79R4761 JRJ-D

By:  Dutton                                                       H.B. No. 928



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to an offense involving a motor vehicle with an altered or 
obscured license plate.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 502.409(a), Transportation Code, is 
amended to read as follows:
	(a)  A person commits an offense if the person attaches to or 
displays on a motor vehicle a number plate or registration insignia 
that:
		(1)  is assigned to a different motor vehicle;                                
		(2)  is assigned to 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 [letters, numbers, or other identification 
marks that because of] blurring or reflective matter that impairs 
the readability of the letters or numbers of the license plate 
number or the registration insignia [are not plainly visible] at 
all times during daylight;
		(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 
[on] the license plate number [or the name of the state in which the 
vehicle is registered]; or
		(7)  has a coating, covering, or protective material 
that:                  
			(A)  distorts angular visibility or 
detectability; or                      
			(B)  alters or obscures the letters or numbers of 
[on] the license plate number [, the color of the plate, or another 
original design feature of the plate].
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.