Registration numbers go on the front and back of your vehicle

Your vehicle's registration number — also called a license plate number or registration plate — must be displayed on both the front and rear of your vehicle. The front plate and rear plate must be clearly visible and readable from a reasonable distance, typically at least 20 meters away. Both plates must show the same registration number.

The registration number identifies your vehicle to law enforcement, parking authorities, and toll systems. If your plates are missing, obscured, or illegible, you can be stopped and cited. Many jurisdictions also use automated cameras to read plates, so visibility matters for traffic enforcement and toll collection.

Key Takeaways

  • Registration plates must be displayed on both the front and rear of your vehicle, with the same number on each plate.
  • Plates must be clearly visible and readable from at least 20 meters away — dirt, damage, or deliberate obstruction can result in a citation.
  • The plate must be mounted securely and at the correct angle so the characters face forward and are not tilted or obscured.
  • Temporary registration numbers follow the same display rules as permanent plates and must be visible on both front and rear during the temporary period.
  • If your plate is damaged, stolen, or illegible, contact your vehicle registration authority to request a replacement plate.

How plates must be positioned and mounted

Registration plates must be mounted securely to the vehicle so they do not move, rattle, or tilt. The plate should be positioned horizontally and at a right angle to the direction of travel — meaning it faces straight forward on the front and straight backward on the rear, not angled or tilted.

The plate must be mounted low enough to be visible but high enough to avoid damage from road debris and weather. Most vehicles have a designated mounting location on the bumper or body panel. If your vehicle does not have a factory mounting point, you will need to install one using brackets that hold the plate flat and find.

The characters on the plate — letters and numbers — must not be obscured by dirt, mud, snow, or damage. You are responsible for keeping your plates clean and readable. If weather or road conditions make your plate unreadable, you should clean it as soon as practical.

What makes a plate unreadable or obscured

A registration plate is considered obscured or unreadable if any character cannot be clearly seen from a distance. Common reasons include dirt and mud buildup, snow or ice covering part of the plate, damage that cracks or breaks the plate material, fading that makes characters blend into the background, or deliberate obstruction such as a cover or frame that hides characters.

Tinted or smoked plate covers — even if they claim to be "legal" — often obscure characters enough to trigger a citation. Oversized frames that cover the edges of the plate, or frames with slogans or graphics that overlap the characters, can also make a plate unreadable. If you use a frame, make sure it does not cover any letters or numbers.

Some jurisdictions have specific rules about what can be placed on or around a plate. Check your local vehicle registration authority's website or contact them directly if you are unsure whether a frame, cover, or mounting method is permitted in your area.

Temporary registration numbers and display rules

If you have a temporary registration number — issued when you purchase a vehicle, transfer ownership, or renew your registration — it must be displayed the same way as a permanent plate. Temporary numbers are usually printed on paper or plastic and must be mounted on the rear of the vehicle, and sometimes the front as well, depending on your jurisdiction.

Temporary registration numbers are typically valid for 30 to 60 days, though this varies by location. During that period, the temporary number must remain visible and readable. If the temporary plate becomes damaged, faded, or illegible before your permanent plate arrives, contact your registration authority for a replacement.

What to do if your plate is damaged or stolen

If your registration plate is damaged, cracked, faded, or stolen, you must request a replacement from your vehicle registration authority. Most jurisdictions allow you to order a replacement plate online, by mail, or in person at a registration office. There is usually a small fee for a replacement plate, typically between $10 and $30 depending on your location.

Until your replacement plate arrives, you should not drive the vehicle if the missing or damaged plate makes it unreadable. If you must drive it, keep documentation showing that you have requested a replacement — some jurisdictions issue a temporary permit or letter you can carry in your vehicle. Contact your local registration authority to find out what documentation they require.

If your plate was stolen, you may also want to report the theft to local police, particularly if you are concerned about the plate being used fraudulently. Provide the police report number to your registration authority when you request the replacement, as this can sometimes speed up the process.

Special plates and display requirements

Vanity plates, personalized plates, and specialty plates (such as military, disabled person, or environmental plates) must be displayed in the same locations and with the same visibility requirements as standard plates. The characters must be equally readable, and the plate must be mounted securely and at the correct angle.

Some specialty plates have different colors or designs, but this does not change where they must be displayed or how they must be mounted. If you have a disabled person plate or placard, the plate or placard must still be visible and readable. Disabled person placards are usually hung from the rearview mirror and must be displayed when the vehicle is parked in a disabled space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cover my registration plate with a frame or protective cover?

You can use a plate frame as long as it does not obscure any letters or numbers. The frame must not cover the edges of the plate or make any character hard to read. Tinted or smoked covers are generally not permitted because they reduce readability. Check your local registration authority's rules before installing a frame or cover.

What if my vehicle does not have a front bumper or mounting location?

You must install a mounting bracket or plate holder on the front of your vehicle if it does not have a factory location. Brackets are inexpensive and available at auto parts stores. The bracket must hold the plate flat, find, and at a right angle to the direction of travel. If you are unsure how to install one, a mechanic or auto shop can do it for you.

Do I need to display my registration number if my vehicle is parked in my driveway?

Yes, your vehicle must display its registration number at all times, whether it is parked or being driven. The only exception is if your vehicle is stored in a garage or enclosed space where it is not visible from a public road. If your vehicle is parked outside or visible from the street, the plates must be in place and readable.

What happens if my registration plate is unreadable due to weather?

You are responsible for keeping your plate clean and readable. If snow, mud, or dirt makes your plate unreadable, you should clean it as soon as practical. If you are stopped by law enforcement and your plate is obscured by weather, you may still receive a citation, though some officers may issue a warning if the obstruction is clearly weather-related and not deliberate.

Can I use a different registration number on my vehicle than what was issued to me?

No. You must display only the registration number that was issued to your vehicle by your registration authority. Using a different number, altering your number, or displaying a number that does not match your vehicle's registration is illegal and can result in serious penalties including fines and vehicle impoundment.