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Many License Plate Covers are Illegal in Texas

You could be inviting unwanted police contact

If you add anything to your license plate, you could be violating Texas law, inviting unwanted police contact, and a potential ticket. Many of us unknowingly buy vehicles with, or add, license plate brackets that obscure portions of the license plate. A lot of us also add clear plastic covers to keep our license plate clean.

Any blurring or reflective matter added to a license plate that affects the readability is illegal. A license plate cover that obscures one-half or more of the name of the state, or obscures any letters, numbers, or the color of the plate is illegal.

To be sure you are not violating the law, or inviting unwanted police contact, make sure that:

  1. All you have attached to your vehicle is the license plate, as issued; and
  2. That all license plate lights are working properly.