The bill, S.B. No. 858, aims to enhance penalties for certain criminal offenses related to the use of incorrect license plates or registration insignia on vehicles. It amends Section 504.944 of the Transportation Code to establish that operating a vehicle with a license plate or registration insignia issued for a different vehicle constitutes an offense. The bill specifies that this offense is generally a misdemeanor punishable by 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 another vehicle at the time of the offense, the penalty increases to a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500.

Additionally, the bill modifies Section 504.945, which addresses the alteration or illegibility of license plate identification marks. It introduces a new subsection (d-1) that similarly raises the penalty to a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500 if it is shown that the individual knowingly used a stolen or incorrectly issued license plate. The changes in law will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

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