A new bill makes engaging in or soliciting the transportation of household goods for compensation without registering with the DMV a class C misdemeanour and will take effect on 1 September.
The US State of Texas is cracking down on what it sees as rogue movers in a big way. A recent Bill signed by Texas Governor Rick Perry makes it an offence to transport household goods within the state without a proper Texas Department of Motor Vehicles registration.
The bill acknowledges that the moving industry in Texas has many unregulated operators. Many are Internet movers and brokers who advertise one rate for services and then charge another, far more exorbitant rate before unloading a customer's goods.
This new law makes engaging in or soliciting the transportation of household goods for compensation without registering with the DMV a class C misdemeanour (maximum fine of $500). If the offender has one previous conviction the offense would be a class B misdemeanour (up to 180 days in jail and/or a maximum fine of $2,000). If the offender has two previous offences he would be guilty of a class A misdemeanour (up to one year in jail and/or a maximum fine of $4,000).
The bill will take effect on 1 September, 2011, and will apply only to acts committed on or after the effective date. The increased penalties proposed under the new measure were supported and spearheaded by members of the Southwest Movers Association. This is one regulatory measure that legitimate members of the household goods moving industry will help both consumers and legislatures enforce in Texas.
Rogue moving is now a class C misdemeanour in Texas