H.B. No. 313
 
AN ACT
relating to an exemption from registration in this state for
certain foreign commercial motor vehicles.
       BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
       SECTION 1.  Section 648.101, Transportation Code, is amended
by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (c) to read as
follows:
       (a)  A foreign commercial motor vehicle is exempt from
Chapter 502 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 law of another [state or] country 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 or
controls the vehicle is domiciled or is a citizen provides a
reciprocal exemption for commercial motor vehicles owned or
controlled by residents of this state.
       (c)  Notwithstanding any reciprocity agreement between this
state and another state of the United States, 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.
       SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2007.
____________________________________________________________
   President of the SenateSpeaker of the House      
       I certify that H.B. No. 313 was passed by the House on March
28, 2007, by the following vote:  Yeas 145, Nays 0, 2 present, not
voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House   
       I certify that H.B. No. 313 was passed by the Senate on May 1,
2007, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate    
APPROVED:  _____________________
APPROVED:  _____________________
                   Date          
 
 
          _____________________
                 Governor