Sec. 773.017. USE OF CERTAIN EXTERNAL MOTOR VEHICLE MARKINGS OR FEATURES PROHIBITED; CRIMINAL OFFENSE. (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:

(1) as an emergency medical services vehicle under this chapter; or

(2) for other legitimate governmental functions, including police or firefighting services.

(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:

(1) the word "ambulance" or a derivation of that word;

(2) a star of life as trademarked by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration;

(3) a Maltese cross commonly used by fire departments;

(4) forward-facing flashing red, white, or blue lights;

(5) a siren;

(6) the words "critical care transport," "emergency," "emergency medical services," or "mobile intensive care unit"; or

(7) the acronym "EMS" or "MICU".

(c) A person commits an offense if the person violates this section. An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor.

(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.

Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 253 (H.B. 1249), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.