Drivers can make easy purchase to avoid losing car after new ‘license plate’ law – cops recommend Walmart tool under $6

A NEW law that’s come into effect in a major US state could see many drivers in serious trouble – but they can avoid any issues by making a simple purchase from Walmart.

The licence plate ruling that eliminates paper tags and replaces them with permanent metal plates began on July 1.

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It aims to tackle issues such as fraud, toll violations and crimes associated with counterfeit paper tags[/caption]

Walmart

Experts are also recomending drivers use tamper-resistant screws, which are affordable and widely available at stores such as Walmart[/caption]

The law, enacted through House Bill 718, aims to address issues such as fraud, toll violations and crimes associated with counterfeit paper tags.

As a replacement, temporary metal tags with color-coded borders will be issued for specific situations, such as out-of-state purchases and test drives.

Indeed, there are four types of temporary metal tags with different color borders – purple, blue, green, and red – all for specific situations such as provisional buyers, out-of-state purchases, dealer use and limited-use vehicles.

Law enforcement have highlighted concerns around criminals potentially stealing metal plates, which could lead to toll violations and crimes committed in the vehicle owner’s name.

But to prevent theft, experts have recommended using tamper-resistant screws, which are affordable and widely available at stores such as Walmart and hardware shops for around $6.

Car dealers are now required to issue metal plates at the point of sale and ensure an adequate supply of plates – in a bid to avoid any disruptions.

Personalized or specialty plates are exempt from the transfer rule.

The legislation also addresses complications during private car sales to ensure proper registration and prevent liability for former owners.

Many see the new law, which has come to Texas, as a significant step toward reducing crime and fraud related to license plates.

Drivers, though, are encouraged to take additional precautions to protect their vehicles – with simple measures like parking close to walls, using garages and regularly checking license plates to prevent theft.

According to the Austin-American Statesman, the law was passed after cases like the death of a Grand Prairie police officer during a pursuit of a vehicle with a fraudulent paper tag.

DISTURBING TRUTH

Elsewhere, a driver from Florida was left stunned when they were slapped with a traffic ticket – despite being stationed in the army overseas.

However, the disturbing truth was quickly realised – leading to the arrest of a police officer.

According to NBC Miami, Miami Police officer Zamir Vargas Valerio is facing legal charges after he allegedly created a fake traffic ticket for his ex-girlfriend.

The ticket was initially found by the victim’s mother, who believed it was a mistake.

She proceeded to contact the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts, who confirmed the ticket was valid.

From there, she decided to contact the City of Miami Police Department, whose Internal Affairs Division then conducted a further investigation into the matter.

They soon uncovered how Valerio seemingly used the computer access password of another officer to issue the false traffic citation, according to a Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office statement.

State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said: “Officer Valerio allegedly used criminal justice resources of a major police department in what may be seen as an attempt to reconnect with a former girlfriend.

“This is not only beyond normal comprehension, but it is also a violation of the law.”

Valerio has been arrested, with his bond set at $10,000.