The commission may restrict highway or road use for vehicles likely to cause serious damage, but only after providing a detour and posting required notices.
Sec. 201.901. PROHIBITING USE OF HIGHWAY OR ROAD. (a) The commission may prohibit the use of any part of a highway or road under the control of the department by any vehicle that will unduly damage the highway or road when: (1) because of wet weather or recent construction or repairs, the highway or road cannot be safely used without probable serious damage to it; or (2) a bridge or culvert on the highway or road is unsafe. (b) Before prohibiting the use of a highway or road under this section, the commission shall post notices that state the maximum load permitted and the time the use of the highway or road is prohibited. The notices must be posted at locations that enable drivers to detour to avoid the restricted highway or road. (c) The commission may not prohibit the use of a highway or road under this section until a detour has been provided. (d) If the owner or operator of a vehicle that is prohibited from using a highway or road under this section is aggrieved by the prohibition, the person may file with the county judge of the county in which the restricted highway or road is located a written complaint that sets forth the nature of the grievance. On the filing of the complaint the county judge immediately shall set the issue for a hearing to be held not later than the third day after the date on which the complaint is filed. The county judge shall give to the commission written notice of the day and purpose of each hearing. (e) The county judge shall hear testimony offered by the parties. On conclusion of the hearing, the county judge shall sustain, revoke, or modify the commission's decision on the restriction. The county judge's judgment is final as to the issues raised. (f) A person who violates a prohibition established under this section before or after it is approved by the county judge under Subsection (e) commits an offense. An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $200. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.