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When to Relocate Your License Plate:
License Plate Law Compliance by State

 Posted on: October 21st, 2021

When to Relocate Your License Plate: License Plate Law Compliance by State
Wisconsin License Plate in accordance with state law

Whether you’re hauling a bike rack or a wheelchair carrier on your vehicle, each state varies in how lenient they are regarding license plate visibility. Although not every officer will issue a ticket for such a minor infraction, being in alignment with state law reduces the change that you’ll be delayed by an unwanted traffic stop. This is especially important when you’re transporting a larger item such as a scooter or powerchair with a cover, as the bulk of the cover may actually prevent your plate from being easily seen.

Several well-known mobility carrier companies, such as Harmar, offer license plate risers or relocaters that ensure your plate is clearly visible for easy identification by law enforcement officers, tollways and other drivers.

Harmar License Plate Riser
Harmar License Plate Riser

Along with keeping your plate visible you also help keep other drivers safe by showing the extension of your vehicle to the people driving behind you so they won't get too close. Here are the most accurate, state-by-state rules and regulations we could find to help you when selecting the carrier that’s right for you:

State Plate Location Requirements Plate Shields Allowed Plate Frames Allowed Visibility Requirements Plate Riser Required for Visibility Compliance Link to State Laws
Alaska Both Clearly visible
Alabama Rear Clearly visible
Arizona Rear Clearly visible and legible
California Rear Clearly visible
Colorado Rear Clear only Clearly visible and legible
Connecticut Both Clearly visible up to 50 ft.
District of Columbia Both Clearly legible
Delaware Rear Clear only Clearly legible
Florida Rear Clearly visible
Georgia Rear Clear only Clearly visible
Hawaii Both Clearly visible
Iowa Both Clearly visible
Iowa Both Clearly visible
Idaho Both Clearly visible and legible, free of foreign materials
Illinois Both Clearly visible
Indiana Rear Clearly visible, free of foreign materials
Kansas Rear Clearly legible
Kentucky Rear Clearly visible
Louisiana Rear Clearly visible, free of foreign materials
Massachusetts Both Displayed conspicuously
Maryland Both Clearly visible
Maine Both Clearly visible
Michigan Rear Clearly visible, free of foreign materials
Minnesota Both Clearly visible
Missouri Both Clearly visible
Mississippi Rear Clearly visible
Montana Both Clearly visible
North Carolina Rear Readable from 100 ft.
North Dakota Both Clearly visible
Nebraska Both Clearly visible, free of foreign materials
New Hampshire Both Displayed conspicuously
New Jersey Both Displayed conspicuously
New Mexico Rear Clearly legible, free of foreign materials
Nevada Both Clearly legible, free of foreign materials, readable from 100 ft.
New York Both Clearly visible
Ohio Both Clearly visible
Oklahoma Rear Clearly visible
Oregon Both Clearly visible and legible
Pennsylvania Rear Clearly visible
Puerto Rico Both Clearly visible, free of foreign materials
Rhode Island Both Clearly visible, readable from 100 ft.
South Carolina Rear Clearly visible
South Dakota Both Clearly visible
Tennessee Both Clearly visible, free of foreign materials
Texas Both Clearly visible, free of foreign materials
Utah Both Clearly visible, free of foreign materials
Virginia Both Clearly visible and legible
Vermont Both Clearly legible
Washington Both Clearly visible
Wisconsin Both Clearly legible
West Virginia Rear Clearly legible, free of foreign materials
Wyoming Both Clearly legible, free of foreign materials

Disclaimer: This educational article contains general information only; Discount Ramps cannot confirm the compatibility of an individual’s vehicle with our hitch-mounted products as every vehicle’s suspension is unique. It is the vehicle user’s responsibility to confirm the vehicle hitch capacity of the vehicle and weight capabilities when using Discount Ramps’ products. Discount Ramps cannot be held liable for damage, injuries, or accidents that occur after reading this article.