There is no distinction in Municipal Code about in-state or out-of-state vehicles. From the Municipal Code:hillfighter wrote:I wasn't sure if "find it on the roadway" includes traffic stops but if it does I think that's a great idea. Especially if they apply the same standard to vehicles with out of state and foreign plates. They're also required to have proof of financial responsibility if they operate the vehicle on Texas roads.LabRat wrote:I do know that Carrollton Police will tow a car if there is no insurance and they find it on the roadway. Good for them.
Sec. 70.53. - Authority to direct traffic and remove vehicles.
(D) A police officer is authorized to remove or cause the removal of a vehicle or other property of any description from a street to a place designated by the Chief of Police when the vehicle is stopped for an alleged violation of a city or state traffic law or other law applicable to the operation of a vehicle on the roadway and the vehicle's owner or operator fails to show evidence of financial responsibility as required under Chapter 601 of the Texas Transportation Code, as amended.
(E) A vehicle removed and towed under this section must be kept at the place designated by the Chief of Police until application for redemption is made by the owner or the owner's authorized agent, who will be entitled to possession of the vehicle upon payment of costs of towing, notification, impoundment, and storage. I assume they must also have proof of insurance in order to operate the vehicle on city streets.
In the car insurance world, financial responsibility refers to money you are responsible for paying to someone when you cause damages or injuries in an accident. For example, if you get into a car accident and it is determined that you caused the car accident, you can be held financially responsible for any costs related to injuries or property damages suffered by other people as a result of that crash. Most states require you to prove that you are "financially responsible" for potential accidents. Insurance is the most common way folks prove this. Some people can be self-insured, but I think you have to have a bunch of money set aside for that purpose.
So if the Carrollton police have the opportunity to legally encounter the vehicle under any circumstances and the operator fails to show proof of insurance then the police are authorized to remove said vehicle.