Texas Law Regarding License Plate Frames

Many of us unknowingly buy vehicles with or add license plate brackets that obscure portions of the license plate or add a clear plastic cover to keep it clean.

Texas law regarding license plate frames. The law prohibits protective material to cover a license plate. Texas all letters numbers and other identification marks must be kept clean and distinct. License plate frames and the law feb 26 16 by ticket snipers license plate frames and the law license plate frames are not typically standard equipment on a vehicle but they are a pretty standard accessory. The chart below lists us laws statutes and regulations regarding the use of license plate covers frames and shields by state.

According to the texas transportation code a license plate frame only violates the law if it impairs the readability of the name of the state where the vehicle is registered or the letters or. Tennessee plate must be clearly visible and shall be maintained free from foreign materials. The state of texas has passed a law making it illegal to have a frame or bracket around the license plate on your car. As of november 1 2016 the state of texas will no longer automatically replace your plates after 7 years.

The information contained in this chart was based on information provided by cruiser accessories in 2018 and is made available for general informational purposes only. However you may still apply at your county tax office for replacement plates if the license plate needs to be replaced for cosmetic or readability reasons. Texas traffic code section 502 409 state in part. The rule must require the owner of a vehicle issued a digital license plate to obtain a physical license plate to be placed on the front of the vehicle unless the vehicle is of a class of vehicles that is not required to display two license plates as provided by other law.

Most brackets or frames that surround license plates are not illegal unless they obstruct the jurisdiction or the plate class many dealer frames block all or part of the words empire state at. Frames and covers should not obscure the plate.