Transportation Code · §504.943

Operation of Vehicle Without License Plate

Operation of Vehicle Without License Plate (§504.943): key points and worked practice questions for Texas peace officer exam preparation.

Key points

  • Two assigned plates, placed per department rules (§504.943(a))
  • Road tractors, motorcycles, trailers, semitrailers: one plate (§504.943(b))
  • Dealers operating as provided by law: exempt (§504.943(c))

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Worked examples

Worked example 1

Texas requires a vehicle to display:

  1. Only a rear plate
  2. Two license plates assigned by the department — except road tractors, motorcycles, trailers, and semitrailers, which display one Correct
  3. Three plates
  4. No plates if registration is current
Why: A motor vehicle operated on a public highway during a registration period must display two license plates assigned by the department for the period and placed according to department rules (§504.943(a)). A road tractor, motorcycle, trailer, or semitrailer must display one such plate (§504.943(b)). The section does not apply to a dealer operating a vehicle as provided by law (§504.943(c)). Grading: misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $200 (§504.943(e)).
Statute: Tex. Transp. Code §504.943