{"data":{"id":"us-tx/tex.-health-and-safety-code-773.017","jurisdiction":"us-tx","citation":"Tex. Health and Safety Code § 773.017","heading":"USE OF CERTAIN EXTERNAL MOTOR VEHICLE MARKINGS OR FEATURES PROHIBITED; CRIMINAL OFFENSE.","body":"(a) A person may not operate a motor vehicle in this state that resembles an emergency medical services vehicle unless the person uses the motor vehicle:\n(1) as an emergency medical services vehicle under this chapter; or\n(2) for other legitimate governmental functions, including police or firefighting services.\n(b) A motor vehicle resembles an emergency medical services vehicle if the motor vehicle has on the exterior of the motor vehicle any of the following markings or features:\n(1) the word \"ambulance\" or a derivation of that word;\n(2) a star of life as trademarked by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration;\n(3) a Maltese cross commonly used by fire departments;\n(4) forward-facing flashing red, white, or blue lights;\n(5) a siren;\n(6) the words \"critical care transport,\" \"emergency,\" \"emergency medical services,\" or \"mobile intensive care unit\"; or\n(7) the acronym \"EMS\" or \"MICU\".\n(c) A person commits an offense if the person violates this section. An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor.\n(d) This section does not apply to a motor vehicle bearing a license plate issued or approved under Section 504.501 or 504.502, Transportation Code.\nAdded by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 253 (H.B. 1249), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.","path":["HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE","TITLE 9. SAFETY","SUBTITLE B. EMERGENCIES","CHAPTER 773. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES","SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS"],"source_url":"https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.773.htm#773.017","current_through":"89th 2nd Called Legislative Session, 2025","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-27T01:47:17Z","sha256":"ed26e9ba004265e2e18cbf030497ace485304a5c9c923bcf19abf202025f8fc5","source_id":"us-tx","stale":false,"prev":"us-tx/tex.-health-and-safety-code-773.016","next":"us-tx/tex.-health-and-safety-code-773.021"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}