How many car license plates are required in TX? (Dallas: high crime, live in)

[First24]

After reading the information in the link posted by the OP, it gives some clarifaction to what the employees at the dealership advised me.

“Absolutely it is a potentially very big problem,” said Robert Gregg, a criminal defense and personal injury attorney.

“The issue is not whether it is a fine. That’s where we start. The issue is whether or not it’s a crime.”

The old law read, “A person commits an offense if the person operates… a passenger car or commercial motor vehicle that does not display two license plates at the front and rear of the vehicle.”

In the new bill passed into law on the last day of the session that language was accidentally struck from the measure.
“Problem is they didn’t move it over to the new section, therefore it’s not a crime,” Gregg said.

If a person were to be pulled over for the sole reason of driving without a front license plate, any search and seizure beyond that point could potentially be deemed illegal because the probable cause (driving without a front plate) is not a crime at the present time. Seems like it could become a messy legal situation, hence, why so few drivers are cited for this issue.

I'm pretty sure the Legislature will revisit this when they reconvene in January 2013.

Originally Posted by asubram3

If you are going to cover up the front plate area with "something", then why not just obey the law and put the plate up? It this some sort of prestige issue?

I'm currently not breaking the law and because I feel like being rebellious.

[Double-G]

It's a black and white issue, 2 plates. Very nice sports cars can and do get away with 1 plate - the rest of you? Well you're serving up Probably Cause for your troubles.

[Double-G]

If a person were to be pulled over for the sole reason of driving without a front license plate, any search and seizure beyond that point could potentially be deemed illegal because the probable cause (driving without a front plate) is not a crime at the present time. Seems like it could become a messy legal situation, hence, why so few drivers are cited for this issue.

If that issue comes up, best of luck winning in a North Texas court...

[TrueDat]

If it's a black and white issue, why are sports cars exempt? Because they are too low to the ground?

[Double-G]

Originally Posted by TrueDat

If it's a black and white issue, why are sports cars exempt? Because they are too low to the ground?

It's discretionary like pretty much everything else...

[Pete53FR]

I keep two license plates on my car, obey all traffic laws, keep car inspected and carry proof of insurance. If I get stopped I want it to be a quick visit. I am also obstinate and would not consent to a search of my vehicle or person and would require an attorney for questions.

I find it ridiculous that a cars owner can be fined for another driver or give a ticket to a car and the owner has to pay.

[Camelia38]

I'm fairly new to TX, and when I got my plates at the dealership, they didn't put my frame back on the back plate, saying police are pulling over cars that have a plate covering the word "Texas." I've left it off, but it's got my university on it, and I'd love to put it back on IF the dealership was wrong. Anybody know? I see plenty of framed plates, but I didn't know the rule.

[Double-G]

Originally Posted by Camelia38

I'm fairly new to TX, and when I got my plates at the dealership, they didn't put my frame back on the back plate, saying police are pulling over cars that have a plate covering the word "Texas." I've left it off, but it's got my university on it, and I'd love to put it back on IF the dealership was wrong. Anybody know? I see plenty of framed plates, but I didn't know the rule.

As I said above it really is discretionary.

Not saying its right, but it is what it is.

[Camelia38]

Originally Posted by Double-G

As I said above it really is discretionary.

Not saying its right, but it is what it is.

That's what I figured. I'd rather err on the side of caution in this case. Thanks!

[MckinneyOwnr]

Originally Posted by TrueDat

If it's a black and white issue, why are sports cars exempt? Because they are too low to the ground?

There are a lot of sportscars that simply don't have a mounting bracket in the front for a plate. If you want to run a front plate, you might have to drill holes in the front bumper, and obviously if you just spent $50k or more, you're not going to run out to the garage and drill holes in your bumper, law or no law.

My sportscars have gone without a front bumper for well over a decade and I've never been bothered, but on the flip side, I know a couple other drivers who have been hassled regarding the issue.