Texas Trip Permit

When Do You Need a Texas Trip Permit?

In case a commercial vehicle does not have apportioned plates and/or needs to make a temporary weight adjustment, then TxDMV requires temporary registration. It is necessary for you to obtain a Texas Trip Permit, when your vehicle is performing any of the activities stated below:

• Weights: The gross vehicle weight (GVW) or the registered weight of your power unit or the combination of power unit and trailer exceeds 26,000 lbs.
• Axles:Your vehicle is fitted with three or more axles without considering its overall weight.
• No IRP Apportionment: Your vehicle operates in Texas but it is registered in another jurisdiction and not part of the IRP apportioned vehicles.

Compliance Tip: Standard trip permits issued by Texas are limited to registering a vehicle temporarily only. If your commercial truck does not have any active International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) license pertaining to Texas, you would be required to apply for a separate Texas Fuel Trip Permit (good for one time only, within 20 days).

Permit Validity and Key Requirements

It will avoid conflicts with state police or weigh station officers on major highways like the I-10, I-35, I-20, or I-45. Remember these operational aspects:

• Duration: While other states only provide permits up to 72 hours, Texas is more flexible in providing permits such as 72-hour permits which cost $25 and 144-hour (6 days) permits which cost $50, as well as a processing fee of $4.75.
• Mandatory Insurance: It is mandatory to furnish evidence that one has a liability insurance policy which complies with Texas state laws in regard to the limits, except where there is already an existing motor carrier registration with the TxDMV.
• Vehicle Safety Inspections: Vehicles carrying a temporary 72-hour or 144-hour sticker usually need to take a safety inspection in the state of Texas unless the vehicles have proper out-of-state plates or meet specified exemptions, such as mobile oilfield equipment.

How to Obtain Your Texas Permits

Fast acquisition of temporary credentials will reduce downtime. The carriers will either apply directly on the website of TxDMV, go to the TxDMV Regional Service Center near them, or through approved third party permit companies.

Information Required to Apply:

In order to prevent any discrepancies or non-compliance while in transit, make sure you have the following information ready for submission:

• Valid USDOT number for interstate travel in the United States
• Full VIN number, including make and model year
• License plate number and state of issuance
• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)

Important Operational Factors in Texas

• Token Trailer Regulations: Should you run a truck-tractor in Texas or out-of-state, it is imperative that you consider regulations with respect to matching trailers. A truck-tractor pulling a semitrailer that carries a Texas Token Trailer registration number should match the power unit appropriately for compliance.
• Oversize/Overweight Loads: Neither the regular 72-hour or 144-hour trip permit will apply to oversized and/or overweight loads (e.g. above the regular size/weight limits such as maximum of 80,000 lbs GVW, 8.5 feet wide, and 13.5 feet high). In the event your configuration falls beyond the statutory limits, special permits for overweight and oversize will need to be secured from the TxDMV Motor Carrier Division (TPRO).