Maine License Plate Laws

Maine requires most passenger vehicles to display both a front and rear license plate. License plate requirements are governed by Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A and include rules for plate display, mounting, visibility, illumination, registration stickers, and prohibited plate covers or accessories.

In addition to requiring two license plates, Maine also requires most vehicles to undergo an annual safety inspection, and in certain counties, an annual emissions inspection.

Front License Plate Requirements

Maine is a two-license-plate state, meaning standard passenger vehicles must display one plate on the front of the vehicle and another on the rear. Both plates must remain securely mounted, clearly visible, and easy to read whenever the vehicle is operated on public roads.

Does Maine require a front license plate?

Yes. Maine requires both front and rear license plates on most passenger vehicles.

The front plate must be permanently attached to the front exterior of the vehicle. Displaying the plate inside the windshield, dashboard, or another non-approved location does not satisfy Maine law. Operating a vehicle without a required front license plate may result in a traffic citation.

Certain vehicle types, including motorcycles and some trailers, follow different registration and plate display requirements.

Where must license plates be mounted?

Both license plates must be securely fastened to the exterior of the vehicle in a horizontal position.

The plates should remain clearly visible from the front and rear and may not swing, tilt, or be mounted at an angle that reduces readability. Drivers should also ensure the plates remain clean and unobstructed throughout the year, particularly during Maine’s winter months when snow, ice, and road salt can quickly accumulate.

License Plate Covers and Frames

While Maine allows decorative license plate frames, they cannot interfere with the visibility of the registration plate. Covers and accessories that obscure identifying information may violate state law.

Are tinted license plate covers legal in Maine?

No. Maine prohibits tinted, smoked, mirrored, opaque, or reflective license plate covers that reduce the visibility, readability, or reflectivity of either license plate.

Even transparent plastic covers may violate the law if they create glare or distort the plate under daylight or nighttime conditions. Products marketed as anti-camera sprays, reflective films, or protective shields may also result in citations if they interfere with plate identification.

Are license plate frames legal?

Yes. Decorative license plate frames are permitted provided they do not cover any required information printed on either plate.

Frames must not obscure the state name, registration stickers, expiration decals, or any letters and numbers. Before installing a frame, drivers should ensure the entire plate remains visible from normal viewing angles.

License Plate Display Rules

Properly displaying your license plates is an important part of complying with Maine vehicle laws. Drivers are responsible for ensuring both plates remain securely attached, legible, and free from obstruction.

What counts as a license plate obstruction?

A license plate may be considered obstructed whenever any object, material, or condition prevents it from being clearly identified.

Examples include:

• Tinted or reflective plate covers
• Decorative frames covering identifying information
• Dirt, mud, snow, or road salt
• Bent, damaged, or faded plates
• Stickers or decals covering required information
• Anti-camera sprays, films, or coatings

Keeping both plates clean is particularly important during winter driving conditions, when snow and ice can quickly reduce visibility.

Can you alter or modify a Maine license plate?

No. Maine law prohibits altering, painting, bending, trimming, drilling through identifying information, laminating, or otherwise modifying an official license plate.

If a plate becomes damaged, faded, or unreadable, it should be replaced through your local town office or municipal registration office.

Rear License Plate Light Requirements

Maine requires every registered vehicle to have a functioning license plate light that illuminates the rear registration plate during nighttime driving.

Does Maine require a rear license plate light?

Yes. The rear license plate must be illuminated by a white light whenever the vehicle’s headlights are on.

The light must make the rear plate clearly readable from a distance of at least 50 feet. A burned-out or malfunctioning plate light may result in an equipment violation during a traffic stop or annual vehicle inspection.

Registration Stickers and Annual Inspection

Maine requires both current vehicle registration and annual inspections. Drivers should understand the difference between the registration sticker displayed on the license plate and the inspection sticker displayed on the windshield.

What are Maine’s registration sticker requirements?

Maine issues an annual registration sticker that must be attached to the rear license plate according to state instructions.

In addition, most vehicles must display a valid annual safety inspection sticker on the lower right corner of the windshield. Vehicles registered in Cumberland County are also subject to annual emissions testing as part of the inspection program.

Operating a vehicle with an expired registration sticker or inspection sticker may result in citations or registration enforcement actions.

Maine License Plate Violation Fines

Most license plate violations in Maine are treated as traffic or equipment offenses. The exact fine depends on the nature of the violation and the court handling the citation.

What is the fine for a license plate violation?

Maine law establishes the requirements for displaying license plates, while courts determine the applicable penalties based on the specific offense.