Texas to Replace Paper License Plates with Metal Ones by 2025Texas is set to replace paper license plates with metal ones by June 30th, 2025. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will issue $10 metal plates that dealers will distribute at the time of sale. This move is aimed at addressing the issue of paper plates, which are easy to fake and are often used by criminals to commit crimes while avoiding detection. The new law, HB718, was signed by Governor Gregg Abbott on Tuesday.Advocates of the bill say that paper plates are a huge issue in Texas and this is a win for law enforcement and safety. According to them, many individuals copy or fake the paper plates to avoid having to register a vehicle. One investigation by local news station KXAN found that selling fake paper tags has turned into a $200 million business. This is a problem across the nation as shady dealers will sometimes simply issue a new paper tag for a price when a customer asks for it.The move to replace paper license plates with metal ones has been hailed as a mammoth step for law enforcement in Texas. According to one police officer, this move is going to help everybody all the way across the United States, so it’s huge. Sgt. Jose Escribano with the Travis County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office said, “This is a huge thing, and I’m very, very happy with that. Is it going to end tomorrow? No. We have to wait, and we have to be patient and keep on fighting this fight because we still have another at least a year and a half to two to wait.”Between now and December 1st, 2024, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles must figure out how to implement this change. That includes working with dealers to figure out how they’ll obtain the plates and how they’ll be tracked to ensure similar problems don’t pop up.Advantages of Metal License PlatesThe move to replace paper license plates with metal ones is expected to have several advantages. For one, metal plates are more durable than paper ones. They can withstand harsh weather conditions and last longer, which means that vehicle owners won’t have to replace them as often. This will save them money in the long run.Another advantage of metal license plates is that they are harder to fake than paper ones. Criminals won’t be able to copy or fake them easily, which means that law enforcement agencies will have an easier time tracking down criminals who use fake plates to commit crimes.Metal license plates are also more visible than paper ones. They reflect light better, which makes them easier to read in low light conditions. This is especially important for law enforcement officers who need to read license plates quickly and accurately.Disadvantages of Metal License PlatesWhile metal license plates have several advantages, they also have some disadvantages. For one, they are heavier than paper plates, which means that they can add weight to a vehicle. This can affect the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, which means that vehicle owners may end up spending more on gas.Another disadvantage of metal license plates is that they can be more expensive than paper ones. While the new metal plates in Texas will only cost $10, other states may charge more for them. This could be a problem for low-income vehicle owners who may not be able to afford the extra cost.ConclusionReplacing paper license plates with metal ones is a step in the right direction for Texas. It will make it harder for criminals to use fake plates to commit crimes and will make it easier for law enforcement officers to track down those who do. While metal license plates have some disadvantages, the advantages outweigh them. They are more durable, more visible, and harder to fake than paper ones. This move is expected to save vehicle owners money in the long run and improve safety on Texas roads.