Chapter 10: Your Vehicle

A driver’s skill and attention are only part of the safety equation; the vehicle itself must be in sound, legal operating condition. Maintaining your vehicle is a critical responsibility that ensures it is safe for the road, compliant with state law, and predictable in its performance. Understanding the rules for titling, registration, insurance, and required equipment is essential for avoiding fines and legal trouble, and for ensuring your car can respond properly when you need it most.

Title, Registration, and Insurance

Before a vehicle can be legally driven on public roads, the owner must complete several legal requirements concerning its ownership, registration, and financial responsibility.

Vehicle Title vs. Registration

• A vehicle title is a legal document that proves ownership. When a vehicle is bought or sold, the title is transferred to the new owner. You must apply for a title in your name within 30 days of purchasing a vehicle.
• A vehicle registration is the process of officially registering your vehicle with the state, which grants permission to operate it on public roads. Registration must be renewed annually. In Texas, the registration sticker, displayed on the driver’s side of the windshield, serves as proof of both current registration and a passing vehicle inspection. Texas law requires most vehicles to display two license plates, one on the front and one on the rear.