Bill Text: TX HB5225 | 2023-2024 | 88th Legislature | Engrossed

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Bill Title: Relating to the issuance of an excess gross weight permit for certain farm tractors on county and FM roads; authorizing a fee.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2023-05-11 - Referred to Transportation [HB5225 Detail]

Download: Texas-2023-HB5225-Engrossed.html

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By: Guillen H.B. No. 5225

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the issuance of an excess gross weight permit for
certain farm tractors on county and FM roads; authorizing a fee.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 623, Transportation Code,
is amended by adding Section 623.0173 to read as follows:
Sec. 623.0173. EXCESS GROSS WEIGHT PERMIT FOR CERTAIN FARM
TRACTORS. (a) In this section:
(1) "farm tractor" has the meaning assigned by Section
541.201;
(2) "accessory" means any additional attachment being
pulled or carried by the farm tractor that contributes to the farm
tractor's total weight.
(b) The department shall issue an annual permit that
authorizes the operation of a farm tractor and any accessories that
are used for agricultural production on county and FM roads at a
gross weight that is not heavier than the weight equal to the
maximum allowable gross weight for the tractor plus a tolerance
allowance of 10 percent.
(c) To qualify for a permit under this section:
(1) the farm tractor must be registered as a farm
vehicle under Chapter 502; and
(2) the applicant must pay an annual permit fee of $90.
(d) A permit issued under this section must be carried in
the farm tractor for which it is issued.
(e) This section does not authorize the operation on the
national system of interstate and defense highways in this state of
a vehicle of a size or weight greater than those permitted under 23
U.S.C. Section 127.
(f) A permit issued under 623.0173 does not authorize the
operation of a vehicle on a bridge for which a maximum weight and
load limit has been established and posted by the Texas
Transportation Commission under Section 621.102 or the
commissioners court of a county under Section 621.301, if the gross
weight of the vehicle and load or the axles and wheel loads are
greater than the limits established and posted under those
sections.
(g) The department may adopt rules necessary to administer
this section, including rules governing the application for a
permit under this section.
(h) Unless otherwise provided by state or federal law, a
county or municipality may not require a permit, fee, or license for
the operation of a farm tractor in addition to a permit, fee, or
license required by state law.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.