March 4, 2026
Mr. Menendez introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
To provide certain requirements and guidance relating to license plate readability, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Toll Evasion Prevention and Plate Visibility Act of 2026
.
Sec. 2. License plate readability
(a) Prohibition on sale of products that impair readability of license plates
(1) In general
No person may sell, offer for sale, or facilitate the sale of—
(A)
a good that is designed or marketed to impair the readability of a license plate;
(B)
a fraudulent, counterfeit, or altered license plate, including any plate that—
(i)
falsely displays registration information;
(ii)
mimics or replicates a valid license plate issued by a State without proper authorization; or
(iii)
has been materially altered from its originally issued form to misrepresent vehicle registration information;
(C)
a year of manufacture license plate without authorization from the State in which such plate is intended to be used; or
(D)
a legitimate license plate originally issued by a State without authorization from such State to engage in the sale of such plate.
(2) Exclusion
For purposes of this subsection, a person who receives, holds, or otherwise transports a good or license plate described in paragraph (1) shall not be deemed to be a person facilitating the sale of such good or license plate solely by reason of receiving, holding, or transporting such good or license plate in the ordinary course of business.
(3) Enforcement by Federal Trade Commission
(A) Unfair or deceptive acts or practices
A violation of this subsection or a regulation promulgated under this subsection shall be treated as a violation of a regulation under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)) regarding unfair or deceptive acts or practices.
(B) Powers of Commission
The Federal Trade Commission shall enforce this subsection and the regulations promulgated under this subsection in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all applicable terms and provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) were incorporated into and made a part of this subsection. Any person who violates this subsection or a regulation promulgated under this subsection shall be subject to the penalties and entitled to the privileges and immunities provided in the Federal Trade Commission Act.
(4) Applicability
This subsection shall apply to a sale or offer for sale made on or after the date that is 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(5) Regulations
The Federal Trade Commission may promulgate, in accordance with section 553 of title 5, United States Code, regulations to carry out this subsection.
(6) Rule of construction
Nothing in this subsection may be construed to preempt, limit, or otherwise affect the authority of any State or local government to enforce laws, regulations, or ordinances with respect to prohibiting or regulating the use, installation, or operation of a device that impairs the readability of a license plate.
(b) Guidance on license plate readability
(1) In general
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration shall work with industry associations, State motor vehicle agencies, tolling authorities, law enforcement, and other relevant organizations to publish advisory guidance relating to the readability of license plates.
(2) Contents
In publishing the guidance under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall include—
(A)
best practices with respect to the appearance of license plates that facilitates the use and increases the reliability of digital imaging technology in capturing plate information; and
(B)
information regarding license plate frames and covers that reduce the readability of such plate.
(3) No interference with State programs
The guidance published under this subsection shall be advisory only and shall not be construed to require States to modify existing license plate designs, specifications, or programs, or to adopt particular design standards or technical specifications.
(c) Grant program
(1) In general
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration shall establish a grant program to facilitate the use of information technology systems to identify vehicles that regularly evade tolls.
(2) Eligible recipients
In carrying out the program established under paragraph (1), the Administrator may make a grant to—
(A)
a State;
(B)
a unit of local government;
(C)
a law enforcement agency of a State or unit of local government;
(D)
a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement task force;
(E)
a multi-jurisdictional organization representing State licensing agencies and law enforcement; and
(F)
an owner of a toll facility.
(3) Applications
To be eligible for a grant under the program established under paragraph (1), an entity described in paragraph (2) shall submit to the Administrator an application in such form, at such time, and containing such information as the Administrator determines appropriate.
(4) Eligible projects
In carrying out the program established under paragraph (1), the Administrator may make a grant for—
(A)
the development and implementation of information technology systems to identify vehicles that regularly evade tolls;
(B)
training programs for law enforcement personnel on the detection and enforcement of license plate obstruction violations;
(C)
data sharing systems that facilitate coordination between law enforcement agencies, State agencies, and owners of toll facilities in identifying repeat violators; and
(D)
other activities that the Administrator determines will enhance enforcement of laws relating to license plate readability.
(d) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2030.