Does Houston require rear license plates to be illuminated? (inspection, law)

[Zhang Fei]

Just wondering, as the license plate bulbs on my car have died and gone to heaven.

[Metro Matt]

State law everywhere in the US.

[elnina]

Yes. It has to be good visible in the dark. You need to replace the bulb. The cops will stop you for that.

[DJboutit]

Kinda dumb question this law is US wide

[paradoxcop]

It's not a city ordinance violation; it falls under state jurisdiction, and in Texas, it's codified under the Transportation Code. Specifically:

TX Transportation Code Ann. §547.322(f)(1):
A taillamp or a separate lamp shall be constructed and mounted to emit a white light that: (1) illuminates the rear license plate; and (2) makes the plate clearly legible at a distance of 50 feet from the rear.

Further, a vehicle must display each lighted lamp and illuminating device at nighttime.

Failure to comply is cited as a misdemeanor per TX Transportation Code Ann. §542.301

Get new bulbs.

[Zhang Fei]

Originally Posted by paradoxcop

A taillamp or a separate lamp shall be constructed and mounted to emit a white light

Could motorists with the red, blue or orange LED's currently fashionable get ticketed for being non-compliant?

[SteveArmy]

Originally Posted by Zhang Fei

Could motorists with the red, blue or orange LED's currently fashionable could get ticketed for being non-compliant?

may not pass inspection. i personally replace my black headlights every year because it has no hi-beams yet then put it back when i get the sticker

[Metro Matt]

Originally Posted by Zhang Fei

Could motorists with the red, blue or orange LED's currently fashionable could get ticketed for being non-compliant?

Yes, just as they did when neon license plate frames first became popular in the late 80's-early 90's.

As long as the LED's are colored correctly on the appropriate side of the vehicle though they are perfectly legal. Many newer high end cars are coming stock with these. Red LED's have been used in stop/brake lights for over 30 years. Some cars that old still have functioning lights that have never been changed!

[paradoxcop]

Originally Posted by Zhang Fei

Could motorists with the red, blue or orange LED's currently fashionable get ticketed for being non-compliant?

LEDs (or neons) in colors as far as license plate illumination goes? Forget it. White means white.

First, you must adhere to the rules set forth in TX Transportation Code §502.409. Note the following two amendments made in 2003 which prohibit:
1. letters, numbers, or other identification marks that because of blurring or reflective matter are not plainly visible at all times during daylight, or
2. an attached illuminated device or sticker, decal, emblem, or other insignia that is not authorized by law and that interferes with the readability of the letters or numbers on the plate or the name of the state in which the vehicle is registered.

#2 (above) applies here and presents an interesting challenge. There are white illuminated LED license plate frames available. I can practically guarantee you that an officer would cite you for one because "interferes with readability" as used here is a subjective measurement (even DPS states this); when combined with "illuminated device" it becomes very iffy as to whether a white LED array that doesn't strobe, and sufficiently illuminates the plate, could accurately be construed as rendering the plate unreadable.

Theoretically, if you had the time and desire, you might be able to have a citation for that specific light array thrown out on appeal. This is exactly the process citizens may initiate to challenge and overturn laws that don't make sense.

Now, if you're lookin' to pimp your ride with LEDs all over the place, there are lengthy guidelines in place.

Texas adopted the Federal Standard - Title 49, CFR §571.108 - and implements it via TX Transportation Code §546.3215. Also, see TX Transportation Code §547.305. Google the sections I bolded if you really want to learn more. I guarantee your eyes will glaze over after the first couple of minutes.

The law severely restricts aftermarket LEDs on the exterior of the vehicle, and imposes even more stringent restrictions when using the emergency colors of red and blue. You can put whatever LEDs you want inside the vehicle, if they're not visible from the outside. The restrictions are in place because (1) lights can adversely distract other motorists, and (2), no attempt, however amateur, may be made to mimic the light pattern of a legitimate emergency vehicle (fire, police, rescue).

Of course, LEDs used in colors conforming to the Federal Standard in standard lamps (headlights, tail lights, etc.) are fine. Many newer cars are using them. And you can put whatever LEDs you want on your vehicle as long as it remains on your property, or for display at a car show, as long as you remove them before entering the publicly-owned roads.

[bluelion_ms3]

there are white/hyper white LEDS, so those are ok.... a lot of Lexus vehicles use them for the license plate lights.... and what people were used to as "white" halogen bulbs, really are more yellowish when comparing them to white/hyper white/pure white LEDS.