Texas House Bill HB666

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the criminal offense of operating certain vehicles without a license plate.

Impact

The bill establishes legal definitions and consequences surrounding the absence of a displayed license plate for certain vehicle categories. One significant change is that it sets criteria for luxury vehicles, potentially leading to heightened expectations for compliance among owners of higher-priced cars. On the effective date of the law, it introduces penalties specific to non-compliance that may impact the operation of these vehicles on public highways, targeting enforcement actions and providing clarity to law enforcement personnel.

Summary

House Bill 666 seeks to amend the Transportation Code of Texas with respect to the criminal offense associated with operating certain vehicles without a properly displayed license plate. Specifically, it addresses vehicles such as road tractors, motorcycles, trailers, semitrailers, and luxury passenger cars that do not show a license plate assigned and regulated by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. A new definition is introduced for what constitutes a 'luxury passenger car', distinguishing vehicles priced over $60,000 as subject to these regulations.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the definition of luxury passenger cars and the implications for vehicle owners who may not have kept their registrations current. The legislation may prompt discussions regarding fairness, as individuals with luxury vehicles may face heightened scrutiny compared to average vehicles. Furthermore, there may be arguments surrounding the practicality of enforcement and the potential economic impact on individuals who own these luxury vehicles. The law specifies that any offense committed prior to its effective date will be governed by previous regulations, which may be a point of legal contention.