The bill amends the Transportation Code to establish new regulations regarding license plates and license plate windshield insignia for passenger cars and light trucks. It mandates that applicants for vehicle registration must receive a set of two license plates, and it allows for the display of only a rear license plate if the vehicle lacks a front mounting feature. In such cases, the vehicle must also display a license plate windshield insignia, which the department will issue upon payment of a prescribed fee. The bill outlines the requirements for obtaining this insignia, including the need for the vehicle owner to possess the unmounted license plate while operating the vehicle.

Additionally, the bill creates a new criminal offense for operating a vehicle without the required license plates and windshield insignia. It specifies that a person commits an offense if they fail to display the necessary items or do not have the unmounted license plate in their possession when required. The bill also allows courts to dismiss charges under certain conditions, such as if the defendant produces the unmounted license plate in court. Furthermore, it prohibits peace officers from stopping a vehicle solely to enforce the new windshield insignia requirements if the vehicle is compliant. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 504.010, Transportation Code 504.943 (Transportation Code 504)