Driving Without License Plate Number

Driving without a license plate sounds quite risky, considering the legal implications, and it is, for the most part. However, there is no one size fits all regulation concerning driving without a license plate, as it depends on the state of residence. Every state has regulations about license plates. Every vehicle owner must have a back-end license plate at the basic level. There are states which provide an exemption, though, for front plates. The query on front license plates stems from the recent influx of high-end vehicles with curvy front ends. Adding a license plate to these would smudge the aesthetic, though; it would be required if the state mandates having tags at the front.

What Happens When People Drive Without Plates or Insurance?

Driving without plates is technically illegal though there are states where operating the vehicle without the front one is okay. Though, in every state, the vehicle owner must have the rear license plate. The penalties for not complying with these statutes may also vary depending on the state. For California for example, the driver may be fined for driving without a plate. That entails a fix-it ticket which ranges between $100 and $200. A driver may get away with a verbal warning, but this is not usually the case.

Fortunately, these types can be scrubbed from the individual's record once they show the specific police department that they have sorted the issue. It can be as convenient as emailing the department a picture of the newly installed plate on the back or front.

It depends on the state and how seriously the local police department considers the matter. If the vehicle is impounded, that results in a $40-a-day fine for 30 days, which will be added to any other expenses that may have been issued. Driving without insurance is also illegal and attracts even higher penalties. It depends on the specific state of residence, but Delaware, for example, exacts a fine of $1,500, and one's license is suspended immediately for six months. In Connecticut, though, the fine can be at $100, but alternatively, one may face upwards of five years in jail.

Exceptions

In most states, there are exceptions concerning license plate possession. Most jurisdictions issue the car owner with a temporary license plate illustrated under the windshield, which will be used when the vehicle owner gets the permanent plate. The duration for temporary plate possession also varies from state to state. It can range from 15 to 60 days. When a driver has a temporary plate, they do not have to produce the permanent plate. States such as Washington also allow an exception for models like Tesla, which practically do not have a plate for a front plate, and setting one arbitrarily would affect its appearance. Though for the state, for vehicle owners to qualify for no license plate exceptions, the state residents have to get authorization from the state patrol law enforcement department. In these scenarios, it may seem trivial to maintain the aesthetic of a sports car or classic cars. Similarly, considering there are states where it is legal to drive a vehicle without front plates, one option could be to relocate to a state which does not require the presence of front license plates.

That being said, the laws concerning license plates are also changing. In 2017, for example, many states came up with legislation that would change the regulations on the front plates. Ohio is one of the recent ones that have changed its local laws. It allows vehicle owners in the state to use their vehicles without a license plate at the front.

How To Get Temporary License Tags

The first stop to get temporary license plates is the DMV allowing the authorities to note the vehicle is in the registration renewal process. It can be done in person, by mail, or in person. Once the DMV has been contacted, one can fill out an application for the temporary tag. This would mean providing the name, address, vehicle make and model, and the reason for the license plate. To assist in the process, the vehicle owner may have to provide a photo of the vehicle. Once the application has been submitted, the state Department of Motor Vehicles will review it and give the temporary plate. The process may take days to weeks to complete, so it would be prudent to apply for the plate as soon as the issue becomes pertinent. It is important to note that the temporary tag is only valid for a short period, so the permanent plate would have to be issued before it expires.

Some of the required paperwork when an individual is making an appointment at the local DMV includes the title of the vehicle, proof of ownership, car insurance, driver's license, and temporary tags. In some states though, more paperwork is needed, like vehicle inspections or emissions test submissions. If a person is not the owner of the vehicle and wants to get a temporary license plate, they would have to provide a notarized letter from the owner, giving them authority so they can get the temporary tag. They also have to issue proof of identity by providing a government-issued identity card.

Always Be Aware of Your License Plate Needs

It is technically illegal to drive without license plates, especially if they are for the rear. Some states do allow the driver to use the vehicle without license plates at the front. It is advisable to check if the vehicle owner's state does allow them not to use front plates, considering the hefty fines and possibility of vehicle impounding. Driving without insurance is illegal in every state and attracts even higher fines or jail time, depending on the state. Drivers are encouraged to have their paperwork in order and research their state allowances to avoid issues with law enforcement. Temporary tags would also suffice as the driver gets the paperwork for the permanent license plate. The duration for these, though, varies from one state to another.