IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT MOTOR VEHICLES IN
TEXAS
Operator & Passenger(s) of a motor vehicle are
prohibited from having open containers of alcoholic beverages in their
possession.
Seat Belts
In Texas, seat belts are
mandatory for the driver and front seat passengers 5 years of age and over and
all children between the ages of 2 and 4, regardless of location in the vehicle.
Approved child seats are required for all children up to 2 years
old.
Drinking Laws
Texas law is very strict about
drinking and driving. The maximum penalty for DWI (1st offense) is
two years in jail, suspension of operator's license and a $2,000
fine. DWI is a "serious" subject. The doctrine of "implies
consent" to a breath test exists in Texas. Refusal to take a
breath-alyzer test can result in loss of driver's license. Police
check-point stops are a valid, common practice in Corpus Christi and surrounding
areas.
Driver's License
A valid operator's license
from another state is accepted in Texas for you and your family
members. However, if your spouse should become employed in the state
during your tour of duty in Texas, she/he has 30 days to obtain a Texas driver's
license.
VEHICLE REGISTRATION
Requirements to register a vehicle
in Texas are as follows: Prior to applying for Texas registration,
you must have the vehicle inspected at an approved station and obtain Form
VA-30A, Certificate of Inspection. (1) Non-Texas residents must
provide out-of-state title or registration, certificate of inspection and proof
of liability insurance.
You will pay: $13 title fee; $15 new
resident fee; $5 or $10 bridge fee depending on county of residence; and a
license plate fee of %50 to $70, depending on the year of your vehicle. (2)
Texas residents must provide title of registration, certificate of inspection
and proof of liability insurance.
You will pay: $13 title
fee; bridge and license fee as indicated above, and the difference in states
sales tax if you paid less than 6.25 percent.
AUTOMOBILE SAFETY
INSPECTIONS
If your automobile is registered in the state of Texas,
inspection stickers may be obtained at any certified inspection
station.
If you choose to retain out-of-state license plates,
you will need to obtain a Texas safety inspection sticker when yours
expires. If your state of registration does not require a safety
inspection you are not required to have a Texas inspection
sticker.
******* HEADS UP *******
Automobile insurance in
Corpus Christi is relatively expensive compared to other cities. BE
SURE TO SHOP AROUND FOR THE BEST DEALS.