Texas is set to replace temporary paper tags with metal plates due to rising criminal activity linked to the misuse of paper tags. This change, effective July 1, aims to enhance law enforcement's ability to track vehicles and improve efficiency for car dealers.
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is making a significant change in its vehicle registration process by eliminating temporary paper tags. This decision comes in response to a KPRC2 investigation that highlighted the increasing criminal activity associated with these paper tags. Effective July 1, Texas will transition to metal plates for all vehicles, a move aimed at improving law enforcement's ability to track vehicles and reducing the misuse of temporary tags.
Temporary paper tags have become a tool for criminals in Texas, allowing them to evade law enforcement. Reports have shown how easy it is to obtain fake paper tags through platforms like Facebook Marketplace or from individuals at gas stations. These tags, while appearing legitimate, are often not registered and can lead to significant issues for both law enforcement and unsuspecting vehicle owners.
KPRC2's investigations revealed that fake temporary tags were being used in getaway vehicles, not just in Texas but as far away as New York. This alarming trend prompted lawmakers to take action, leading to the decision to phase out paper tags entirely.
Starting in July, car dealerships in Texas will be required to provide metal plates instead of temporary paper tags when selling vehicles. This system is already in place in states like Michigan, where dealerships are authorized to handle all aspects of vehicle registration, including the issuance of metal plates.
The new legislation, which has already passed the Texas Senate, will also change how license plates are assigned. Under Senate Bill 1902, metal plates will be linked to the owner rather than the vehicle. This means that when a person sells their car, they will remove the plate and transfer it to their new vehicle, streamlining the registration process.
For car dealers, this change is seen as a positive development. Fewer paper tags mean less storage and administrative burden. Regardless of whether Senate Bill 1902 is approved by the House, the transition to metal plates will take effect on July 1. Vehicle owners currently using paper tags should be aware that these will become suspicious to law enforcement, potentially leading to traffic stops.
In private sales, the seller will need to submit a vehicle transfer notification within 30 days of the sale to update their motor vehicle record. This process is crucial to ensure that the new owner is properly registered and that the previous owner is not held liable for any incidents involving the vehicle after the sale.
The risks associated with temporary paper tags extend beyond mere inconvenience. In many states, including Texas, the seller of a vehicle can still be held liable for actions taken with that vehicle after the sale if the new owner fails to register it in their name. This creates a potential legal nightmare for sellers who may find themselves involved in litigation due to the actions of a buyer who did not complete the registration process.
The decision to eliminate temporary paper tags in Texas is a proactive measure aimed at curbing criminal activity and improving the efficiency of vehicle registration. By transitioning to metal plates, Texas hopes to enhance law enforcement's ability to track vehicles and reduce the misuse of temporary tags. As this change approaches, both dealers and vehicle owners must adapt to the new regulations to ensure compliance and avoid potential legal issues.
For those involved in vehicle sales, it is essential to understand the implications of these changes and to ensure that all transactions are properly documented and registered. The move away from paper tags marks a significant shift in Texas's approach to vehicle registration, one that prioritizes safety and accountability.
