72- OR 144-HOUR PERMITS.

(a) The department may issue a temporary registration permit in lieu of registration for a commercial motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or motor bus that:

(1) is owned by a resident of the United States, Canada, or the United Mexican States;

(2) is subject to registration in this state; and

(3) is not authorized to travel on a public highway because of the lack of registration in this state or the lack of reciprocity with the state or province in which the vehicle is registered.

(b) A permit issued under this section is valid for the period stated on the permit, effective from the date and time shown on the receipt issued as evidence of registration under this section.

(c) A person may obtain a permit under this section by:

(1) applying to the county assessor-collector or the department;

(2) paying a fee of $25 for a 72-hour permit or $50 for a 144-hour permit in the manner prescribed by the department that may include a service charge for a credit card payment or escrow account;

(3) furnishing to the county assessor-collector or the department evidence of financial responsibility for the vehicle that complies with Sections 502.046(c) and 601.168(a); and

(4) submitting a copy of the applicable federal declaration form required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or its successor in connection with the importation of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment subject to the federal motor vehicle safety, bumper, and theft prevention standards.

(d) A county assessor-collector shall report and send a fee collected under this section in the manner provided by Section 502.198. The board by rule shall prescribe the format and content of a report required by this subsection.

(e) A vehicle issued a permit under this section is subject to Chapter 548, unless the vehicle:

(1) is registered in another state of the United States, in a province of Canada, or in a state of the United Mexican States; or

(2) is mobile drilling or servicing equipment used in the production of gas, crude petroleum, or oil, including a mobile crane or hoisting equipment, mobile lift equipment, forklift, or tug.

(f) A commercial motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or motor bus apprehended for violating a registration law of this state:

(1) may not be issued a permit under this section; and

(2) is immediately subject to registration in this state.

(g) A person who operates a commercial motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer with an expired permit issued under this section is considered to be operating an unregistered vehicle subject to each penalty prescribed by law.

(h) The department may establish one or more escrow accounts in the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles fund for the prepayment of a 72-hour permit or a 144-hour permit. Any fee established by the department for the administration of this subsection shall be administered as required by an agreement entered into by the department.