Texas House Bill HB754

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to an affirmative defense to the offense of operating a vehicle without displaying two license plates.

Impact

The bill's enactment is expected to modernize vehicle regulation in Texas, aligning state laws with contemporary automotive designs and technologies. By recognizing the limitations posed by specific vehicle designs, the legislation could potentially reduce the number of unwarranted citations for drivers following their manufacturer's specifications. Additionally, it highlights the ongoing need for state laws to adapt in response to advancements in vehicle technology, while also ensuring that drivers are not penalized for compliance with their vehicle's operational design.

Summary

House Bill 754 introduces an affirmative defense to the offense of operating a vehicle without displaying two license plates in Texas. The bill primarily targets motorists who may legally operate vehicles without a front license plate under certain conditions. According to the new provisions, a motorist can defend against certain charges if their vehicle is equipped with driving sensors that would be impaired by the display of a front license plate, or if the vehicle was not manufactured with a mounting plate for such a plate. This change is particularly relevant given the increasing number of vehicles designed with advanced technology that might conflict with traditional regulations on license plates.

Contention

Notably, while the bill appears to offer protective measures for drivers, some concerns could arise regarding its implementation and enforcement. Questions may be raised about how law enforcement will assess whether a vehicle is indeed equipped with impairing sensors and whether manufacturers adequately inform consumers about provisions regarding mounting capabilities. Stakeholders might debate the clarity of the language surrounding what constitutes a valid affirmative defense, which could lead to inconsistencies in enforcement across different jurisdictions.