Sec. 643.254.  INSPECTION OF DOCUMENTS.  (a)  To investigate an alleged violation of this chapter or a rule or order adopted under this chapter, an officer or employee of the department who has been certified for the purpose by the director may enter a motor carrier's premises to inspect, copy, or verify the correctness of a document, including an operation log or insurance certificate.
(b)  The officer or employee may conduct the inspection:
(1)  at a reasonable time;
(2)  after stating the purpose of the inspection;  and
(3)  by presenting to the motor carrier:
(A)  appropriate credentials;  and
(B)  a written statement from the department to the motor carrier indicating the officer's or employee's authority to inspect.
(c)  A motor carrier domiciled outside this state must:
(1)  designate a location in the state for inspection of records concerning the alleged violation;  or
(2)  request that an officer or employee of the department conduct the inspection at an office of the motor carrier located outside this state.
(d)  A motor carrier requesting an out-of-state inspection will be responsible for payment of actual expenses incurred by the department in conducting the inspection.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.150(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 603, Sec. 6, eff. Aug. 30, 1999.
Amended by: 
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1396 (H.B. 2093), Sec. 22, eff. September 1, 2007.