Rules for NRHM routing are contained in the Texas Administrative Code under Title 43, . These rules authorize a political subdivision of a state to establish NRHM route designations consistent with federal regulations ( , Subpart C).

As the state routing agency, TxDOT is required to approve all new NRHM routing designations or revisions to existing routing designations. In addition, state law requires a municipality with a population of more than 850,000 to develop a route for commercial motor vehicles carrying NRHM on a road or highway in the municipality and to submit the proposed route to TxDOT for approval.

A city or political subdivision cannot simply pass an ordinance to establish an NRHM route. A new NRHM route or modification to an existing route must be established in accordance with the state and federal regulations listed above.