Section 215.138 - [Effective 7/1/2025] Use of Dealer's License Plates(a) A dealer's standard, personalized prestige, or temporary license plate must be attached to the rear of a vehicle in accordance with § 217.27 of this title (relating to Vehicle Registration Insignia).(b) A copy of the receipt for a dealer's standard, personalized prestige, or temporary license plate issued by the department should be carried in the vehicle to present to law enforcement personnel upon request.(c) A dealer's standard, personalized prestige, or temporary license plate may not be displayed on: (1) a laden commercial vehicle being operated or moved on the public streets or highways;(2) the dealer's service or work vehicle, except as provided by Transportation Code, §503.068(b-1);(3) a golf cart as defined under Transportation Code Chapter 551; or(4) an off-highway vehicle as defined under Transportation Code Chapter 551A.(d) For purposes of this section, a dealer's service or work vehicle includes:(1) a vehicle used for towing or transporting another vehicle;(2) a vehicle, including a light truck, used in connection with the operation of the dealer's shops or parts department;(3) a courtesy car on which a courtesy car sign is displayed;(4) a rental or lease vehicle; and(5) a boat trailer owned by a dealer or manufacturer that is used to transport more than one boat.(e) For purposes of this section, a light truck as defined by Transportation Code, §541.201, is not considered a laden commercial vehicle when it is:(1) mounted with a camper unit; or(2) towing a trailer for recreational purposes.(f) A dealer's standard, personalized prestige, or temporary license plate may be displayed only on the type of vehicle for which the GDN is issued and for which a dealer is licensed to sell. A nonfranchised dealer may not display a dealer's standard or personalized prestige license plate on a new motor vehicle.(g) A dealer's standard or personalized prestige license plate may be displayed only on a vehicle that has a valid inspection in accordance with Transportation Code, Chapter 548.(h) A dealer shall maintain in an electronic license plate system designated by the department a record of each dealer's standard, personalized prestige, or temporary license plate issued by the department to that dealer. The license plate record must contain: (1) the license plate number;(2) the year and make of the vehicle to which the dealer's license plate is affixed;(3) the VIN of the vehicle; and(4) the name of the person in control of the vehicle or license plate.(i) If a dealer cannot account for a dealer's standard or personalized prestige license plate that the department issued to that dealer, the dealer shall: (1) within three days of discovering that the dealer's license plate is missing or damaged, report the dealer's license plate as lost, stolen, or damaged in the electronic system designated by the department; and(2) if found, cease use of the dealer's license plate.(j) A dealer's standard, personalized prestige, or temporary license plate is no longer valid for use after the dealer reports to the department that the dealer's license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged. A dealer shall: (1) render a void plate unusable by permanently marking the front of the plate with the word "VOID" or a large "X"; and(2) destroy or recycle the license plate or return the license plate to the department within 10 days.(k) A dealer shall return a department-issued license plate, sticker, or receipt to the department within 10 days of the dealer closing the associated license or the department revoking or canceling the license.(l) A wholesale motor vehicle auction GDN holder that also holds a dealer GDN may display a dealer's temporary license plate assigned to that dealer GDN on a vehicle that is being transported to or from the licensed auction location.(m) The recordkeeping requirements in §215.138(h) do not apply when a vehicle is being operated solely for the purpose of demonstration.43 Tex. Admin. Code § 215.138
The provisions of this §215.138 adopted to be effective February 11, 2010, 35 TexReg 883; amended to be effective February 6, 2014, 39 TexReg 501; Amended by Texas Register, Volume 42, Number 06, February 10, 2017, TexReg 578, eff. 2/13/2017; Amended by Texas Register, Volume 49, Number 17, April 26, 2024, TexReg 2726, eff. 6/1/2024; Amended by Texas Register, Volume 49, Number 45, November 8, 2024, TexReg 8968, eff. 7/1/2025