General Vehicle & Driving

September 30, 2020

National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA)

Contact NHTSA for federal regulations pertaining to recalls, air bags, vehicle importation and certification, safety defects, child safety seats, and other topics.

Odometer Rollbacks

Odometer tampering complaints should be addressed to the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.

Report a Smoking Vehicle

To report a smoking vehicle in North Central Texas, visit North Central Texas Regional Smoking Vehicle Program (RSVP) or call #SMOKE (#76653) from your wireless phone or (817) 704-2522.

Dismissal of Charge for Motorist

A motorist who is charged with operating a vehicle without complying with inspection requirements may have the charges dismissed if they meet the requirements under 548.605(e)(1).

License Plates

State law requires vehicle owners to display two license plates, one at the exterior front and one at the exterior rear of the vehicle. Plates must be securely fastened in the horizontal position of not less than 12 inches from the ground, measuring from the bottom. Texas Administration Code, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, 217.22

DPS does not inspect the license plate specifically, but instead inspects the license plate lamp.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) requires vehicle owners to properly display the registration certificate. Operation of a vehicle without registration insignia is an offense. Additional information on offense and compliance is specified in the Texas Transportation Code, 502.473.