In this paper we consider the exact $D$-optimal design problem for linear trigonometric regression models with or without intercept on a partial circle. In a recent papper Dette, Melas and Pepelyshev (2001) found explicit solutions of approximate $D$-optimal designs for trigonometric regression models with intercept on a partial circle. The exact optimal designs are determined by means of moment sets of trigonometric functions. It is shown that the structure of the optimal designs depends on both the length of the design interval and the number of the design points.