ABC-7 Listens: How is the use of temporary paper license plates monitored?

Thousands of newly-purchased vehicles take to the streets of El Paso everyday with temporary paper license plates, but officials said many of those plates are not real.

“There is definitely a problem in El Paso, the reproduction of permits and E-tags, especially along the border we have a huge problem,” said Sergio Garcia, director of the El Paso County Tax Office Enforcement Division.

There are two types of temporary plates that could be seen on vehicles.

E-tags are issued by a dealer when a new vehicle is purchased and expire after 60 days.

A permit is purchased at the El Paso County Tax Office, Garcia said many times after a person lost the title to the vehicle or is having problems getting a title.

The permit is good for only 30 days and must get a new one after it expires.

Garcia said about two months ago, new security measures were added to E-tags to enhance security and try to reduce the illegal reproduction of paper plates.

Larger font to the temporary plates was added. Garcia said it makes it easier for law enforcement officers to see them from a further distance.

A new barcode was added that can be scanned by an officer’s phone and will give them the history of the vehicle, the dealer and the owner information. A receipt given to the purchaser also has the same information.

Paper license plates also have a new seal and watermarking so it’s not reproduced.

Garcia said officials are working to get the same security measures on permits purchased at the county tax office.

If a person is caught with a false temporary license plate, Garcia said it is a Class C misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $200.

In the event of a criminal investigation, law enforcement can call dispatch to get the history of a vehicle or they can also call the El Paso County Tax Office.

“We do get a lot of calls from concerned citizens,” Garcia said.

He said it is difficult for law enforcement because if an officer spots a paper license plate, that officer needs probable cause to pull someone over.

“We are doing some training classes for law enforcement. We’re teaching them how to detect fraudulent titles and showing them the new features,” Garcia said.