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Bill

Bill

HB 543

RELATING TO LICENSE PLATES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Luke Evslin and 7 co-sponsors

HB 543 prohibits license plate flipping devices to enhance vehicle identification, aiding law enforcement and improving public safety while impacting manufacturers and sellers.

Reported from TRN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 201) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to JHA.
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Bill Summary · HB 543

Summary of Bill HB 543: Relating to License Plates

Bill Number: HB 543
Introduced On: January 17, 2025
Current Status: Reported from TRN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 201) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to JHA.
Companion Bill: SB 1096

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 543 is to address the issue of license plate flipping devices used on motor vehicles. The bill aims to prohibit the use of such devices, which can obscure or alter license plate visibility, thereby undermining law enforcement efforts and vehicle identification processes.

Key Provisions

  • Prohibition of License Plate Flipping Devices: The bill explicitly prohibits the use, sale, or distribution of devices designed to flip or obscure license plates on motor vehicles.
  • Penalties: The bill outlines specific penalties for individuals or entities found in violation of this prohibition, although the exact details of the penalties are not specified in the provided information.
  • Enforcement Measures: The bill may include provisions for law enforcement to take action against violators, enhancing the ability to maintain vehicle identification integrity.

Affected Parties

  • Motor Vehicle Owners: Individuals who own or operate vehicles may be directly affected, as the bill restricts the use of devices that could be used to obscure their license plates.
  • Law Enforcement Agencies: The bill is intended to aid law enforcement by ensuring that license plates remain visible and identifiable, thus improving public safety and compliance with vehicle registration laws.
  • Manufacturers and Sellers of License Plate Devices: Businesses involved in the production or sale of license plate flipping devices would be impacted, as the bill would make their products illegal.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 17, 2025: Bill introduced and passed First Reading.
  • January 21, 2025: Referred to the committees on TRN and JHA.
  • January 24, 2025: Scheduled for a hearing by the TRN committee.
  • January 28, 2025: TRN committee recommended that the measure be passed with amendments, with a unanimous vote (8 Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Excused).
  • February 6, 2025: Bill passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and was referred to the JHA committee.

Conclusion

HB 543 seeks to enhance vehicle identification and public safety by prohibiting the use of license plate flipping devices. The bill has progressed through the legislative process and is currently under consideration by the JHA committee following amendments made during its review by the TRN committee. The outcome of this bill could have significant implications for vehicle owners, law enforcement, and related businesses.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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