Texas Attempted to Eliminate Paper Plates, But Offenders Have Already Discovered a More Affordable Alternative | Carscoops

      Officials caution that counterfeit metal tags could lead to another black market, just months after the ban on paper plates.

      Texas eliminated paper plates in July, replacing them with metal tags featuring red stripes.

      Harris County deputies recently confiscated a fake plate made cheaply from wrapping material.

      Experts express concerns that the demand and fraudulent activity could resemble the previous paper tag crisis.

      Despite efforts by some law enforcement agencies to increase challenges for criminals, those under scrutiny are finding ways to circumvent regulations. In Texas, where officials have recently instituted metal-only temporary license plates, counterfeit versions have surfaced within just two months. Remarkably, the state finds itself outsmarted by stickers.

      Texas ended the use of paper tags two months ago, aiming to enhance road safety. These tags are often linked to crime, and multiple dealers nationwide have faced repercussions for inappropriately issuing them. The state believed it had a solution by implementing metal temporary tags through the DMV and authorized dealers. Unfortunately, Harris County officials report complications.

      Recently, deputies stopped a Honda CR-V displaying what appeared to be a genuine red-striped 30-day temporary tag, but it was actually a counterfeit. Investigators told NBC Dallas that the identifying marks were made from a sticker-like vehicle wrap material. When deputies checked the number, it corresponded to a 2012 Ford Focus. The driver confessed to purchasing the fake tag for $120.

      The red-striped tag was introduced alongside three other colors to differentiate various types of temporary tags. Dallas County Tax Assessor John Ames revealed that demand has doubled compared to the previous paper tags, with nearly 7,000 issued in Dallas alone in under two months. Overall, over 91,000 have been distributed statewide.

      Fraud fears are resurfacing.

      Constable Sgt. Jose Escribano, a leading authority on tag fraud in the state, isn't surprised by the quick emergence of counterfeiters. He noted, “Instead of the rise of the machine, the rise of the wraps may be coming. If it’s red, you should investigate it, as it could also be a wrap, and you want to ensure the tag aligns with your findings.”

      Currently, officials claim there’s no evidence of extensive fraud with the new tagging system. Nonetheless, with thousands of red-striped plates already in circulation, concerns persist that Texas may be on the brink of another paper tag crisis, this time involving counterfeit wraps rather than counterfeit ink.