Texas Transportation Code § 504.945: Altered or Obscured License Plates

Having proper, visible license plates on your vehicle isn't just about following the rules—it's a legal requirement in Texas. Understanding Section 504.945 of the Texas Transportation Code can help you avoid unnecessary fines and legal issues while driving in the Lone Star State.

What Texas Transportation Code § 504.945 Says

Prohibited License Plate Violations

Texas law prohibits displaying license plates that are issued for different vehicles, from non-department sources, for expired registration periods, or that are completely fictitious.

Visibility Requirements

The law specifically targets plates with blurring or reflective matter that impairs readability, attached illuminated devices or stickers that interfere with plate visibility, and coatings or coverings that distort visibility or obscure identifying information.

Exceptions to the Rule

Not all objects that partially block a license plate are illegal. The law specifically exempts trailer hitches, toll transponders, wheelchair lifts/carriers, towed trailers, and bicycle/motorcycle racks when attached in a normal manner.

Penalties for Violations

Violations typically result in a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $200. However, knowingly altering plate identification marks elevates the offense to a Class B misdemeanor. Fictitious plates also carry Class B misdemeanor charges. Repeated violations for obscuring plate numbers or letters can result in increased fines or more serious charges.

Dismissal Opportunities

Courts may dismiss certain charges if you remedy the defect before your first court appearance, pay a reimbursement fee (not exceeding $10), and show that your vehicle was properly registered during the alleged offense period.

The Full Texas Statute: § 504.945

Sec. 504.945. WRONG, FICTITIOUS, ALTERED, OR OBSCURED LICENSE PLATE.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person attaches to or displays on a motor vehicle a license plate that:

(1) is issued for a different motor vehicle;

(2) is issued for the vehicle under any other motor vehicle law other than by the department;

(3) is assigned for a registration period other than the registration period in effect;

(4) is fictitious;

(5) has blurring or reflective matter that significantly impairs the readability of the name of the state in which the vehicle is registered or the letters or numbers of the license plate number at any time;

(6) has 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 of the license plate number or the name of the state in which the vehicle is registered; or

(7) has a coating, covering, protective substance, or other material that:

(A) distorts angular visibility or detectability;

(B) alters or obscures one-half or more of the name of the state in which the vehicle is registered; or

(C) alters, covers, or obscures the letters or numbers of the license plate number or the color of the plate.

(b) Except as provided by Subsections (e) and (f), an offense under Subsection (a) is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $200, unless it is shown at the trial of the offense that the owner knowingly altered or made illegible the letters, numbers, and other identification marks, in which case the offense is a Class B misdemeanor.

(c) Subsection (a)(7) may not be construed to apply to:

(1) a trailer hitch installed on a vehicle in a normal or customary manner;

(2) a transponder, as defined by Section 228.057, that is attached to a vehicle in the manner required by the issuing authority;

(3) a wheelchair lift or wheelchair carrier that is attached to a vehicle in a normal or customary manner;

(4) a trailer being towed by a vehicle; or

(5) a bicycle or motorcycle rack that is attached to a vehicle in a normal or customary manner.

(d) A court may dismiss a charge brought under Subsection (a)(3), (5), (6), or (7) if the defendant:

(1) remedies the defect before the defendant's first court appearance;

(2) pays a reimbursement fee not to exceed $10; and

(3) shows that the vehicle was issued a plate by the department that was attached to the vehicle, establishing that the vehicle was registered for the period during which the offense was committed.

(e) An offense under Subsection (a)(4) is a Class B misdemeanor.

(f) An offense under Subsection (a)(7)(C) is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $300, except that the offense is:

(1) a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $600 if it is shown on the trial of the offense that the person has been previously convicted of an offense under Subsection (a)(7)(C); or

(2) a Class B misdemeanor if it is shown on the trial of the offense that the person has been previously convicted two or more times of an offense under Subsection (a)(7)(C).

Get Legal Help

If you're facing charges related to license plate violations in Texas, legal assistance can help protect your rights. ConsumerShield connects individuals with qualified attorneys across the United States who specialize in traffic violations and other legal matters. Our free matching service has helped thousands of clients find representation from our nationwide network of highly-rated law firms.

Note: This content was generated with AI and edited and fact-checked by ConsumerShield editors.