Liability minimums

• Texas requires passenger buses to carry a minimum of $500,000 in liability coverage. To qualify for this minimum liability level, the bus must be designed to transport 15 or more passengers -- including the driver -- but no more than 26 passengers. Farm trucks weighing 48,000 lbs. or more, as well as commercial motor vehicles weighing more than 26,000 lbs. also qualify for this minimum liability level. Foreign passenger buses designed to carry 15 or fewer passengers, including the driver, but less than 26 passengers must carry at least $1.5 million in liability coverage. All other foreign commercial motor carriers that fall into this category's vehicle guidelines must carry a minimum of $750,000 in liability coverage.
  
  

Hazardous materials

• Commercial motor vehicles that are designed to carry oil, hazardous waste or hazardous materials are required to carry a minimum of $1 million in liability coverage. The qualifying substances must be prepackaged for retail and sold for personal or household use. Restricted liquids and qualifying packages are outlined under the U.S. Department of Transportation's Hazardous Materials Transportation Guide and detailed in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R), Section 171.8.
  
  

High potential for injury

• The $5 million liability coverage is reserved for commercial vehicles that present the highest potential for injury and destruction. Native buses that are designed to carry 26 or more passengers, as well as foreign buses designed to carry 16 or more passengers must carry this coverage level or higher. In addition, commercial motor vehicles that carry hazardous substances designed for commercial use, such as tanks, bulk waste and water cargo exceeding 3,500 gallons must meet these liability requirements.
  
  

General Requirements

• All commercial trucks and motor carrier drivers are required to carry proof of financial responsibility in the vehicle at all times. Operators, or the commercial vehicle company owners, must file proof of liability with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of the coverage's inception, with each vehicle registration and at the time of policy renewal.