Sec. 773.017.  USE OF CERTAIN EXTERNAL MOTOR VEHICLE MARKINGS OR FEATURES PROHIBITED; CRIMINAL OFFENSE.  (a)  A person may not operate a motor vehicle in this state that resembles an emergency medical services vehicle unless the person uses the motor vehicle:
(1)  as an emergency medical services vehicle under this chapter; or
(2)  for other legitimate governmental functions, including police or firefighting services.
(b)  A motor vehicle resembles an emergency medical services vehicle if the motor vehicle has on the exterior of the motor vehicle any of the following markings or features:
(1)  the word "ambulance" or a derivation of that word;
(2)  a star of life as trademarked by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration;
(3)  a Maltese cross commonly used by fire departments;
(4)  forward-facing flashing red, white, or blue lights;
(5)  a siren;
(6)  the words "critical care transport," "emergency," "emergency medical services," or "mobile intensive care unit"; or
(7)  the acronym "EMS" or "MICU".
(c)  A person commits an offense if the person violates this section.  An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor.
(d)  This section does not apply to a motor vehicle bearing a license plate issued or approved under Section 504.501 or 504.502, Transportation Code.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 253 (H.B. 1249), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.