Texas House Bill HB1274

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the number of license plates to be issued for and displayed on certain motor vehicles.

Impact

The impact of HB 1274 on state laws will be significant as it revises sections of the Transportation Code that govern the number of license plates issued for motor vehicles. It specifically amends Section 504, which outlines how and when plates should be displayed. By altering these regulations, lawmakers intend to unify and streamline the regulatory environment regarding vehicle registration, which may simplify compliance for vehicle owners and reduce instances of legal infractions related to improper plate display.

Summary

House Bill 1274 focuses on the regulation of the issuance and display of license plates for passenger cars and light trucks in Texas. This bill mandates that the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TX DMV) will issue only one license plate for attachment at the rear of these vehicles. The new provision allows for dual plates only if both are assigned for registration. This change aims to simplify the existing regulations surrounding vehicle registration and possibly reduce costs associated with manufacturing and maintaining multiple plates for vehicles.

Contention

Discussion surrounding HB 1274 has included points of contention regarding the implications of reducing the number of license plates per vehicle. While proponents argue that this will provide a more straightforward approach to licensing and reduce costs for the DMV and vehicle owners, opponents may raise concerns over visibility, identification, and enforcement issues with vehicles that display only one license plate. The bill also lays the groundwork for a potential cultural shift in how Texans view vehicle registration, implicating many stakeholders from the state government to vehicle owners.