TAX LIABILITY ON LEASED VEHICLES

(a) A user or interstate trucker is liable for the tax on motor fuel imported into this state in fuel supply tanks of leased motor vehicles and used on the public highways of this state to the same extent and in the same manner as motor fuel imported in the user's or interstate trucker's own motor vehicles and used on the public highways of this state, unless the person who owns the leased motor vehicles is liable under Subsection (b). If the owner of the leased motor vehicles is liable, the user or interstate trucker may exclude the leased motor vehicles from the person's return. (b) A person who, in the regular course of business and for consideration, leases motor vehicles and equipment to motor carriers or others for interstate operation may be considered to be the user or interstate trucker under this chapter if the person supplies or pays for the motor fuel consumed in those leased motor vehicles or equipment, and the person may be issued a license as an interstate trucker by the comptroller. An application for an interstate trucker license may be accompanied by one copy of the form-lease or service contract entered into with various lessees. On receipt of the interstate trucker license, the person may assign to each motor vehicle leased for interstate operation a photocopy of the license to be carried in the cab compartment of the motor vehicle. The photocopy of the license must have typed or printed on the back the unit or motor number of the motor vehicle to which it is assigned and the name of the lessee. The lessor is responsible for the proper use of the photocopy of the license issued to the lessor and for its return with the motor vehicle to which it is assigned.