Just an FYI...Front plate law will be enforcable per re-written law sept 1st. HB 347 expands the current limitations on wireless communication device (cell phone) use in an active school crossing zone to include the property of a public elementary, middle, or junior high school for which a local authority has designated a school crossing zone. The use will only be restricted during the time a reduced speed limit is in effect for the school crossing zone. Further, it will not apply to vehicles that are stopped, or drivers using a hands-free device or making an emergency call. HB 1174 amends current statute to increase the minimum fines for the misdemeanor offense of passing a stopped school bus loading or unloading children. The minimum fine increases from $200 to $500, and the maximum fine for such an offense increases from $1,000 to $1,250. The bill also enhances the penalty for a second or subsequent conviction of that offense committed within five years to a misdemeanor punishable by a minimum fine of $1,000 and a maximum fine of $2,000. SB 181 allows a motor vehicle operator the option of using a wireless communication device (such as a cell phone) to display motor vehicle financial responsibility (proof of insurance) information as evidence of financial responsibility. The display does not constitute effective consent for a law enforcement officer, or any other person, to access the contents of the wireless communication device except to view the financial responsibility information. *This bill is effective immediately. SB 510 requires drivers to move over or slow down (as required depending on the roadway) when approaching a stationary Texas Department of Transportation vehicle with its lights activated and not separated from the roadway by a traffic-control device. This provision expands the state's Move Over/Slow Down law, which already requires drivers to yield to tow trucks, police, fire and emergency vehicles. Violators would commit a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine of up to $200; punishable by a fine of $500 if property damage occurs; or a Class B misdemeanor if the violation results in bodily damage. HB 2304 lowers the population requirement from 2.2 million to one million for counties where sheriffs or deputy sheriffs can be certified by DPS to enforce federal commercial motor vehicle regulations. This will open the opportunity to Bexar, Tarrant and Travis counties. HB 625 clarifies that the penalty for operating a vehicle on a public highway without displaying the two license plates assigned to the vehicle is a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine not to exceed $200. HB 3668 amends current statute to require the operator of a vehicle involved in an accident that results or is reasonably likely to result in the injury or death of a person to immediately determine whether a person is involved in the accident, and if so, whether the person requires aid, in addition to other existing statutory requirements. SB 275 increases the penalty for leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in the death of a person and failing to render aid from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony. A second degree felony carries a punishment of two to 20 years in prison and an optional fine not to exceed $10,000, whereas a third degree felony carries a penalty of two to 10 years in prison and an optional fine not to exceed $10,000. HB 1284 increases the penalty for the offense of initiating, communicating or circulating a false report of an emergency (such as a bomb threat) involving an institution of higher education from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony. *This bill is effective immediately. HB 124 adds Salvia divinorum (unless unharvested and growing in its natural state) - including all parts of the plant, seeds and extracts from a part of the plant - to Penalty Group 3 of the Texas Controlled Substances Act. HB 2637 provides that an individual fraudulently using identifying information to avoid registering as a sex offender to be punished at the next highest degree felony.
They need to add that if you are uninsured, whether at fault or not you will be responsible for your property damage and injuries.
Classified as a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine not to exceed $200. What happen to the term infraction? Misdemeanor offenses are fairly serious for a missing front license plate? Geez, don't police officers have more important things to do. Let's hope most police officers just look the other way.
Well there goes the concept of proximate cause. Not to mention that it wouldn't aid the injured party, because as a general rule if a person is uninsured they are usually also insolvent.
Displaying the two license plates? What does that mean? Can I stack them both in the rear position? Edit: It actually looks like we are only required to display one license plate. See HB657: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/83R/billtext/html/HB00657I.htm HB625 is the penalty for operating without any license plate. That should be a misdemeanor.
If they would get a small adhesive license like some EU countries most guys wouldn't have a problem with front plates.
I believe 657 died in committee and was never voted upon. It is my understanding we are (and will) still be required to display two, one at the foremost and rearmost point of the vehicle. (Someone please prove me wrong so I don't have to put one on the front)
Left pending in committee. Maybe this one needs a petition drive! Legislative Research: TX HB657 | 2013-2014 | 83rd Legislature | LegiScan
A license plate displayed on the dash of a vehicle is not legible thus illegal. Frankly speaking a properly placed license plate detracts nothing in regards to the awesomeness of a Ferrari or other exotic or high priced machine.
This is fascinating. If you have a PDF of your evidence of insurance card, then you can display it to the police officer. Or, if you take a picture of your evidence of insurance card, then you can display that to the officer. I wonder how long before an electronic representation of your drivers' license will be accepted?
Sounds crazy if that happens. Nothing like holding or reach for a black device when the officer approaches the car.
The issue with this is that the document can be altered unless the app takes you directly to your insurance carrier. There is a system that allows police officers to verify valid proof of insurance (financial responsibility) on their in-car computer but the system is costly and the cost falls upon the department and most departments are financially unable to purchase this system. That is why anyone with any percentage of common sense will/should keep their hands in plain view, preferably on the steering wheel.
The database that you and I are referring to is a product that initially cost anywhere from $150K up to $500K and it is also based upon a yearly paid subscription. I have seen and operated this database while on 'ride alongs' and it is very cool but the initial investment cost is something that some police departments cannot afford. This is where the LEO's "on scene" need to think outside of the box and contact their county sheriffs office and so on and so on.....
