Sec. 24.012.  AIRCRAFT IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS;  OFFENSE.  (a)  The failure to have the aircraft identification numbers clearly displayed on an aircraft in compliance with federal aviation regulations is probable cause for a peace officer to further inspect the aircraft to determine the identity of the owner of the aircraft.
(b)  A peace officer may inspect an aircraft under Subsection (a) if the aircraft is located on public property or on private property if the officer has the consent of the property owner.
(c)  A person commits an offense if the person operates an aircraft that the person knows does not have aircraft identification numbers that comply with federal aviation regulations.
(d)  An offense under Subsection (c) is a felony of the third degree.
(e)  In this section, "federal aviation regulations" means the regulations adopted by the Federal Aviation Administration regarding identification and registration marking, 14 C.F.R. Part 45, as those regulations existed on September 1, 1985, except a regulation in existence on September 1, 1985, that is inconsistent with a regulation adopted after that date.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.