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Davis Law Group Receives Seattle Business Magazine’s ‘Best Companies to Work For’ Award Learn More
License plates are required for a range of purposes, but the primary goal is to make cars easy to identify. Typically, this is meant to aid law enforcement in the case of car accidents or illegal activity. When officers see moving violations or pull vehicles over, plate numbers allow them to track down crucial information about the car’s owner by searching databases like the DMV. Some states even set up flock cameras in high-traffic areas to scan license plates as cars pass to alert authorities to the presence of vehicles linked to crimes. License plates may be captured by traffic cameras at intersections to issue red light tickets as well. Of course, citizens may also catch the plates of vehicles involved in hit-and-run accidents to identify perpetrators. This is why cars are required to display at least one license plate on the back of the vehicle. However, 29 states and the District of Columbia currently require a front license plate as well, and this list includes Washington state (although Utah’s requirement is set to be removed as of January 1, 2025). So, what exactly does the law say? Are there any exceptions? And what happens if you’re caught without a front license plate in Washington?
Laws regarding license plates in Washington state are stipulated in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 46.16A.030. This code states that it is unlawful to operate any vehicle on a public highway without having a current and proper vehicle registration and displaying license plates on the vehicle. RCW 46.16A.200 has an additional mandate about license plates. Specifically, it states that plates must be “attached conspicuously at the front and rear of each vehicle if two license plates have been issued.”
According to RCW 46.16A.200, there are several exceptions to the proper display of two license plates wherein one is temporarily obstructed by a:
These exceptions don’t specify the front or back plate as the one being obstructed, although most obstructions would realistically occur at the rear of the vehicle. However, these exceptions still require that both front and back plates be affixed to the vehicle. What about exceptions for cars that don’t have any place to affix a front plate, such as high-end sports cars? In this case, you may petition the State Patrol to grant an exemption based on the following: “…if the body construction of the vehicle makes compliance with this section impossible.” There is no guarantee such an exemption will be granted, though. If, for example, your car doesn’t include a bracket for a front plate, you should check with your dealer to find out whether one can be added. This is the first thing the State Patrol will check for when you request an exemption. If the dealer confirms that it’s an option, your petition will be denied. Collector vehicles are automatically considered exempt.
If you’re pulled over for missing a front license plate and you haven’t secured an exemption, you’ll be issued a ticket. This will come with a fine of $136.
Whether a citizen wants to report a distracted driver weaving into oncoming traffic or a police officer is trying to find a suspect vehicle, both front and back plates help to identify cars and keep roadways safe. If you can affix front and back plates to your vehicle, it’s in your best interests to do so in order to comply with the law and avoid the consequences of getting caught violating it.
If you’ve been injured in Seattle, WA, and need legal assistance, contact Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers. Contact our legal team and schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer today. We proudly serve King County in Washington and it’s surrounding areas. Visit our law office at:
Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
2101 4th Ave 1030 Seattle, WA 98121
Hours: Open 24/7
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