Metal plate counterfeit.
Just two months after Texas banned paper tags, law enforcement is finding counterfeit versions of the new metal temporary plates. An NBC 5 investigation reveals that criminals are using sticker-like vehicle wraps to create realistic-looking fakes, as seen in a Harris County traffic stop where a fraudulent plate was registered to a different car. Experts warn the red-striped 30-day temporary plates are a prime target, partly because they can be obtained without an emissions test, creating a potential loophole for unroadworthy vehicles. While officials attribute the initial surge in demand for these plates to transitional issues with car dealerships, police are concerned that the proliferation of legitimate temporary plates could fuel an illegal resale market. Law enforcement is now being urged to actively check all red-striped plates to verify their authenticity.