License plates are a small part of vehicle ownership but carry great weight. Plates may be very simplistic, but various questions arise, like where to place them and what if they are damaged, etc.
To help clear things up, let’s look at five questions about license plate requirements that people frequently ask.
1) Do I need a front and rear license plate?
This is one of the most common questions, and its answer will depend on one’s place of residence. Some states require that most motor vehicles must have both front and rear license plates, however this is not mandatory in some other states and varies based on vehicle type.
Without a front plate, the driver could be stopped, given a $200 penalty, and arrested. However, there are restrictions on this law, such as ‘No Front Plate Required’ rules on motorcycles, trailers, and some other classes of vehicles that have been issued without a front plate.
2) What happens if my license plate is lost or damaged?
There is a risk that the license number may be lost, wiped, or even stolen. What, then, do you do when this is the case? You first have to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for a replacement and do it as soon as possible. Not putting on a license plate casts you in a bad light and you can be arrested for breaking the law, so do it as quickly as possible.
3) Are vehicles exempt from having a front license plate?
Only some vehicles require a front plate; most do not. It is a general requirement for most cars and truck owners to have both front and rear plates; however, the rule has certain exceptions. Vehicles like motorcycles, trailers, and tractors can do with only the rear number plate. The law acknowledges that it is impractical for such vehicles to bear a front number plate.
4) Where should the license plate be placed?
This may seem trivial, but unfortunately, many drivers need to be more awareof the requirements for a number plate. According to the regulations of some states, number plates should neither be stuck nor placed on the bumpers of cars.
In addition, the registration sticker for the car must be placed on the bottom left side of the window screen.
5) Can I use license plate covers or frames?
A certain demographic of drivers enjoys placing their number plates over frames. However, it is advisable to avoid this practice because in some states, any form of obstruction of the license plates is subject to criminal laws. Most frames might be covered; however, regional names, letters, or numbers registered under them must remain visible.
When it comes to useable covers, reflective or tinted ones are considered illegal as they tend to make it difficult to read the license plate in certain situations, nighttime being the most obvious.
Conclusion
Learning about the license plate regulations applicable in your state can be very useful in avoiding wasting time, money, or unnecessary effort. Things like whether it is about having both the front and rear car number plates, what if the car number plate is damaged, or illegal plate cover usageall matter in the eyes of the law. Conforming to these rules means fewer problems with the law, and your daily commute will be less annoying.
However, if you have any questions regarding the operating conditions and requirements in your particular region, you should be looking at the local DMV or law enforcement agency. This way, you can avoid being arrested by the authorities by being well aware of the possible infringement you could commit on the road.