National Law [3] Vehicle Code
In this section
License Points Info [3] 1 - Speeding [3] 2 - Failure to Maintain Lane [3] 3 - Illegal Passing [3] 4 - Driving Under the Influence [3] 5 - Failure to Obey Traffic Control Devices [3] 6 - Driving the Wrong Way [3] 7 - Negligent Driving [3] 8 - Reckless Driving [3] 9 - Stopping on Railroad Tracks [3] 10 - Illegal Street Competition, Stunting, or Exhibition [3] 11 - Failure to Yield or Move Over for an Emergency Vehicle [3] 12 - Distracted Driving [3] 13 - Tailgating [3] 14 - Improper Turn [3] 15 - Failure to Control Speed to Avoid Collision [3] 16 - Unroadworthy Vehicle [3] 17 - Driving w/o Headlights or Signals [3] 18 - Improper or Missing Plates/Registration [3] 19 - Use of Jamming Device [3] 20 - Truck/Trailer Size Restriction [3] 21 - Load Size Restriction [3] 22 - Commercial Vehicle Inspection Authority [3] 23 - Overweight Limit [3] 24 - Log Book Violation [3] 25 - Stopping at Railroad Crossings [3] 26 - Failure to Secure Commercial Cargo [3] 27 - Commercial Vehicle Brake Violation [3] 28 - Commercial Vehicle Tire Safety Violation [3] 29 - Failure to Conduct Required Pre-Trip Inspection [3] 30 - Commercial Hours of Service Violation [3] 31 - Driving without Insurance [3] 32 - Improper License Class / Endorsement [3] 33 - Driving without a License [3] 34 - Illegal Parking [3] 35 - Reckless Evading [3] 36 - Evading an Officer [3] 37 - Hit and Run [3] 38 - Excessive Vehicle Noise [3] 39 - Impeding Traffic [3] 40 - Operating Without a Helmet [3] 41 - Refusal to take a Sobriety Test [3] 42 - Bicycle Lane Usage [3] 43 - Open Container of Alcohol in Vehicle [3] 44 - Nighttime Headlight Usage [3] 45 - Non-Motor Vehicle on Highway [3] 46 - Airspace Violation [3] 47 - Seatbelt Requirement [3] 48 - Flashing Colored Lights, Sirens, and Emergency Vehicles [3] 49 - Altered Vehicle Height [3] 50 - Altered or Obstructed VIN
Docs / National Law [3] Vehicle Code / [3] 18 - Improper or Missing Plates/Registration

[3] 18 - Improper or Missing Plates/Registration

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Updated Jul 25, 2026
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  • All motor vehicles must have a visible and valid (registered) license plate on the rear of a motor vehicle when operating or parked/stopped on a public road.
  • License plates may not be obstructed or obfuscated in any way.
  • License plates must match the VIN and motor vehicle make/model which they are attached to.
  • Front license plates are optional.
  • Government exempt plates are only permitted for vehicles owned and operated by the government.
  • Temporary "dealer" / "paper" plates, or blank plates are not permitted for private or commercial use.

For more information about plates, see the definitions tab at the top of the penal code.

Infraction Vehicle
Vehicle impoundment at the officer's discretion.
Sentence: None
Fine: $100
Exemption
The following vehicles and situations are exempt from this code:
- ATVs, dirt-bikes, and off-roading vehicles operating off of paved roads do not require registration, nor does the operator require a driver's license.
- Using a crosswalk or moving a non-roadworthy vehicle across a road-edge/sidewalk is not considered "driving" for the purpose of this code.
- Trailers are not required to have a license plate, though they may optionally display one.
- Tractors, golf carts, and agricultural vehicles are exempt from this code.
- Tow trucks are exempt from having a visible plate.
The Department of Justice has authority to remove inappropriate offensive plates and registrations