Massachusetts License Plate Laws

Massachusetts requires most passenger vehicles to display both a front and rear license plate. License plate requirements are established under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 and 540 CMR regulations, which govern how license plates must be displayed, mounted, illuminated, and maintained.

In addition to requiring two license plates, Massachusetts requires most registered vehicles to complete an annual safety inspection and emissions inspection, with a valid inspection sticker displayed on the windshield.

Front License Plate Requirements

Massachusetts is a two-license-plate state. Most passenger vehicles must display one plate on the front of the vehicle and another on the rear, with both plates securely mounted and clearly visible.

Does Massachusetts require a front license plate?

Yes. Massachusetts requires both front and rear license plates on standard passenger vehicles.

The front plate must be securely attached to the exterior front of the vehicle. Placing the plate on the dashboard, inside the windshield, or in any other non-approved location does not satisfy Massachusetts law.

Drivers relocating from states that only require a rear plate must install a front plate after registering their vehicle with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).

Certain motorcycles, trailers, and specialty vehicle registrations follow different plate display requirements.

Where must license plates be mounted?

Massachusetts requires both license plates to be securely fastened in a horizontal position on the exterior of the vehicle.

Both plates must remain plainly visible from the front and rear, may not swing or tilt excessively, and must not be mounted in a manner that reduces visibility or readability.

License Plate Covers and Frames

Massachusetts strictly regulates accessories that interfere with the visibility of a registration plate. While decorative frames are generally permitted, drivers should ensure they do not obscure any identifying information.

Are tinted license plate covers legal in Massachusetts?

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

Even clear plastic covers may violate the law if they create glare or interfere with plate readability under daylight or nighttime conditions. Anti-camera sprays, reflective coatings, electronic plate-hiding devices, and similar products are also prohibited.

Are license plate frames legal?

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

Frames must not obscure:

• The word “Massachusetts”
• Registration stickers or expiration decals
• Any letters or numbers
• Validation markings or other identifying information

Drivers should verify that the entire plate remains visible before operating the vehicle.

License Plate Display Rules

Massachusetts requires license plates to remain clean, legible, securely mounted, and free from obstruction at all times.

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.

Common examples include:

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

Keeping both license plates clean is particularly important during Massachusetts winters when snow and road salt can quickly obscure registration plates.

Can you alter or modify a Massachusetts license plate?

No. Massachusetts 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 the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).

Rear License Plate Light Requirements

Every registered vehicle in Massachusetts must have a functioning rear license plate light whenever the headlights are on.

Does Massachusetts require a rear license plate light?

Yes. Massachusetts requires the rear license plate to be illuminated by a white light that makes it clearly readable from at least 50 feet behind the vehicle.

A burned-out or malfunctioning plate light may result in an equipment violation and may also cause the vehicle to fail its annual inspection.

Registration Stickers and Annual Vehicle Inspection

Massachusetts requires both valid vehicle registration and an annual inspection. Drivers should understand the difference between the registration decal attached to the plate and the inspection sticker displayed on the windshield.

What are Massachusetts’ registration and inspection sticker requirements?

Massachusetts issues a registration sticker that must be displayed on the rear license plate according to RMV instructions.

The state also requires an annual combined safety and emissions inspection, with a valid inspection sticker displayed on the lower left corner of the windshield.

Newly registered vehicles must obtain a Massachusetts inspection sticker within seven days of registration. Operating a vehicle with an expired inspection sticker may result in fines and may prevent registration renewal.

Massachusetts License Plate Violation Fines

License plate violations are generally treated as civil motor vehicle infractions or equipment violations. The exact penalty depends on the nature of the violation and applicable Massachusetts law.

What is the fine for a license plate violation?

Massachusetts law establishes the requirements for displaying license plates, while courts determine the applicable penalties for most violations.