 Why is this necessary? And 2) Is this even legal? After all, the tinted cover makes it nearly impossible to read the license plate, which might lead you to believe the driver is up […] "'Pin It")
Covers That Obscure License Plates Are Against the Law
If you’ve ever been behind a car with a license plate that’s obscured by a tinted cover, you’ve probably wondered, 1) Why is this necessary? And 2) Is this even legal? After all, the tinted cover makes it nearly impossible to read the license plate, which might lead you to believe the driver is up to no good. Is he dodging traffic cameras? Is he trying to evade police? No matter the reason, whether the cover is to conceal nefarious actions or to complement the color of the car, a tinted license plate cover is not okay.
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“Most state laws do not specifically say that you cannot use ‘license plate covers,’” according to Legal Beagle writer Victoria Langley. “Instead, most state laws say it is illegal to alter, block or obscure a license plate in any way, whether due to a large frame or a tinted cover. Anything that prevents a license plate from being read by a person, or in some states, an electronic device, violates the law.”
Since each state has its own specific wording regarding how or if license plates can be covered, it’s important if you’re thinking about putting a license plate cover on your own plates, to read up on the law in your state before you make any alterations. If your state’s law is unclear or confusing, it might not be worth the attention and possible ticket you’ll attract with a license plate cover.
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“If a police officer finds that you have an illegal license plate cover or frame on your vehicle, she will probably ticket you. This is a non-criminal infraction. You will not go to jail for having a license plate cover, but you will need to pay a fine,” warns Langley.
News Source: Legal Beagle, Road and Track
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