The bill, S.B. No. 858, amends the Transportation Code to address criminal offenses related to the use of incorrect license plates or registration insignia on vehicles. It introduces new provisions that classify the operation of a vehicle with a wrong license plate as an offense, specifying that a person commits an offense if they operate or allow another to operate a vehicle with a number plate or registration insignia issued for a different vehicle. The bill increases penalties for such offenses, establishing that a misdemeanor can result in a fine of up to $200, but if it is proven that the individual knew the license plate or registration insignia was stolen or issued for a different vehicle, the fine can increase to $500.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing penalties for offenses related to the alteration or illegibility of license plates. It specifies that if a person knowingly alters or makes illegible the identification marks on a license plate, the offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor. The new provisions will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025, ensuring that any offenses occurring prior to this date will be governed by the previous law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 504.944, Transportation Code 504.945 (Transportation Code 504)