The bill, H.B. No. 1607, amends the Transportation Code to introduce 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 allows for the display of only a rear license plate if the vehicle lacks a front feature for mounting a plate. In such cases, a license plate windshield insignia must be displayed inside the vehicle's front windshield. The bill also establishes a fee for the issuance of this insignia and outlines the rules for its application and display.

Additionally, the bill creates a new criminal offense for operating a vehicle without the required license plates and windshield insignia. It specifies that individuals must possess the unmounted license plate while operating the vehicle and produce it upon request from law enforcement. The bill includes provisions for dismissing charges under certain conditions and prohibits peace officers from stopping vehicles solely for enforcement of the new windshield insignia requirement if the vehicle complies with the regulations. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and apply only to offenses committed after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 504.010, Transportation Code 504.943 (Transportation Code 504)
House Committee Report: Transportation Code 504.010, Transportation Code 504.943 (Transportation Code 504)
Engrossed: Transportation Code 504.010, Transportation Code 504.943 (Transportation Code 504)