You may think New York’s license plate requirements are fairly easy to understand. You get your plates, attach them to your vehicle, and you’re all set to legally take your car on New York streets.
In a sense, you’re correct, but there’s a lot more to know about the state’s license plate requirements. To help you avoid an unnecessary traffic ticket, here’s everything about NY license plate requirements all drivers should know.
A Look at New York’s License Plate Laws
Some of the following requirements you may already be familiar with, while some others may surprise you.
License Plates Can’t Go In the Window
As long as the license plate is visible, you’re good to go, right? If you place a license tag in the window, whether it’s the front, back, or side, you violate rule NY VTL 1213. Yes, this can result in a traffic fine.
Under the rule, it’s illegal to have any obstruction, including a license plate, in the vehicle’s front or rear window. All license plates must be securely attached to the vehicle’s front and rear bumpers.
Two License Plates Are Mandatory
Some states only require vehicle owners to have one license plate attached to the rear bumper. Officials don’t really care what’s attached to the front fender as long as it’s not considered a road hazard.
However, New York is a little different. Officials care about what’s on your vehicle’s front fender. The law requires all state-registered vehicles to have both a front and rear license plate. You can still rock a vanity plate, just as long as you have two.
Thankfully, when you order license plates from the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles, you get matching front and rear tags. Yes, the license plates must match on your vehicle, so don’t plan on requesting two different sets of letters and/or numbers.
Don’t Trim Your License Plates
Even though NY license plates are made from a relatively thin metal, this doesn’t mean you can trim the plate’s size or alter its shape. The state has strict laws regarding the shape and size of your license plates. So, forget any ideas about making it smaller or turning the rectangular tags into a triangle or circle.
Where you place the plates on your vehicle also falls under this rule. Yes, New York has license plate height requirements. All license plates can’t be lower than 12 inches from the ground. Plates also can’t be mounted more than 48 inches above the ground. Since most passenger vehicles, including heavy-duty pickup trucks, come with license plate brackets at the height required by the state, this is rarely an issue for motorists.
Light Up Your License Plates, It’s the Law
Modern vehicles come standard with a tiny light where the license plates go, which is also New York state law. All license plates must be lit up at night for easy readability in the dark. Yes, you can receive a ticket if your license plate light burns out.
If you need a replacement bulb, check online or head to your closest auto parts store. The small bulbs are relatively inexpensive and generally last for years.
Don’t Forget To Use the Included Hardware
Even if your vehicle has a bracket to hold the license plate, you still need to use some hardware. In other words, you can’t simply slip the license plate into the holder and hope it doesn’t fall off.
You’re violating New York’s license plate requirements and creating a potential hazard for other drivers if your tag falls off.
Your license plates typically come with nuts, bolts, and/or screws. Use the hardware to attach the license plates to the front and back of your vehicle—it’s a simple rule to follow, and it prevents you from getting a traffic citation.
Don’t Cover Your License Plates
Okay, you probably know it’s a bad idea to cover up your license plate with a piece of cloth or metal. However, you can find online sites and some car shops selling plastic covers for license plates. The see-through covers are intended to keep mud, dirt, and grime off the plates so they’re easier to read. While the covers may be effective, they’re also illegal in New York.
The reason the state doesn’t allow license plate covers is simple. The covers can interfere with a license plate camera’s ability to read the tags. Yes, you can receive a ticket for having a cover over your license plate.
Not All License Plate Frames Are Legal
New and slightly used vehicles from a dealership often have custom license plate frames. You know, the ones advertising the dealership. Some of these are legal, but not all of them, and New York has some specific requirements to keep in mind.
The frames can’t cover any of the letters or numbers on the tag. The top portion of the tag that reads New York must also be visible, and the same applies to the bottom of the license which usually says either Empire State or Excelsior. If any portion of the license plate is obscured, the frame is probably illegal.
Don’t Wait for Snow to Melt
Yes, winters in New York can be cold and snowy. The last thing you want to do is spend more time than necessary in the frigid weather. However, if snow is covering your front, back, or both license plates, it’s time to head outside.
Your license plates must always be free from snow, even if the vehicle is simply sitting in a parking spot. However, the law doesn’t apply if the vehicle is in a private driveway or your garage. So, if your vehicle is on the street or another public place, make sure to keep your license plates clear of snow.
Right Side Up Is the Only Way to Go
Don’t attempt to be creative or humorous by attaching a front, rear, or both license plates upside down. Doing so violates state law and will likely result in a ticket. All license plates must be attached right side up without any exceptions.
Following these tips can help you stay compliant with New York’s license plate requirements, avoiding unnecessary fines and legal issues.
