Tex.
Transp. Code Section 648.101
Registration Exemption in Border Commercial Zone
(a)
A foreign commercial motor vehicle is exempt from Chapter 502 (Registration of Vehicles) and any other law of this state requiring the vehicle to be registered in this state, including a law providing for a temporary registration permit, if:(1)
the vehicle is engaged solely in transportation of cargo across the border into or from a border commercial zone;(2)
for each load of cargo transported the vehicle remains in this state:(A)
not more than 24 hours; or(B)
not more than 48 hours, if:(i)
the vehicle is unable to leave this state within 24 hours because of circumstances beyond the control of the motor carrier operating the vehicle; and(ii)
all financial responsibility requirements applying to the vehicle are satisfied;(3)
the vehicle is registered and licensed as required by the country in which the person that owns the vehicle is domiciled or is a citizen as evidenced by a valid metal license plate attached to the front or rear of the exterior of the vehicle; and(4)
the country in which the person that owns the vehicle is domiciled or is a citizen provides a reciprocal exemption for commercial motor vehicles owned by residents of this state.(b)
A foreign commercial motor vehicle operating under the exemption provided by this section and the vehicle’s driver may be considered unregistered if the vehicle is operated in this state outside a border commercial zone or in violation of United States law.(c)
A valid reciprocity agreement between this state and another state of the United States or a Canadian province that exempts currently registered vehicles owned by nonresidents is effective in a border commercial zone.(d)
A foreign commercial motor vehicle that engages primarily in transportation of cargo across the border into or from a border commercial zone must be:(1)
registered in this state; or(2)
operated under the exemption provided by this section.(e)
A vehicle located in a border commercial zone must display a valid Texas registration if the vehicle is owned by a person who:(1)
owns a leasing facility or a leasing terminal located in this state; and(2)
leases the vehicle to a foreign motor carrier.
Source:
Section 648.101 — Registration Exemption in Border Commercial Zone, https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.648.htm#648.101 (accessed Jun. 5, 2024).
