(a) A drive-a-way operator may apply for a drive-a-way in-transit standard license plate:
  (1) when applying for a new or renewal in-transit license, or
  (2) by submitting a plate request application electronically in the system designated by the department.
(b) A drive-a-way operator must display an in-transit license plate in the rear of each transported motor vehicle from the vehicle's point of origin to its point of destination in Texas in accordance with §217.27 of this title (relating to Vehicle Registration Insignia).
(c) A drive-a-way operator shall maintain a record of each license plate issued to the operator by the department. The record of each license plate issued must contain:
  (1) the license plate number;
  (2) the year and make of the vehicle to which the license plate is affixed;
  (3) the VIN of the vehicle; and
  (4) the name of the person in control of the vehicle.
(d) If a drive-a-way operator cannot account for a license plate or a license plate is damaged, the operator must:
  (1) document the license plate as "void" in the operator's plate record;
  (2) within three days of discovering that the license plate is missing or damaged, report the license plate as lost, stolen, or damaged in the electronic system designated by the department; and
  (3) if found once reported, cease use of the license plate.
(e) A license plate is no longer valid for use after the drive-a-way operator reports to the department that the plate is lost, stolen, or damaged. A drive-a-way operator must render a void plate unusable by permanently marking the front of the plate with the word "VOID" or a large "X" and once marked, may destroy or recycle the license plate, or return the license plate to the department for recycling within 10 days.
(f) The drive-a-way operator's license plate record must be available for inspection and copying by the department during normal business hours or be available to submit electronically to the department upon request.
(g) In evaluating requests for additional license plates, the department will consider the business justification provided by a drive-a-way operator including the following:
  (1) the number of vehicles currently being transported to a location in Texas;
  (2) the highest number of motor vehicles transported in the prior 12 months;
  (3) the size and type of business; and
  (4) the operator's record of tracking and reporting missing or damaged plates to the department.
(h) If a drive-a-way operator closes the associated license or the associated license is revoked or canceled by the department, the operator must return a license plate to the department within 10 days.

Source Note: The provisions of this §215.143 adopted to be effective June 1, 2024, 49 TexReg 2704