Texas § PE.31.11 - TAMPERING WITH IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS
Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § PE.31.11 — TAMPERING WITH IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ PE.31.11. TAMPERING WITH IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS
TAMPERING WITH IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS. (a) A person commits an offense if the person: (1) knowingly or intentionally removes, alters, or obliterates the serial number or other permanent identification marking on tangible personal property; or (2) possesses, sells, or offers for sale tangible personal property and: (A) the actor knows that the serial number or other permanent identification marking has been removed, altered, or obliterated; or (B) a reasonable person in the position of the actor would have known that the serial number or other permanent identification marking has been removed, altered, or obliterated. (b) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the person was: (1) the owner or acting with the effective consent of the owner of the property involved; (2) a peace officer acting in the actual discharge of official duties; or (3) acting with respect to a number assigned to a vehicle by the Texas Department of Transportation or the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, as applicable, and the person was: (A) in the actual discharge of official duties as an employee or agent of the department; or (B) in full compliance with the rules of the department as an applicant for an assigned number approved by the department. (c) Property involved in a violation of this section may be treated as stolen for purposes of custody and disposition of the property. (d) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor. (e) In this section, "vehicle" has the meaning given by Section 541.201 , Transportation Code. Added by Acts 1979, 66th Leg., p. 417, ch. 191, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 4525, ch. 741, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1983; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 113, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 900, Sec. 1.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.239, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 933 (H.B. 3097 ), Sec. 3J.02, eff. September 1, 2009.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § PE.31.11
What does The Texas Constitution § PE.31.11 cover?
Section PE.31.11 ("TAMPERING WITH IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Texas § PE.31.11?
A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § PE.31.11" (Texas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Texas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.
How does Texas § PE.31.11 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Texas.