Duplicate TX MC Tags !?

[TTG53#1717]

So yesterday I got a $1.53 Bill from CTRMA for using a toll road...Mopac NB Chavez 183. June 15.
I have no idea where that is and have not been out of El Paso County in 5 months.

There is a picture of the rear of a sport bike with a nicely appointed rider, designer helmet, armored jacket, etc..

AND MY LICENSE PLATE.

While the pic is not crystal clear, it’s easy enough to read the plate and the woman I spoke to had the pic on a screen and said the digits are correct. She also confirmed I had a ‘97, looked at Valk pics on Google and said there’s no way that’s a Valk in the photo. An adjustment is being made according to her.

I’ve had this plate for years with no issues.

How does something like this happen ?  I’m up for renewal in October but I’m thinking I should go to TXDOT , surrender the current plate and get a new one.

Any other suggestions are appreciated.

[Jess from VA]

Is it possible two TX plates with the same number were produced?

Otherwise, it seems that someone has doctored their own plate to be your numbers (and it may have been very close to yours to start with).  The why of that is not relevant, other than curiosity (perhaps that un-doctored plate number was wanted or outlawed/suspended for some reason).

I assume your plate number is not a custom request (vanity) from your DMV.  

Obviously, this could happen again, and perhaps the tickets (or offenses) be much more serious or expensive the next time(s).

I'd get a new plate number.  In VA I'd have to pay extra for a new plate, but not huge.  Being a cheapskate, every plate I have has been transferred from some earlier vehicle of mine, and every renewall, VA asks me if my old plate is still legible (they are, though well worn).

While paying the $1.53 is not exorbitant, it sets a precedent of you admitting to TX that it was you.  I'd be inclined to dispute it, if it's not a large headache.  And still get a new plate.

[f-Stop]

Very strange!

It seems highly possible that you'll get another bill.  That route - MoPac NB Chaves 183 - is a commuter route from downtown Austin to north Austin.  Which means that the duplicate plated bike could possibly be local to these parts.  Also, there are other toll roads nearby that the duplicate plated bike could easily travel.

Maybe the DMV will issue you a new plate at no cost if you state your case...

Good luck!

[TTG53#1717]

After several phone conversations and then actually meeting one of those folks in person, TX DMV said it was entirely my choice on what to do and directed me to the tax office where they were happy to accept my $8.50 and the old plate in exchange for a new plate that still needs to be renewed in October.
The date for toll payment has passed and I have not received any more texts from them, so I hope my phone conversations with them have me off the hook.

I have no access to the digital photo but the people who viewed it said the plates were a match or a very well done fake. Why would a guy on a modern scooter with a $400 helmet / jacket combo fake a plate ?

[Jess from VA]

Why would a guy on a modern scooter with a $400 helmet / jacket combo fake a plate ?

Because he (whoever that is) can.

But you can't know if the rider was the owner, or if the rider doctored the plate to his neighbor's, dad's, or friend's scooter (parked with an expired plate).  Or one of them did it, and the rider didn't even know.  

Or if the scooter is stolen, making a legal plate difficult to come by (and it's better to ride a stolen bike all geared up looking legitimate, and not thief-like).

Good move getting a new plate.  

Ideally, the old plate should now be wanted.

The fact the picture has a scooter and not your bike (at all) should have been enough to kill your ticket.  But I'd make sure they don't stick your unpaid ticket on a bench warrant for you, not your bike.  

[Wheelman]

Yes there are a lot of fake plates out there! People that don't want to pay tolls or be held accountable for their bad behavior.

[MarcusS]

My home made trailer tag matches a chevy PU someone else owns.  Found out when I tried to pay online this year in May.  I had to mail a check with reg to county clerk. Took a month to get the new sticker. State does make some mistakes.  I think because my trailer is real old they assumed it was dead.  Still get renewals in the mail and county clerk takes my money.  I have three trailers so me paying this is a real joke.  The fine for swaping plates is 250$ if your get caught. That is two years registration fee's I pay.  Has anyone ever been asked to show trailer registration? One utility trailer I got from a neighbor had the 10 year old original tag and registration and that was it.  He informed me it was not a motor vehicle and no one cares.  Other states issue permanent plates and place them on the property tax bill. Saves lots of paperwork.
I do not have an ez tag for the trailer but have gotten toll road charges for my boat trailer even though the truck had the window tag. Government has been known to screw up. I respect and am nice to public employee's.  They work long hours and do not get that much compensation. The system is what it is.

[Rocketman]

I wouldn't expect that a rider like that would be mainly out to avoid registration fees.  It's probably if he gets lit up by a cop, and decides to twist the wrist instead of stopping.  The cop may already have a good read on the plate, but if it's a fake that won't do much good.  If he outruns them, they'll come to you and after some hassle let you off with a warning to not let anyone randomly pick your plate number again.