H.B. No. 1548
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to the operation of golf carts, neighborhood electric
  vehicles, and off-highway vehicles; authorizing fees.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 57.002(7), Business & Commerce Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
               (7)  "Equipment":
                     (A)  means machinery, equipment, or implements or
  attachments to the machinery, equipment, or implements used for, or
  in connection with, any of the following purposes:
                           (i)  lawn, garden, golf course, landscaping,
  or grounds maintenance;
                           (ii)  planting, cultivating, irrigating,
  harvesting, or producing agricultural or forestry products;
                           (iii)  raising, feeding, or tending to
  livestock, [or] harvesting products from livestock, or any other
  activity in connection with those activities; or
                           (iv)  industrial, construction,
  maintenance, mining, or utility activities or applications; and
                     (B)  does not mean:
                           (i)  trailers or self-propelled vehicles
  designed primarily for the transportation of persons or property on
  a street or highway; or
                           (ii)  [all-terrain vehicles, utility task
  vehicles, or recreational] off-highway vehicles.
         SECTION 2.  Section 75.001(3), Civil Practice and Remedies
  Code, is amended to read as follows:
               (3)  "Recreation" means an activity such as:
                     (A)  hunting;
                     (B)  fishing;
                     (C)  swimming;
                     (D)  boating;
                     (E)  camping;
                     (F)  picnicking;
                     (G)  hiking;
                     (H)  pleasure driving, including off-road
  motorcycling and off-road automobile driving and the use of
  [all-terrain vehicles and recreational] off-highway vehicles;
                     (I)  nature study, including bird-watching;
                     (J)  cave exploration;
                     (K)  waterskiing and other water sports;
                     (L)  any other activity associated with enjoying
  nature or the outdoors;
                     (M)  bicycling and mountain biking;
                     (N)  disc golf;
                     (O)  on-leash and off-leash walking of dogs; or
                     (P)  radio control flying and related activities.
         SECTION 3.  Section 2158.001(2), Government Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
               (2)  "Golf cart" has the meaning assigned by Section
  551.401 [502.001], Transportation Code.
         SECTION 4.  Section 392.001(3), Health and Safety Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
               (3)  "Golf cart" has the meaning assigned by Section
  551.401 [502.001], Transportation Code.
         SECTION 5.  Section 61.011(d), Natural Resources Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (d)  The commissioner shall promulgate rules, consistent
  with the policies established in this section, on the following
  matters only:
               (1)  acquisition by local governments or other
  appropriate entities or public dedication of access ways sufficient
  to provide adequate public ingress and egress to and from the beach
  within the area described in Subdivision (6);
               (2)  protection of the public easement from erosion or
  reduction caused by development or other activities on adjacent
  land and beach cleanup and maintenance;
               (3)  local government prohibitions of vehicular
  traffic on public beaches, provision of off-beach parking, the use
  on a public beach of a golf cart, as defined by Section 551.401
  [502.001], Transportation Code, for the transportation of a person
  with a physical disability, and other minimum measures needed to
  mitigate for any adverse effect on public access and dune areas;
               (4)  imposition of beach access, user, or parking fees
  and reasonable exercises of the police power by local governments
  with respect to public beaches;
               (5)  contents and certification of beach access and use
  plans and standards for local government review of construction on
  land adjacent to and landward of public beaches, including
  procedures for expedited review of beach access and use plans under
  Section 61.015;
               (6)  construction on land adjacent to and landward of
  public beaches and lying in the area either up to the first public
  road generally parallel to the beach or to any closer public road
  not parallel to the beach, or to within 1,000 feet of mean high
  tide, whichever is greater, that affects or may affect public
  access to and use of public beaches;
               (7)  the temporary suspension under Section 61.0185 of
  enforcement of the prohibition against encroachments on and
  interferences with the public beach easement and the ability of a
  property owner to make repairs to a house while a suspension is in
  effect;
               (8)  the determination of the line of vegetation or
  natural line of vegetation;
               (9)  the factors to be considered in determining
  whether a structure, improvement, obstruction, barrier, or hazard
  on the public beach:
                     (A)  constitutes an imminent hazard to safety,
  health, or public welfare; or
                     (B)  substantially interferes with the free and
  unrestricted right of the public to enter or leave the public beach
  or traverse any part of the public beach;
               (10)  the procedures for determining whether a
  structure is not insurable property for purposes of Section
  2210.004, Insurance Code, because of the factors listed in
  Subsection (h) of that section;
               (11)  the closure of beaches for space flight
  activities; and
               (12)  the temporary suspension under Section 61.0171 of
  the determination of the "line of vegetation" or the "natural line
  of vegetation."
         SECTION 6.  Section 63.002(4), Natural Resources Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
               (4)  "Recreational vehicle" means a dune buggy, marsh
  buggy, minibike, trail bike, jeep, [all-terrain vehicle,
  recreational] off-highway vehicle, as defined by Section 551A.001,
  Transportation Code, or any other mechanized vehicle that is being
  used for recreational purposes, but does not include a vehicle that
  is not being used for recreational purposes.
         SECTION 7.  Section 29.001, Parks and Wildlife Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 29.001.  DEFINITION.  In this chapter, "off-highway
  vehicle" means:
               (1)  an off-highway vehicle, as defined by Section
  551A.001 [all-terrain vehicle, as defined by Section 502.001],
  Transportation Code;
               (2)  an off-highway motorcycle; or
               (3)  [a recreational off-highway vehicle, as defined by
  Section 502.001, Transportation Code; and
               [(4)]  any other motorized vehicle used for off-highway
  recreation on:
                     (A)  public land over which the department has
  authority or on land purchased or leased by the department; or
                     (B)  land acquired or developed under a grant made
  under Section 29.008 or any other grant program operated or
  administered by the department.
         SECTION 8.  Section 501.002(17), Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
               (17)  "Motor vehicle" means:
                     (A)  any motor driven or propelled vehicle
  required to be registered under the laws of this state;
                     (B)  a trailer or semitrailer, other than
  manufactured housing, that has a gross vehicle weight that exceeds
  4,000 pounds;
                     (C)  a travel trailer;
                     (D)  an off-highway vehicle, as defined by Section
  551A.001 [all-terrain vehicle or a recreational off-highway
  vehicle, as those terms are defined by Section 502.001, designed by
  the manufacturer for off-highway use that is not required to be
  registered under the laws of this state]; or
                     (E)  a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or moped
  that is not required to be registered under the laws of this state.
         SECTION 9.  Section 502.140, Transportation Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 502.140.  CERTAIN OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES.  (a)  In this
  section, "off-highway vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section
  551A.001.
         (b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c) [(b)], the
  department [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.
         (c) [(b)]  The department [state, a county, or a
  municipality] may register an [all-terrain vehicle or a
  recreational] off-highway vehicle that is owned by the state,
  county, or municipality for operation on a public beach or highway
  to maintain public safety and welfare.
         (d)  Section 504.401 does not apply to an [all-terrain
  vehicle or a recreational] off-highway vehicle.
         (e)  An [all-terrain vehicle or recreational] off-highway
  vehicle that is registered under this section:
               (1)  is not subject to the requirements of Subchapter
  D, Chapter 551A; and
               (2)  is subject to the requirements of Subchapter E,
  Chapter 551A [owned by the state, a county, or a municipality and
  operated in compliance with Section 663.037 does not require
  registration under Subsection (b)].
         SECTION 10.  Section 504.002, Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 504.002.  GENERAL PROVISIONS. (a) Unless expressly
  provided by this chapter or by department rule:
               (1)  except for license plates specified as exempt, the
  fee for issuance of a license plate, including replacement plates,
  is in addition to each other fee that is paid for at the time of the
  registration of the motor vehicle and shall be deposited to the
  credit of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles fund;
               (2)  if the registration period is greater than 12
  months, the expiration date of a specialty license plate, symbol,
  tab, or other device shall be aligned with the registration period,
  and the specialty plate fee shall be adjusted pro rata, except that
  if the statutory annual fee for a specialty license plate is $5 or
  less, it may not be prorated;
               (3)  the department is the exclusive owner of the
  design of each license plate;
               (4)  if a license plate is lost, stolen, or mutilated,
  an application for a replacement plate must be accompanied by the
  fee prescribed by Section 502.060; and
               (5)  the department shall prepare the designs and
  specifications of license plates.
         (b)  If necessary to cover the costs of issuing license
  plates for golf carts under Section 551.402 or off-highway vehicles
  under Section 551A.052, the department may charge an administrative
  fee, in an amount established by the department by rule, for the
  issuance of a golf cart or off-highway vehicle license plate.
         SECTION 11.  Section 547.001, Transportation Code, is
  amended by amending Subdivision (2-a) and adding Subdivisions (11)
  and (12) to read as follows:
               (2-a)  "Golf cart" has the meaning assigned by Section
  551.401 [502.001].
               (11)  "Neighborhood electric vehicle" has the meaning
  assigned by Section 551.301.
               (12)  "Off-highway vehicle" has the meaning assigned by
  Section 551A.001.
         SECTION 12.  Section 547.002, Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 547.002.  APPLICABILITY. Unless a provision is
  specifically made applicable, this chapter and the rules of the
  department adopted under this chapter do not apply to:
               (1)  an implement of husbandry;
               (2)  road machinery;
               (3)  a road roller;
               (4)  a farm tractor;
               (5)  a bicycle, a bicyclist, or bicycle equipment;
               (6)  an electric bicycle, an electric bicyclist, or
  electric bicycle equipment; [or]
               (7)  a golf cart;
               (8)  a neighborhood electric vehicle; or
               (9)  an off-highway vehicle [that is operated only as
  authorized by Section 551.403].
         SECTION 13.  Section 547.703(d), Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (d)  A golf cart, neighborhood electric vehicle, or
  off-highway vehicle that is operated at a speed of not more than 25
  miles per hour is required to display a slow-moving-vehicle emblem
  when it is operated on a [public] highway[, as defined by Section
  502.001, under Section 551.403 or 551.404].
         SECTION 14.  Section 548.052, Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 548.052.  VEHICLES NOT SUBJECT TO INSPECTION. This
  chapter does not apply to:
               (1)  a trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or mobile
  home moving under or bearing a current factory-delivery license
  plate or current in-transit license plate;
               (2)  a vehicle moving under or bearing a paper dealer
  in-transit tag, machinery license, disaster license, parade
  license, prorate tab, one-trip permit, vehicle temporary transit
  permit, antique license, custom vehicle license, street rod
  license, temporary 24-hour permit, or permit license;
               (3)  a trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or mobile
  home having an actual gross weight or registered gross weight of
  7,500 pounds or less;
               (4)  farm machinery, road-building equipment, a farm
  trailer, or a vehicle required to display a slow-moving-vehicle
  emblem under Section 547.703;
               (5)  a former military vehicle, as defined by Section
  504.502;
               (6)  a vehicle qualified for a tax exemption under
  Section 152.092, Tax Code; or
               (7)  a vehicle for which a certificate of title has been
  issued but that is not required to be registered, including an
  off-highway vehicle registered under Section 502.140(c).
         SECTION 15.  The heading to Chapter 551, Transportation
  Code, is amended to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 551. OPERATION OF BICYCLES AND[,] MOPEDS, GOLF CARTS, AND
  OTHER LOW-POWERED [PLAY] VEHICLES
         SECTION 16.  Section 551.401, Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 551.401.  DEFINITION [DEFINITIONS]. In this
  subchapter, "golf cart" means a motor vehicle designed by the
  manufacturer primarily for use on a golf course[:
               [(1)     "Golf cart" and "public highway" have the
  meanings assigned by Section 502.001].
         SECTION 17.  Section 551.402, Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 551.402.  REGISTRATION NOT AUTHORIZED; LICENSE PLATES.  
  (a) The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles may not register a golf
  cart for operation on a [public] highway regardless of whether any
  alteration has been made to the golf cart.
         (b)  A person may operate a golf cart on a highway in a manner
  authorized by this subchapter only if the vehicle displays a
  license plate issued under this section.
         (c) [(b)]  The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles:
               (1)  shall by rule establish a procedure to [may] issue
  license plates for golf carts; and
               (2)  [a golf cart as authorized by Subsection (c).
         [(c)     The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles shall by rule
  establish a procedure to issue the license plates to be used for
  operation in accordance with Sections 551.403 and 551.404.
         [(d)  The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles] may charge a
  fee not to exceed $10 for the cost of the license plate, to be
  deposited to the credit of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
  fund.
         (d)  A golf cart license plate does not expire. A person who
  becomes the owner of a golf cart for which the previous owner
  obtained a license plate may not use the previous owner's license
  plate.
         SECTION 18.  Subchapter F, Chapter 551, Transportation Code,
  is amended by amending Section 551.403 and adding Section 551.4031
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 551.403.  [LIMITED] OPERATION AUTHORIZED IN CERTAIN
  AREAS. [(a)] An operator may operate a golf cart:
               (1)  in a master planned community:
                     (A)  that has in place a uniform set of
  restrictive covenants; and
                     (B)  for which a county or municipality has
  approved a plat;
               (2)  on a public or private beach that is open to
  vehicular traffic; or
               (3)  on a [public] highway for which the posted speed
  limit is not more than 35 miles per hour, if the golf cart is
  operated:
                     (A)  during the daytime; and
                     (B)  not more than two miles from the location
  where the golf cart is usually parked and for transportation to or
  from a golf course.
         Sec. 551.4031.  PROHIBITION OF OPERATION ON HIGHWAY BY
  MUNICIPALITY, COUNTY, OR DEPARTMENT.  (a)  A county or municipality
  may prohibit the operation of a golf cart on a highway under Section
  551.404 if the governing body of the county or municipality
  determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of
  safety.
         (b)  The Texas Department of Transportation [or a county or
  municipality] may prohibit the operation of a golf cart on a
  [public] highway under Section 551.404 if the department [or the
  governing body of the county or municipality] determines that the
  prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.
         SECTION 19.  Subchapter F, Chapter 551, Transportation Code,
  is amended by amending Section 551.404 and adding Section 551.4041
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 551.404.  OPERATION ON HIGHWAY AUTHORIZED BY
  MUNICIPALITY OR [IN MUNICIPALITIES AND] CERTAIN COUNTIES.  (a) In
  addition to the operation authorized by Section 551.403, the
  governing body of a municipality may allow an operator to operate a
  golf cart on all or part of a [public] highway that:
               (1)  is in the corporate boundaries of the
  municipality; and
               (2)  has a posted speed limit of not more than 35 miles
  per hour.
         (b) [(a-1)]  In addition to the operation authorized by
  Section 551.403, the commissioners court of a county described by
  Subsection (c) [(a-2)] may allow an operator to operate a golf cart
  on all or part of a [public] highway that:
               (1)  is located in the unincorporated area of the
  county; and
               (2)  has a speed limit of not more than 35 miles per
  hour.
         (c)  Subsection (b) [(a-2)  Subsection (a-1)] applies only to
  a county that:
               (1)  borders or contains a portion of the Red River;
               (2)  borders or contains a portion of the Guadalupe
  River and contains a part of a barrier island that borders the Gulf
  of Mexico; or
               (3)  is adjacent to a county described by Subdivision
  (2) and:
                     (A)  has a population of less than 37,000; and
                     (B)  contains a part of a barrier island or
  peninsula that borders the Gulf of Mexico.
         Sec. 551.4041.  EQUIPMENT.  [(b)]  A golf cart operated under
  Section 551.404 [this section] must have the following equipment:
               (1)  headlamps;
               (2)  taillamps;
               (3)  reflectors;
               (4)  parking brake; and
               (5)  mirrors.
         SECTION 20.  Section 551.405, Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 551.405.  CROSSING INTERSECTIONS [CERTAIN ROADWAYS]. A
  golf cart may cross a highway at an intersection [intersections],
  including an intersection with a highway [road or street] that has a
  posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour.
         SECTION 21.  Section 551.451, Transportation Code, is
  amended by amending Subdivision (2) and adding Subdivision (4-a) to
  read as follows:
               (2)  "Golf cart" has the meaning assigned by Section
  551.401 [502.001].
               (4-a) "Off-highway vehicle" has the meaning assigned by
  Section 551A.001.
         SECTION 22.  Section 551.452(a), Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles may issue
  distinguishing license plates for a vehicle operated by a motor
  carrier for the purpose of picking up and delivering mail, parcels,
  and packages if the vehicle:
               (1)  is[:
                     [(A)  an all-terrain vehicle;
                     [(B)]  a golf cart,[;
                     [(C)]  a neighborhood electric vehicle, or an
  off-highway vehicle[;
                     [(D)  a recreational off-highway vehicle; or
                     [(E)  a utility vehicle]; and
               (2)  is equipped with headlamps, taillamps,
  reflectors, a parking brake, and mirrors, in addition to any other
  equipment required by law.
         SECTION 23.  Section 551.457, Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 551.457.  CONFLICTS. In the case of a conflict between
  this subchapter and other law, including Chapters 502 and 551A
  [663], this subchapter controls.
         SECTION 24.  Subtitle C, Title 7, Transportation Code, is
  amended by adding Chapter 551A, and a heading is added to that
  chapter to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 551A.  OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES
         SECTION 25.  Subchapters A and B, Chapter 663,
  Transportation Code, are transferred to Chapter 551A,
  Transportation Code, as added by this Act, redesignated as
  Subchapters A and B, Chapter 551A, Transportation Code, and amended
  to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
         Sec. 551A.001 [663.001].  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
               (1)  "All-terrain vehicle" means a motor vehicle that
  is:
                     (A)  equipped with a seat or seats 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;
                     (D)  not designed by the manufacturer primarily
  for farming or lawn care; and
                     (E)  not more than 50 inches wide.
               (2) [(1-a)]  "Beach" means a beach area, publicly or
  privately owned, that borders the seaward shore of the Gulf of
  Mexico.
               (3) [(1-b)]  "Off-highway vehicle" means[:
                     [(A)]  an all-terrain vehicle, [or] recreational
  off-highway vehicle, [as those terms are defined by Section
  502.001;] or
                     [(B)  a] utility vehicle.
               (4) [(2)]  "Public off-highway vehicle land 
  [property]" means land on which off-highway recreation is
  authorized under Chapter 29, Parks and Wildlife Code [property
  owned or leased by the state or a political subdivision of the
  state].
               (5)  "Recreational off-highway vehicle" means a motor
  vehicle that is:
                     (A)  equipped with a seat or seats for the use of:
                           (i)  the rider; and
                           (ii)  a passenger or passengers, if the
  vehicle is designed by the manufacturer to transport a passenger or
  passengers;
                     (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.
               (6) [(4)]  "Utility vehicle" means a motor vehicle that
  is not a golf cart, as defined by Section 551.401 [502.001], or lawn
  mower and is:
                     (A)  equipped with side-by-side seating for the
  use of the operator and a passenger;
                     (B)  designed to propel itself with at least four
  tires in contact with the ground;
                     (C)  designed by the manufacturer for off-highway
  use only; and
                     (D)  designed by the manufacturer primarily for
  utility work and not for recreational purposes.
         Sec. 551A.002 [663.002].  NONAPPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN OTHER
  LAWS.  (a)  [Except as provided by Sections 663.037 and 663.0371,]
  Chapter 521 does not apply to the operation or ownership of an
  off-highway vehicle on public off-highway vehicle land [registered
  for off-highway operation].
         (b)  Chapter 1001, Education Code, does not apply to
  instruction in the operation of an off-highway vehicle provided
  under the operator education and certification program established
  by this chapter.
  SUBCHAPTER B.  OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE OPERATOR EDUCATION AND
  CERTIFICATION FOR OPERATION ON PUBLIC LAND OR BEACH
         Sec. 551A.011 [663.011].  DESIGNATED DIVISION OR STATE
  AGENCY.  The governor shall designate a division of the governor's
  office or a state agency to establish and administer an off-highway
  vehicle operator education and certification program.
         Sec. 551A.012 [663.012].  PURPOSE OF PROGRAM.  The purpose
  of the off-highway vehicle operator education and certification
  program is to make available courses in basic training and safety
  skills relating to the operation of off-highway vehicles and to
  issue safety certificates to operators who successfully complete
  the educational program requirements or pass a test established
  under the program.
         Sec. 551A.013 [663.013].  OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE SAFETY
  COORDINATOR.  (a)  The designated division or state agency shall
  employ an off-highway vehicle safety coordinator.
         (b)  The coordinator shall supervise the off-highway vehicle
  operator education and certification program and shall determine:
               (1)  locations at which courses will be offered;
               (2)  fees for the courses;
               (3)  qualifications of instructors;
               (4)  course curriculum; and
               (5)  standards for operator safety certification.
         (c)  In establishing standards for instructors, curriculum,
  and operator certification, the coordinator shall consult and be
  guided by standards established by recognized off-highway vehicle
  safety organizations.
         Sec. 551A.014 [663.014].  CONTRACTS.  To administer the
  education program and certify off-highway vehicle operators, the
  designated division or state agency may contract with nonprofit
  safety organizations, nonprofit educational organizations, or
  agencies of local governments.
         Sec. 551A.015 [663.015].  TEACHING AND TESTING METHODS.  (a)  
  If the off-highway vehicle safety coordinator determines that
  vehicle operation is not feasible in a program component or at a
  particular program location, the operator education and
  certification program for persons who are at least 14 years of age
  may use teaching or testing methods that do not involve the actual
  operation of an off-highway vehicle.
         (b)  An operator safety certificate may not be issued to a
  person younger than 14 years of age unless the person has
  successfully completed a training course that involves the actual
  operation of an off-highway vehicle.
         Sec. 551A.016 [663.016].  FEE FOR COURSE.  A person may
  charge, for a course under the off-highway vehicle operator
  education and certification program, a fee that is reasonably
  related to the costs of administering the course.
         Sec. 551A.017 [663.017].  DENIAL, SUSPENSION, OR
  CANCELLATION OF APPROVAL.  (a)  The designated division or state
  agency may deny, suspend, or cancel its approval for a program
  sponsor to conduct or for an instructor to teach a course offered
  under this chapter if the applicant, sponsor, or instructor:
               (1)  does not satisfy the requirements established
  under this chapter to receive or retain approval;
               (2)  permits fraud or engages in fraudulent practices
  with reference to an application to the division or agency;
               (3)  induces or countenances fraud or fraudulent
  practices by a person applying for a driver's license or permit;
               (4)  permits or engages in a fraudulent practice in an
  action between the applicant or license holder and the public; or
               (5)  fails to comply with rules of the division or
  agency.
         (b)  Before the designated division or agency may deny,
  suspend, or cancel the approval of a program sponsor or an
  instructor, notice and opportunity for a hearing must be given as
  provided by:
               (1)  Chapter 2001, Government Code; and
               (2)  Chapter 53, Occupations Code.
         Sec. 551A.018 [663.018].  RULES.  The designated division or
  state agency may adopt rules to administer this chapter.
         Sec. 551A.019 [663.019].  EXEMPTIONS.  The designated
  division or state agency by rule may temporarily exempt the
  residents of any county from Section 551A.015 [663.015] or from
  Section 551A.031(b)(1) [663.031(a)(1)] until the appropriate
  education and certification program is established at a location
  that is reasonably accessible to the residents of that county.
         SECTION 26.  The heading to Subchapter C, Chapter 663,
  Transportation Code, is transferred to Chapter 551A,
  Transportation Code, as added by this Act, redesignated as
  Subchapter C, Chapter 551A, Transportation Code, and amended to
  read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER C.  OFF-HIGHWAY OPERATION OF OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES
         SECTION 27.  Sections 663.031, 663.032, and 663.0371,
  Transportation Code, are transferred to Subchapter C, Chapter 551A,
  Transportation Code, as transferred and redesignated by this Act,
  redesignated as Sections 551A.031, 551A.032, and 551A.033,
  Transportation Code, and amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 551A.031 [663.031].  OPERATION ON PUBLIC LAND OR BEACH;
  SAFETY CERTIFICATE REQUIRED.  (a)  A person may not operate an
  off-highway vehicle on land owned or leased by the state or a
  political subdivision of the state that is not open to vehicular
  traffic unless:
               (1)  the land is public off-highway vehicle land; and
               (2)  the operation is in compliance with:
                     (A)  this chapter; and
                     (B)  Chapter 29, Parks and Wildlife Code.
         (b)  A person may not operate an off-highway vehicle on
  public off-highway vehicle land [property] or a beach unless the
  person:
               (1)  holds a safety certificate issued under this
  chapter or under the authority of another state;
               (2)  is taking a safety training course under the
  direct supervision of a certified off-highway vehicle safety
  instructor; or
               (3)  is under the direct supervision of an adult who
  holds a safety certificate issued under this chapter or under the
  authority of another state.
         (c) [(b)]  A person to whom a safety certificate required by
  Subsection (b) [(a)] has been issued shall:
               (1)  carry the certificate when the person operates an
  off-highway vehicle on public off-highway vehicle land [property]
  or a beach; and
               (2)  display the certificate at the request of any law
  enforcement officer.
         Sec. 551A.032 [663.032]. OPERATION ON PUBLIC OFF-HIGHWAY
  VEHICLE LAND BY PERSON YOUNGER THAN 14. A person younger than 14
  years of age who is operating an off-highway vehicle on public
  off-highway vehicle land must be accompanied by and be under the
  direct supervision of:
               (1)  the person's parent or guardian; or
               (2)  an adult who is authorized by the person's parent
  or guardian.
         Sec. 551A.033 [663.0371]. OPERATION ON BEACH. (a) A person
  may [not] operate an off-highway vehicle on a beach only [except] as
  provided by this section.
         (b)  A person operating an off-highway vehicle on a beach
  must hold and have in the person's possession a driver's license
  [issued under Chapter 521 or a commercial driver's license issued
  under Chapter 522].
         (c)  Except as provided by Chapters 61 and 63, Natural
  Resources Code, an operator of an off-highway vehicle may drive the
  vehicle on a beach that is open to motor vehicle traffic.
         (d)  Except as provided by Chapters 61 and 63, Natural
  Resources Code, a person who is authorized to operate an
  off-highway vehicle that is owned by the state, a county, or a
  municipality may drive the vehicle on any beach if the vehicle is
  registered under Section 502.140(c) [502.140(b)].
         (e)  The Texas Department of Transportation or a county or
  municipality may prohibit the operation of an off-highway vehicle
  on a beach if the department or the governing body of the county or
  municipality determines that the prohibition is necessary in the
  interest of safety.
         SECTION 28.  Sections 663.037(b) and (c), Transportation
  Code, are transferred to Subchapter C, Chapter 551A, Transportation
  Code, as transferred and redesignated by this Act, redesignated as
  Section 551A.034, Transportation Code, and amended to read as
  follows:
         Sec. 551A.034.  CROSSING HIGHWAY AT POINT OTHER THAN
  INTERSECTION. (a) [(b)]  The operator of an off-highway vehicle
  may drive the vehicle across a [public street, road, or] highway
  that is not an interstate or limited-access highway at a point other
  than an intersection[,] if the operator:
               (1)  brings the vehicle to a complete stop before
  crossing the shoulder or main traveled way of the roadway;
               (2)  yields the right-of-way to oncoming traffic that
  is an immediate hazard; and
               (3)  makes the crossing:
                     (A)  at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to
  the roadway;
                     (B)  at a place where no obstruction prevents a
  quick and safe crossing; and
                     (C)  with the vehicle's headlights and taillights
  lighted.
         (b)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a), the [(c)  The] operator
  of an off-highway vehicle may drive the vehicle across a divided
  highway other than an interstate or limited access highway only at
  an intersection of the highway with another [public street, road,
  or] highway.
         SECTION 29.  Chapter 551A, Transportation Code, as added by
  this Act, is amended by adding Subchapter D, and a heading is added
  to that subchapter to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER D. OPERATION ON HIGHWAY
         SECTION 30.  Sections 663.037(a) and (f), Transportation
  Code, are transferred to Subchapter D, Chapter 551A, Transportation
  Code, as added by this Act, redesignated as Section 551A.051,
  Transportation Code, and amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 551A.051.  APPLICABILITY. (a)  A person may [not]
  operate an off-highway vehicle on a [public street, road, or]
  highway only [except] as provided by this chapter [section].
         (b)  This subchapter [(f)     Except as provided by Subsection
  (g), this section] does not apply to the operation of an off-highway
  vehicle that is owned and registered as authorized by Section
  502.140(c) by the state, a county, or a municipality by a person who
  is an authorized operator of the vehicle.
         SECTION 31.  Subchapter D, Chapter 551A, Transportation
  Code, as added by this Act, is amended by adding Sections 551A.052,
  551A.053,  551A.054, 551A.055, and 551A.056 to read as follows:
         Sec. 551A.052.  REGISTRATION; LICENSE PLATES. (a) Except as
  provided by Section 502.140(c), the Texas Department of Motor
  Vehicles may not register an off-highway vehicle for operation on a
  highway regardless of whether any alteration has been made to the
  vehicle.
         (b)  An operator may operate an unregistered off-highway
  vehicle on a highway in a manner authorized by this subchapter only
  if the vehicle displays a license plate issued under this section.
         (c)  The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles:
               (1)  shall by rule establish a procedure to issue
  license plates for unregistered off-highway vehicles; and
               (2)  may charge a fee not to exceed $10 for the cost of
  the license plate, to be deposited to the credit of the Texas
  Department of Motor Vehicles fund.
         (d)  An off-highway vehicle license plate issued under
  Subsection (c) does not expire. A person who becomes the owner of an
  off-highway vehicle for which the previous owner obtained a license
  plate may not use the previous owner's license plate.
         Sec. 551A.053.  OPERATION ON HIGHWAY AUTHORIZED BY
  MUNICIPALITY OR CERTAIN COUNTIES. (a) In addition to the operation
  authorized by Section 551A.055, the governing body of a
  municipality may allow an operator to operate an unregistered
  off-highway vehicle on all or part of a highway that:
               (1)  is in the corporate boundaries of the
  municipality; and
               (2)  has a posted speed limit of not more than 35 miles
  per hour.
         (b)  In addition to the operation authorized by Section
  551A.055, the commissioners court of a county described by
  Subsection (c) may allow an operator to operate an unregistered
  off-highway vehicle on all or part of a highway that:
               (1)  is located in the unincorporated area of the
  county; and
               (2)  has a posted speed limit of not more than 35 miles
  per hour.
         (c)  Subsection (b) applies only to a county that:
               (1)  borders or contains a portion of the Red River;
               (2)  borders or contains a portion of the Guadalupe
  River and contains a part of a barrier island that borders the Gulf
  of Mexico; or
               (3)  is adjacent to a county described by Subdivision
  (2) and:
                     (A)  has a population of less than 37,000; and
                     (B)  contains a part of a barrier island or
  peninsula that borders the Gulf of Mexico.
         Sec. 551A.054.  PROHIBITION OF OPERATION IN CERTAIN AREAS BY
  MUNICIPALITY, COUNTY, OR DEPARTMENT. (a) A county or municipality
  may prohibit the operation of an unregistered off-highway vehicle
  on a highway under Section 551A.055 if the governing body of the
  county or municipality determines that the prohibition is necessary
  in the interest of safety.
         (b)  The Texas Department of Transportation may prohibit the
  operation of an unregistered off-highway vehicle on a highway under
  Section 551A.055 if that department determines that the prohibition
  is necessary in the interest of safety.
         Sec. 551A.055.  OPERATION AUTHORIZED IN CERTAIN AREAS. An
  operator may operate an unregistered off-highway vehicle:
               (1)  in a master planned community:
                     (A)  that has in place a uniform set of
  restrictive covenants; and
                     (B)  for which a county or municipality has
  approved a plat; or
               (2)  on a highway for which the posted speed limit is
  not more than 35 miles per hour, if the off-highway vehicle is
  operated:
                     (A)  during the daytime; and
                     (B)  not more than two miles from the location
  where the off-highway vehicle is usually parked and for
  transportation to or from a golf course.
         Sec. 551A.056.  CROSSING INTERSECTIONS. An unregistered
  off-highway vehicle may cross a highway at an intersection,
  including an intersection with a highway that has a posted speed
  limit of more than 35 miles per hour.
         SECTION 32.  Sections 663.037(d) and (g), Transportation
  Code, as amended by Chapters 125 (H.B. 920) and 1052 (H.B. 1956),
  Acts of the 85th Legislature, Regular Session, 2017, are
  transferred to Subchapter D, Chapter 551A, Transportation Code, as
  added by this Act, redesignated as Sections 551A.057 and 551A.058,
  Transportation Code, and reenacted and amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 551A.057.  AGRICULTURAL OR UTILITY OPERATION ON
  HIGHWAY. (a) [(d)] The operator of an unregistered off-highway
  vehicle may operate [drive] the vehicle on a [public street, road,
  or] highway that is not an interstate or limited-access highway if:
               (1)  the transportation is in connection with:
                     (A)  the production, cultivation, care,
  harvesting, preserving, drying, processing, canning, storing,
  handling, shipping, marketing, selling, or use of agricultural
  products, as defined by Section 52.002, Agriculture Code; or
                     (B)  utility work performed by a utility;
               (2)  the operator attaches to the back of the vehicle a
  triangular orange flag that is at least six feet above ground level;
               (3)  the vehicle's headlights and taillights are
  illuminated;
               (4)  [the operator holds a driver's license, as defined
  by Section 521.001;
               [(5)]  the operation of the vehicle occurs in the
  daytime; and
               (5) [(6)]  the operation of the vehicle does not exceed
  a distance of 25 miles from the point of origin to the destination.
         (b)  Notwithstanding Section 551A.052, an off-highway
  vehicle operated under this section is not required to display a
  license plate.
         Sec. 551A.058.  LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATION.  (a) [(g)]  A
  peace officer or other person who provides law enforcement,
  firefighting, ambulance, medical, or other emergency services,
  including a volunteer firefighter, may operate an unregistered
  off-highway vehicle on a [public street, road, or] highway that is
  not an interstate or limited-access highway [only] if:
               (1)  the transportation is in connection with the
  performance of the operator's official duty;
               (2)  the operator attaches to the back of the vehicle a
  triangular orange flag that is at least six feet above ground level;
               (3)  the vehicle's headlights and taillights are
  illuminated; and
               (4)  [the operator holds a driver's license, as defined
  by Section 521.001; and
               [(5)]  the operation of the vehicle does not exceed a
  distance of 10 miles from the point of origin to the destination.
         (b)  Notwithstanding Section 551A.052, an off-highway
  vehicle operated under this section is not required to display a
  license plate.
         SECTION 33.  Section 663.037(d-1), Transportation Code, is
  transferred to Section 551A.057, Transportation Code, as added by
  this Act, redesignated as Section 551A.057(c), Transportation
  Code, and amended to read as follows:
         (c) [(d-1)]  Provisions of this code regarding helmet and
  eye protection use, safety certification, and other vehicular
  restrictions do not apply to the operation of an off-highway
  vehicle under this section [Subsection (d)].
         SECTION 34.  Section 663.037(e), Transportation Code, is
  transferred to Subchapter D, Chapter 551A, Transportation Code, as
  added by this Act, redesignated as Section 551A.059, Transportation
  Code, and amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 551A.059.  FLAG STANDARDS. [(e)]  The director of the
  Department of Public Safety shall adopt standards and
  specifications that apply to the color, size, and mounting position
  of the flags [flag] required under Sections 551A.057 and 551A.058
  [Subsections (d)(2) and (g)(2)].
         SECTION 35.  Chapter 551A, Transportation Code, as added by
  this Act, is amended by adding Subchapter E, and a heading is added
  to that subchapter to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER E. EQUIPMENT AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
         SECTION 36.  Sections 663.033, 663.034, 663.035, and
  663.036, Transportation Code, are transferred to Subchapter E,
  Chapter 551A, Transportation Code, as added by this Act,
  redesignated as Sections 551A.071, 551A.072, 551A.073, and
  551A.074, Transportation Code, and amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 551A.071 [663.033]. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT; DISPLAY OF
  LIGHTS. (a) An off-highway vehicle that is operated on public
  off-highway vehicle land, [property or] a beach, or a highway must
  be equipped with:
               (1)  a brake system maintained in good operating
  condition;
               (2)  an adequate muffler system in good working
  condition; and
               (3)  a United States Forest Service qualified spark
  arrester.
         (b)  An off-highway vehicle that is operated on public
  off-highway vehicle land, [property or] a beach, or a highway must
  display a lighted headlight and taillight:
               (1)  during the period from one-half hour after sunset
  to one-half hour before sunrise; and
               (2)  at any time when visibility is reduced because of
  insufficient light or atmospheric conditions.
         (c)  A person may not operate an off-highway vehicle on
  public off-highway  vehicle land, [property or] a beach, or a
  highway if:
               (1)  the vehicle has an exhaust system that has been
  modified with a cutout, bypass, or similar device; or
               (2)  the spark arrester has been removed or modified,
  unless the vehicle is being operated in a closed-course competition
  event.
         (d)  The coordinator may exempt off-highway vehicles that
  are participating in certain competitive events from the
  requirements of this section.
         Sec. 551A.072 [663.034]. SAFETY APPAREL REQUIRED. (a) A
  person may not operate, ride, or be carried on an off-highway
  vehicle on public off-highway vehicle land, [property or] a beach,
  or a highway unless the person wears:
               (1)  a safety helmet that complies with United States
  Department of Transportation standards; [and]
               (2)  eye protection; and
               (3)  seat belts, if the vehicle is equipped with seat
  belts.
         (b)  Subsections (a)(1) and (2) do not apply to a motor
  vehicle that has four wheels, is equipped with bench or bucket seats
  and seat belts, and includes a roll bar or roll cage construction to
  reduce the risk of injury to an occupant of the vehicle in case of
  vehicle rollover.
         (c)  This section does not apply to a motor vehicle that is in
  the process of being loaded into or unloaded from a trailer or
  another vehicle used to transport the vehicle.
         Sec. 551A.073 [663.035]. RECKLESS OR CARELESS OPERATION
  PROHIBITED. A person may not operate an off-highway vehicle on
  public off-highway vehicle land [property] or a beach in a careless
  or reckless manner that endangers, injures, or damages any person
  or property.
         Sec. 551A.074 [663.036]. CARRYING PASSENGERS. A person may
  not carry a passenger on an off-highway vehicle operated on public
  off-highway vehicle land, [property or] a beach, or a highway
  unless the vehicle is designed by the manufacturer to transport a
  passenger.
         SECTION 37. Chapter 551A, Transportation Code, as added by
  this Act, is amended by adding Subchapter F, and a heading is added
  to that subchapter to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER F. CERTAIN OFFENSES
         SECTION 38.  Section 663.038, Transportation Code, is
  transferred to Subchapter F, Chapter 551A, Transportation Code, as
  added by this Act, redesignated as Section 551A.091, Transportation
  Code, and amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 551A.091 [663.038].  VIOLATION OF CHAPTER ON PUBLIC
  OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE LAND OR BEACH[; OFFENSE]. An [(a) A person
  commits an offense if the person violates a provision of this
  chapter.
         [(b)     Except as otherwise provided by Title 6 or this title,
  an] offense for a violation of [under] this chapter committed on
  public off-highway vehicle land or a beach [section] is a Class C
  misdemeanor.
         SECTION 39.  Section 601.052(a), Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  Section 601.051 does not apply to:
               (1)  the operation of a motor vehicle that:
                     (A)  is a former military vehicle or is at least 25
  years old;
                     (B)  is used only for exhibitions, club
  activities, parades, and other functions of public interest and not
  for regular transportation; and
                     (C)  for which the owner files with the department
  an affidavit, signed by the owner, stating that the vehicle is a
  collector's item and used only as described by Paragraph (B);
               (2)  [the operation of] a neighborhood electric vehicle
  that is operated only as authorized by Section 551.304;
               (2-a) [or] a golf cart that is operated only as
  authorized by Section [551.304 or] 551.403;
               (2-b) an off-highway vehicle that is operated only as
  authorized by Subchapter C, Chapter 551A, or Section 551A.055 of
  this code or Chapter 29, Parks and Wildlife Code; or
               (3)  a volunteer fire department for the operation of a
  motor vehicle the title of which is held in the name of a volunteer
  fire department.
         SECTION 40.  The heading to Subtitle G, Title 7,
  Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
  SUBTITLE G. MOTORCYCLES [AND OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES]
         SECTION 41.  The following provisions are repealed:
               (1)  Sections 63.002(4-a) and (4-b), Natural Resources
  Code;
               (2)  Section 29.011, Parks and Wildlife Code;
               (3)  Sections 502.001(1), (18), and (37), and
  551.451(1), (6), and (7), Transportation Code;
               (4)  the heading to Section 663.037, Transportation
  Code; and
               (5)  the heading to Chapter 663, Transportation Code.
         SECTION 42.  The change in law made by this Act applies only
  to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act.
  An offense committed before the effective date of this Act is
  governed by the law in effect on the date the offense was committed,
  and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. For
  purposes of this section, an offense was committed before the
  effective date of this Act if any element of the offense occurred
  before that date.
         SECTION 43.  This Act takes effect immediately if it
  receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each
  house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.
  If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate
  effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2019.
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 1548 was passed by the House on May 2,
  2019, by the following vote:  Yeas 142, Nays 0, 1 present, not
  voting; and that the House concurred in Senate amendments to H.B.
  No. 1548 on May 24, 2019, by the following vote:  Yeas 142, Nays 0,
  2 present, not voting.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 1548 was passed by the Senate, with
  amendments, on May 22, 2019, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays
  0.
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate   
  APPROVED: __________________
                  Date       
   
           __________________
                Governor