides or more than four feet beyond the vehicle's rear shall display red flags that: (2) mark the extremities of the load; and. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1, eff. 547.605. (b) The requirements of Subsection (a) do not apply to a glazing material in a compartment of a truck, including a truck-tractor, that is not designed and equipped for a person to ride in. 1, eff. 3171), Sec. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 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. 1330), Sec. All vehicles on Texas roads must have working signals, tail lamps, reflectors and other nonwhite lights that meet Texas law requirements. 919 (S.B. A DOT approved tail light is a road legal light, all you have to do is check to make sure the light is DOT approved. 1, eff. 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? Everything that complies with those standards is "legal. 1, eff. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 2553), Sec. (B) a security officer as defined by Section 1702.002, Occupations Code. ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES. (B) in the center of the lane occupied by the vehicle in the opposite direction approximately 100 feet from the vehicle. 229 (H.B. (a) A vehicle required to have brakes by this subchapter, other than special mobile equipment, shall be equipped with service brakes that: (1) comply with the performance requirements of this subchapter; and. Weba tow truck with a mounted light bar which has turn signals and stop lamps in addition to those required by Sections 547.322, 547.323 and 547.324, Transportation Code. EMISSION SYSTEMS REQUIRED. (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. 547.702. The CFR will refer you to Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) #J578, which will refer to several other SAE standards. 90(c), eff. (b) If a unit of farm equipment or implement of husbandry is towed by a farm tractor and extends more than four feet to the left of the centerline of the tractor, the towed object shall be equipped at the times specified by Section 547.302(a) with a front amber reflector that is: (2) mounted to indicate, as nearly as practicable, the extreme left projection of the towed object.