(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), the department may issue a permit under this subchapter only to an applicant registered under Chapter 643.
(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to a permit for:
(1) the driving or transporting of farm equipment that is being used for an agricultural purpose and is driven or transported by or under the authority of the owner of the equipment; or
(2) a vehicle or equipment that is not subject to Chapter 643.
(c) Before the department issues a permit under this subchapter for a vehicle or equipment described by Subsection (b)(2), the applicant shall file with the department a bond in an amount set by the Texas Department of Transportation, payable to the Texas Department of Transportation, and conditioned that the applicant will pay to the Texas Department of Transportation any damage that might be sustained to the highway because of the operation of the vehicle or equipment for which a permit is issued. Venue of a suit for recovery on the bond is in Travis County.