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Texas legislative issues/Operation Silent Thunder

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dsm363

Roadster + Sig Model S
Moderator
May 17, 2009
19,146
882
Nevada
I just called my state senator and asked for the person that deals with transportation issues. She had never heard of Tesla Motors and I spent a few minutes talking with her about it. I explained that I thought it was very odd that an American car company wasn't legally allowed to sell cars in Texas and she found that odd as well. I asked for a modification to the dealership law that state
"Any American car company that does not have a licensed dealership anywhere in the US is allowed to sell cars directly to customers in Texas and have a store here that can assist customers in placing orders online or over the phone"

Please call your local state representative and senator to do the same thing if you have time. They only meet every 2 years so if we miss this session, it will be a long wait again.

Operation Silent Thunder
Also, in order to work on these issues we are looking to organize a Capitol Hill day. The plan would be to pick a weekday (would most likely have to be a weekday while they are in session unless they would arrange to meet us on a Saturday) where we would all drive our Model Ss to Austin. We would meet for a late breakfast and talk strategy and pickup any handouts that were created. Appointments with legislators offices would be set up ahead of time for late morning/afternoon too. We would discuss Tesla and the unfair dealership laws and then take any willing representatives, senators or their staff for rides.

You would be using your own car with no official support from Tesla so the car would be under your insurance since this is purely a volunteer effort.
 
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I just called both of my politicians (rep and senate). The rep (worker) just called back, took down my information and stated that "he thinks the laws have been on the books for almost 80 years and that it would be near impossible to change" Have not heard back from the senator yet.
 
I just called both of my politicians (rep and senate). The rep (worker) just called back, took down my information and stated that "he thinks the laws have been on the books for almost 80 years and that it would be near impossible to change" Have not heard back from the senator yet.

Gotta love it. I think they don't have to change the law, just tack on an exemption for Tesla to some other bill.

Thanks for calling.
 
Just got a phone call from my state senator's office. She (Liz) was happy to discuss this. No kidding. I heard the keyboard flying in the background. She asked about Tesla and the whole vehicle law situation. I told her that I was surprised that I could not buy an American product within state borders. That got her really moving. She asked if I was affiliated or worked for Tesla. So I know she was intrigued by the topic. Finally she stated that the session would start in January and she would research the topic to potentially add to the senator's agenda.

Back to work ...
 
Just got a phone call from my state senator's office. She (Liz) was happy to discuss this. No kidding. I heard the keyboard flying in the background. She asked about Tesla and the whole vehicle law situation. I told her that I was surprised that I could not buy an American product within state borders. That got her really moving. She asked if I was affiliated or worked for Tesla. So I know she was intrigued by the topic. Finally she stated that the session would start in January and she would research the topic to potentially add to the senator's agenda.

Back to work ...
Send that office flowers or a fruit basket or something. ;)
 
Just got a phone call from my state senator's office. She (Liz) was happy to discuss this. No kidding. I heard the keyboard flying in the background. She asked about Tesla and the whole vehicle law situation. I told her that I was surprised that I could not buy an American product within state borders. That got her really moving. She asked if I was affiliated or worked for Tesla. So I know she was intrigued by the topic. Finally she stated that the session would start in January and she would research the topic to potentially add to the senator's agenda.

Back to work ...

Thank you!

Even out of state people can call if they want. Just pick a random state senator (probably one on the transportation committee) and say you have a friend in Texas and are shocked they can't buy an American built car legally in Texas.
 
While we are at it, we should try to get some of the benefits that other states have: HOV stickers, toll-free driving, tax exemption ... something. We got, essentially, nothing. But what do you expect from a traditionally oil driven state?

According to NCTCOG (North Central Texas Council of Governments), HOV lane access might be through a special license plate for EVs only. (Need to get back to them with that. I found this out on National Plug-In day.)
 
According to NCTCOG (North Central Texas Council of Governments), HOV lane access might be through a special license plate for EVs only. (Need to get back to them with that. I found this out on National Plug-In day.)

This, most certainly, needs to be investigated. I looked at the website (NCTCOG) and it doesn't seem to give me any information on EV plates, EV discounts (e.g. tolls, etc.). Any further direction???
 
Hi,

I'm new to the board, been lurking for a few months now. Love the company, the guy behind it, and "sustainable energy".

So I gather from the original post is that Tesla can't build a store in this state? I clicked on that linked on the first page and told me my senators are Hutchison and Cornyn. So I just call them up and asked for a change to the law?
 
Welcome. They do have a store in Houston but can't talk to you about selling the car. This is really a state legislative issue so directing efforts there instead of towards US senators might be worth it. It would be interesting to see what Cornyn's office said and see if they could help push things along at the state level.
 
Hi,

I'm new to the board, been lurking for a few months now. Love the company, the guy behind it, and "sustainable energy".

So I gather from the original post is that Tesla can't build a store in this state? I clicked on that linked on the first page and told me my senators are Hutchison and Cornyn. So I just call them up and asked for a change to the law?

Something like that.

Please make that phone call.

The unofficial gist is: non-private sales of automobiles in the stae of Texas must be sold through a dealership

Tesla does not use that model.

I would start your phone conversation (which will be a return call, not that initial call) with: "I tried to buy an American made car in Texas yesterday and was told I could not do that because of a law ... can you help me?"

:)
 
Welcome. They do have a store in Houston but can't talk to you about selling the car. This is really a state legislative issue so directing efforts there instead of towards US senators might be worth it. It would be interesting to see what Cornyn's office said and see if they could help push things along at the state level.

Something like that.

Please make that phone call.

The unofficial gist is: non-private sales of automobiles in the stae of Texas must be sold through a dealership

Tesla does not use that model.

I would start your phone conversation (which will be a return call, not that initial call) with: "I tried to buy an American made car in Texas yesterday and was told I could not do that because of a law ... can you help me?"

:)

Ah, I see. Thanks guys! Will do.
 
I'll start my calls today. Just to start setting expectations for the rest of us, could some Texan who has recently received their car or is in the process go through the steps? Specifically can you confirm:a) that payment must be made in before Tesla will ship the car, b) that taxes won't be included on the paperwork from Tesla and as a result, lenders won't include taxes on in the loan amount, c) whether or not a Tesla Delivery Specialist was allowed to accompany the car and if not, if they showed up later or how much later.

Thank you
 
I wired tesla the money before they put it on the truck, as I guess the money can't change hands in Texas and its a truck driver delivering your car.
Taxes were not included in my paperwork. I was lucky enough to pay cash so I can't speak to the loan process. I had to go to the tax assessors office to register, pay taxes, and get my plates.
No delivery specialist. I read the manual, called HQ, and talked with my local service manager via phone. :(
Car is awesome, but to make it long term Tesla is going to have to do something about this.