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 allows for the display of only a rear license plate if the vehicle lacks a front mounting feature. In such cases, a license plate windshield insignia must be displayed inside the vehicle's front windshield. The bill also introduces a fee for the issuance of this insignia and outlines the requirements for its application, including the necessity 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 that does not display the required license plates and windshield insignia. It specifies that a person can be charged if they fail to have the unmounted license plate in their possession or do not produce it upon request by a peace officer. The bill also includes provisions for dismissing charges under certain conditions and clarifies that law enforcement cannot stop a vehicle solely for violations related to the windshield insignia if it is properly displayed. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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)