Is it illegal to have ‘Texas’ obstructed on your license plate? Here’s what the law says
Texas drivers are pulled over by police or state troopers for a myriad of reasons, such as speeding or driving erratically on the road.
But what about covering a license plate?
A Reddit user posted about recently being pulled and raised the question of what constitutes a license plate infraction in Texas.
“The plate frame partially blocked the word Texas. Not the numbers or letters, just the state. I didn’t think this was a violation, am I wrong?” the post read.
Texas does have laws in regard to license plates and if they can be altered or obscured. Here’s what to know:
Is it illegal to have the word “Texas” blocked on a license plate?
Yes, it’s illegal to have half or more of the word “Texas” blocked on a license plate.
Under Texas Transportation Code section 504.945, a person commits an offense if they have a coating, covering, or other protective material that:
- Distorts angular visibility or detectability.
- Alters or obscures one-half or more of the name of the state in which the vehicle is registered.
- Alters, covers or obscures the letters or numbers of the license plate number or color of the plate.
A person also commits an offense if they have an attached illuminated device that interferes with the readability of the license plate letters, numbers and name of the state, according to state law.
Under Texas law, these offenses are misdemeanors punishable by a fine up to $300. If a person has previously been convicted of this offense, it’s still a misdemeanor but is punishable by a fine up to $600.
What else is illegal for Texas license plates?
The Texas Transportation Code lists a few other ways drivers could commit license plate infractions.
A person commits an offense if they attach or display:
- A license plate issued for a different vehicle.
- A license plate issued for the vehicle under any other motor vehicle law other than by the DMV.
- A license plate assigned for a registration period other than the current period in effect.
- A fictitious license plate.
Under Texas law, these offenses are a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine up to $200.
