Bill > SB1365

This bill makes several changes to vehicle registration, license plates, and inspection regulations in Texas. It allows the Department of Motor Vehicles to designate a 24-month registration period for new passenger cars and light trucks sold in the state, which are of the current or preceding model year. The bill modifies the process for refusing to register unsafe vehicles by requiring the department to provide notice to the vehicle owner before canceling, suspending, or revoking a registration, though no formal hearing is required. For electric vehicles, the registration fee is simplified to a flat $200 fee (previously it had different rates for new and existing vehicles). Dealer license plate fees are adjusted, with a $20 annual fee for dealer license plates and a $10 fee for original temporary license plates (renewals are now free). The bill also expands the department's ability to deny access to dealer license plate databases if a dealer is found to be fraudulently obtaining or using license plates or vehicle inspection reports. Additionally, the bill adds a provision to the Government Code that allows the department to refuse to issue, renew, cancel, suspend, or revoke motor vehicle registrations without being subject to certain declaratory judgment and court enforcement provisions. The changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1365