Pub. 62 2021-2022 Issue 1

14 N othing can slow down the dynamic and resilient relationship between members of the Texas Automobile Dealers Association and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) – not even a pandemic. It has been a year-and-a-half of remarkable challenge and change as all of us have had to shift the way we collaborate, communicate and strategize in an ever- changing and unfamiliar environment. I commend TADA and its dealers for their agility and flexibility, which were critical to the continuity of your operations. For TxDMV and dealers, there is no doubt that what we do and how we do it will continue to evolve in this COVID-19 world. At the department, we continue to enhance our tools and services that help promote – not get in the way of – the automobile industry, which is a vital part of the Texas economy. I appreciate this opportunity to update the TADA community on some of our current and upcoming initiatives. eTAG Enhancements Unfortunately, there are bad actors out there who abuse the use of eTAGs. These administrative and potentially criminal violations hurt the reputation of the thousands of hard-working dealers across the state and put other people on the roads at risk. The department recognizes the impacts of fraudulent use of temporary tags and is continually analyzing opportunities to work with our partners to put stronger safeguards in place to prevent misuse. House Bill (HB) 3927, which passed during the 87th Legislative Session, made several changes to how temporary tags are administered. The bill includes a recommendation from the TxDMV Board to allow rule-making authority to set the maximum number of temporary tags licensed dealers can issue. The maximum number will be based on quantifiable metrics, including time in operation, sales data, expected growth, and expected market changes. The bill also expands the authority of TxDMV to include denying access to the temporary tag database for users who fraudulently obtain tags from the database. Rest assured, we will not implement this bill and develop rules without stakeholder input. Our new Motor Vehicle Industry Regulation Advisory Committee met twice in September 2021 and will make policy recommendations to the TxDMV Board on this important issue. We will continue to work with members of law enforcement, motor vehicle dealer representatives, and other stakeholders to stop the improper use of temporary tags. Customer Service Advisory Committee Speaking of stakeholder involvement, the TxDMV Customer Service Advisory Committee (CSAC) also met in September 2021. This advisory committee is charged with making recommendations on topics related to improving and enhancing customer service. The committee met to take up another bill impacting dealers that passed during the last legislative session. Senate Bill (SB) 876 relates to the county in which a person may apply for the registration of and title for a motor vehicle. Nothing Can Slow Us Down By Whitney Brewster/Executive Director, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles