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TITLE 43TRANSPORTATION
PART 10TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
CHAPTER 215MOTOR VEHICLE DISTRIBUTION
SUBCHAPTER EGENERAL DISTINGUISHING NUMBERS
RULE §215.138Use of Metal Dealer's License Plates

(a) A metal dealer's license plate shall be attached to the rear license plate holder of a vehicle in accordance with Transportation Code, §503.061.

(b) A copy of the receipt for the metal dealer's license plate issued by the department should be carried in the vehicle so that the receipt can be presented to law enforcement personnel upon request.

(c) A metal dealer's license plate may not be displayed on:

  (1) a laden commercial vehicle being operated or moved on the public streets or highways; or

  (2) the dealer's service or work vehicle, except as provided by Transportation Code, §503.068(b-1).

(d) For purposes of this section, a dealer's service or work vehicle includes:

  (1) a vehicle used for towing or transporting another vehicle;

  (2) a vehicle, including a light truck, used in connection with the operation of the dealer's shops or parts department;

  (3) a courtesy car on which a courtesy car sign is displayed;

  (4) a rental or lease vehicle; and

  (5) a boat trailer owned by a dealer or manufacturer that is used to transport more than one boat.

(e) As used in this section, "light truck" has the meaning assigned by Transportation Code, §541.201.

(f) For purposes of this section, a light truck is not considered a laden commercial vehicle when it is:

  (1) mounted with a camper unit; or

  (2) towing a trailer for recreational purposes.

(g) A metal dealer's license plate may be displayed only on the type of vehicle for which the GDN is issued and for which a dealer is licensed to sell. A nonfranchised dealer may not display a metal dealer's license plate on a new motor vehicle.

(h) A metal dealer's license plate may be displayed only on a vehicle that has a valid inspection in accordance with Transportation Code, Chapter 548.

(i) A dealer shall maintain a record of each metal dealer's license plate issued to that dealer. The record must contain:

  (1) the assigned metal dealer's license plate number;

  (2) the year and make of the vehicle to which the metal dealer's license plate is affixed;

  (3) the VIN of the vehicle; and

  (4) the name of the person in control of the vehicle.

(j) If a dealer cannot account for a metal dealer's license plate that the department issued to that dealer, the dealer must:

  (1) document the metal dealer's license plate as "void" in the metal dealer's license plate record;

  (2) within three days of discovering that the metal dealer's license plate is missing, report to the department in writing that the metal dealer's license plate is lost or stolen; and

  (3) if found, cease use of the metal dealer's license plate.

(k) A metal dealer's license plate is no longer valid for use after the dealer reports to the department that the metal dealer's license plate is missing.


Source Note: The provisions of this §215.138 adopted to be effective February 11, 2010, 35 TexReg 883; amended to be effective February 6, 2014, 39 TexReg 501; amended to be effective February 13, 2017, 42 TexReg 571

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