Texas Dealership Website Legal Requirements
Mandatory Links Most Texas Dealership Sites Must Show
Typical compliant footer:
Dealership websites operating in or collecting data from residents of Texas must comply with both general privacy laws and state-specific consumer protection and automotive regulations. Texas has enacted the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA).
Below is an example of Texas Dealership Privacy Policy (Annotated, 2026 Compliant).
[Dealership Legal Name] Privacy Policy
Effective Date: [Insert Effective Date]
[ANNOTATION: Insert your dealership’s legal name]
[Dealership Legal Name] (“Dealership,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information of our customers and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal information in compliance with:
- Federal law: Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), FTC Safeguards Rule, Truth in Lending Act
- Texas law: Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA)
- Dealer regulations: Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2301
[ANNOTATION: This section clarifies legal compliance scope and is required for transparency]
1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of personal information from website users, customers, and finance applicants:
A. Personal Identifiers
- Name
- Mailing Address
- Email Address
- Telephone Number
- Driver's License Number
- Social Security number (only when required for financing)
B. Financial Information
- Income and employment information
- Credit history and credit score
- Loan or lease application details
C. Vehicle and Transaction Information
- Vehicle preferences or interest
- Purchase or lease history
- Trade-in vehicle information
D. Technical Information
- IP address
- Device type
- Browser and operating system
- Website activity and browsing behavior
E. Location Information
- Approximate geographic location derived from IP address
[ANNOTATION: Required under TDPSA and GLBA; all categories must be disclosed]
2. How We Collect Information
Information may be collected through:
- Website forms (contact, trade-in, service scheduling)
- Online financing or credit applications
- Email, phone, or in-person interactions
- Third-party service providers (CRM systems, marketing platforms)
- Cookies, pixels, and tracking technologies
[ANNOTATION: Must disclose all methods of collection under federal and Texas law]
3. Purpose of Collection
We use personal information to:
- Respond to inquiries and provide services
- Process vehicle purchases, leases, and financing
- Provide service and warranty support
- Send marketing communications (when permitted)
- Improve website performance and functionality
- Detect fraud and enhance security
- Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
[ANNOTATION: TDPSA requires disclosure of each purpose for processing personal information]
4. Sharing Information with Third Parties
We may share personal information with:
- Automotive manufacturers
- Financial institutions and lenders
- Credit bureaus
- CRM and dealership management system providers
- Advertising and marketing partners
- Analytics providers
- Website hosting and IT providers
- Government authorities or regulators when required
[ANNOTATION: GLBA and TDPSA require disclosure of categories of recipients]
Data Sale / Opt-Out Notice (Texas Residents)
Texas residents may request to opt out of the sale or targeted advertising use of their personal information by contacting us at:
- Email: [Insert Email]
- Phone: [Insert Phone]
[ANNOTATION: Required under Texas law if the dealership sells data]
5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies, pixels, and other tracking technologies for:
- Enable website functionality
- Analyze traffic and usage
- Support marketing and advertising campaigns
Users may disable cookies in their browser settings; however, some website features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.
[ANNOTATION: Required disclosure for tracking and online marketing under FTC and TDPSA]
6. Consumer Privacy Rights (Texas Residents)
Under the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA), Texas residents may:
- Access: Request a copy of the personal information we maintain
- Correction: Correct inaccurate information
- Deletion: Request deletion of personal information
- Opt-Out: Opt out of targeted advertising or sale of personal information
- Appeal: Appeal if a privacy request is denied
Requests may be submitted to:
- Email: [Insert Email]
- Phone: [Insert Phone]
- Web Form: [Insert URL if available]
[ANNOTATION: Must provide clear instructions for submitting privacy requests]
7. Security of Personal Information
We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards, including:
- Encryption of sensitive data
- Restricted access to personal information
- Vendor security requirements for third-party services
- Monitoring systems to detect unauthorized access
[ANNOTATION: GLBA Safeguards Rule and FTC data security standards]
8. Data Retention
Personal information is retained only as long as necessary to:
- Complete transactions
- Meet regulatory requirements
- Resolve disputes
Information is securely deleted or destroyed when no longer needed.
[ANNOTATION: Required disclosure for transparency and TDPSA compliance]
9. Children’s Privacy
- Our website is not directed to children under 13
- We do not knowingly collect personal information from children
[ANNOTATION: Required by federal COPPA guidelines if children may access the site]
10. Third-Party Links
- Our website may contain links to third-party websites
- We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or security of these websites
[ANNOTATION: Standard disclaimer for liability protection]
11. Changes to Privacy Policy
- We may update this Privacy Policy at any time
- Updates will be posted with the revised effective date
- Continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of changes
[ANNOTATION: Required under federal and Texas law for transparency]
12. Texas Motor Vehicle Dealer Regulatory Disclosures
Texas Dealer License Disclosure
[Dealership Legal Name] is a licensed motor vehicle dealer in the State of Texas.
TxDMV Dealer License Number: [Insert License Number]
Dealer licenses are regulated by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).
Consumers may verify dealer licensing through the TxDMV website.
[ANNOTATION: Required disclosure for transparency and TDPSA compliance]
13. Texas Motor Vehicle Inventory Tax Disclosure
Under Texas Tax Code Section 23.123, motor vehicle dealerships pay inventory tax to the county tax assessor based on vehicles held for sale.
Statement for Customers
[Dealership Legal Name] is responsible for paying motor vehicle inventory tax on all vehicles held in inventory.
This tax is collected and remitted to the [Insert County Name] County Tax Assessor-Collector in accordance with Texas law.
The tax is calculated on the value of vehicles in inventory and is not a direct charge to customers. Vehicle purchase prices on this website do not include any inventory tax paid by the dealership.
For questions regarding motor vehicle inventory tax, customers may contact the county tax office:
[Insert County Tax Office Name]
Phone:[Insert Phone]
Website:[Insert URL]
[ANNOTATION: Required by county tax assessor – County Compliance - Texas]
14. Advertising and Pricing Accuracy Disclosure
The Dealership strives to ensure that all vehicle information, pricing, and promotions displayed on this website are accurate.
However:
- Vehicle pricing may not include taxes, title, license, dealer documentary fees, or optional accessories.
- Manufacturer incentives may vary by eligibility.
- Pricing and availability may change without notice.
The Dealership is not responsible for typographical, pricing, or data errors.
Final pricing and vehicle availability will be confirmed by dealership staff.
[ANNOTATION: protects dealers from FTC and TxDMV enforcement]
15. Financing and Credit Disclosure
Submission of a financing application through our website does not guarantee credit approval.
All financing approvals are subject to lender review and verification of submitted information.
[ANNOTATION: GLBA and TDPSA require disclosure]
16. Contact Information
[Dealership Legal Name]
[Street Address]
[City, Texas ZIP]
Phone: [Insert Phone]
Email: [Insert Privacy Email]
Mandatory Links Most Texas Dealership Sites Must Show
Typical compliant footer:
Rev up your sales - Top tips for car dealerships
Blog
SEP 24, 2024
How Dealership Statistics Can Transform Your Sales Strategy
AUG 26, 2024
Drive More Sales to Your Car Dealership with Digital Marketing
Get started now!
Simplify your process with our enhanced dealer solutions
Call 888-263-5580 or complete the form below: