Under the Transportation Code, which of the following must all vehicles have while being operated on public roads?

The requirement for vehicles operating on public roads to have financial responsibility is mandated under the Texas Transportation Code. Financial responsibility refers to the proof of ability to pay for damages resulting from vehicular accidents, which can include liability insurance, a surety bond, or other forms of financial security. This can be shown through various means, but the underlying principle is to ensure operators are financially covered in the event of an accident, thereby protecting not only themselves but also others on the road.

While vehicles must also have insurance coverage, the wording "financial responsibility" encompasses a broader range of acceptable financial safety nets beyond just insurance. Consequently, while having insurance is common and often the simplest way to meet the financial responsibility requirement, the law specifically emphasizes the broader concept of financial responsibility to ensure that all vehicles are adequately covered under various scenarios.