Transportation Code Title 7 Chapter 502

TRANSPORTATION CODE

TITLE 7. VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC

SUBTITLE A. CERTIFICATES OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

CHAPTER 502. REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 502.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:

(1)  "All-terrain vehicle" means a motor vehicle that is:

(A)  equipped with a saddle for the use of:

(i)  the rider; and

(ii)  a passenger, if the motor vehicle is designed by the manufacturer to transport a passenger;

(B)  designed to propel itself with three or more tires in contact with the ground;

(C)  designed by the manufacturer for off-highway use; and

(D)  not designed by the manufacturer primarily for farming or lawn care.

(24)  "Motorcycle" has the meaning assigned by Section 521.001 or 541.201, as applicable.

(31)  "Owner" means a person who:

(A)  holds the legal title of a vehicle;

(B)  has the legal right of possession of a vehicle; or

(C)  has the legal right of control of a vehicle.

35)  "Public highway" includes a road, street, way, thoroughfare, or bridge:

(A)  that is in this state;

(B)  that is for the use of vehicles;

(C)  that is not privately owned or controlled; and

(D)  over which the state has legislative jurisdiction under its police power.

(36)  "Public property" means property owned or leased by this state or a political subdivision of this state.

(37)  "Recreational off-highway vehicle" means a motor vehicle that is:

(A)  equipped with a non-straddle seat for the use of:

(i)  the rider; and

(ii)  a passenger, if the vehicle is designed by the manufacturer to transport a passenger;

(B)  designed to propel itself with four or more tires in contact with the ground;

(C)  designed by the manufacturer for off-highway use by the operator only; and

(D)  not designed by the manufacturer primarily for farming or lawn care.

SUBCHAPTER D.  VEHICLES NOT ISSUED REGISTRATION

Sec. 502.140.  CERTAIN OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person may not register an all-terrain vehicle or a recreational off-highway vehicle, with or without design alterations, for operation on a public highway.

(b)  The state, a county, or a municipality may register an all-terrain vehicle or a recreational off-highway vehicle for operation on a public beach or highway to maintain public safety and welfare.

(c)  A recreational off-highway vehicle registered as provided by Subsection (b) may be operated on a public or private beach in the same manner as a golf cart may be operated on a public or private beach under Section 551.403.  The operator must hold and have in the operator's possession a driver's license issued under Chapter 521 or a commercial driver's license issued under Chapter 522.

(d)  Section 504.401 does not apply to an all-terrain vehicle or a recreational off-highway vehicle.

(e)  Operation of an all-terrain vehicle or recreational off-highway vehicle in compliance with Section 663.037 does not require registration under Subsection (b).

Transferred, redesignated and amended from Transportation Code, Section 502.006 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296, Sec. 100, eff. January 1, 2012.

SUBCHAPTER F.  REGULAR REGISTRATION FEES

Sec. 502.251.  FEE:  MOTORCYCLE OR MOPED.  The fee for a registration year for registration of a motorcycle or moped is $30.

Transferred and redesignated from Transportation Code, Section 502.160 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296, Sec. 123, eff. January 1, 2012.