OPERATING A VEHICLE WITHOUT COMPLYING WITH INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS AS CERTIFIED; OFFENSE; DISMISSAL OF CHARGE.
Tex. TRANSP Code § 548.605.
in effect(a) In this section, "working day" means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday, or a holiday on which county offices are closed.
(b) A person commits an offense if:
(1) the person operates in this state a vehicle for which a certification was provided under Section 548.256 (b); and
(2) the vehicle is not in compliance with the applicable inspection requirements under this chapter, Chapter 382 , Health and Safety Code, or the department's administrative rules regarding inspection requirements.
(c) A peace officer may require the owner or operator to produce a vehicle inspection report issued for the vehicle if the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles' registration database includes a notation for law enforcement to verify the inspection status of the vehicle.
(d) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (b) that a passing vehicle inspection report issued for the vehicle is in effect at the time of the offense.
(e) A court shall:
(1) dismiss a charge under this section if the defendant remedies the defect:
(A) not later than the 20th working day after the date of the citation or before the defendant's first court appearance date, whichever is later; and
(B) not later than the 40th working day after the applicable deadline provided by this chapter, Chapter 382 , Health and Safety Code, or the department's administrative rules regarding inspection requirements; and
(2) assess a reimbursement fee not to exceed $20 when the charge has been remedied under Subdivision (1).
(f) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 752 (H.B. 1888 ), Sec. 41, eff. January 1, 2016.