Tennessee vehicle license plate laws govern how license plates must be displayed, what covers and frames are permitted, and what constitutes an obstruction violation. Both front and rear plates are required on standard passenger vehicles.
Front Plate Requirement
This section explains Tennessee’s requirements for front license plate display on standard passenger vehicles.
Does Tennessee require a front license plate on passenger vehicles?
Yes. Tennessee requires both front and rear license plates on most standard passenger vehicles.
Plate Covers
Tinted or opaque license plate covers are prohibited in Tennessee. Any cover that reduces plate readability or reflectivity violates state law.
Are tinted or opaque license plate covers legal in Tennessee?
No. Tinted or opaque license plate covers are illegal in Tennessee. Any cover that reduces the visibility, reflectivity, or legibility of either plate is prohibited. Anti-camera sprays and coatings are also prohibited.
Plate Frames
Plate frames are permitted in Tennessee provided no required plate information is obstructed.
Can I use a license plate frame on my Tennessee plates?
License plate frames are permitted in Tennessee provided they do not obstruct any portion of either plate, including the state name, any characters, or any registration stickers. Frames that cover any required plate information are violations.
Plate Mounting
Tennessee requires both plates to be securely mounted and clearly readable at all times.
Where must Tennessee license plates be mounted on the vehicle?
Tennessee requires both front and rear plates to be securely fastened, horizontally mounted, and clearly visible. Tennessee eliminated statewide vehicle emissions testing in February 2022. Plates must not swing, rattle, or be angled in a way that reduces readability.
Plate Illumination
Tennessee requires the rear license plate to be lit by a white light when the vehicle’s headlights are on.
Does Tennessee require the rear license plate to be illuminated at night?
Yes. Tennessee requires the rear license plate to be illuminated by a white light clearly readable from at least 50 feet when the vehicle’s headlights are in use. A non-functioning plate light is an equipment violation subject to citation.
Registration Stickers
Tennessee’s registration sticker requirements determine what must be displayed on the plate or vehicle at all times.
What are Tennessee’s annual registration sticker requirements through the county clerk?
Tennessee issues annual registration stickers for plates. The sticker must be properly affixed as directed by your county clerk.
Plate Obstruction
Tennessee prohibits any cover or device that makes either plate difficult to read or reduces its reflectivity. The following items are specifically prohibited.
What types of covers or objects count as illegal plate obstruction in Tennessee?
Tennessee prohibits any material or device that makes either plate illegible or harder to read. The items listed below are specifically prohibited under state law.
- Tinted or colored covers over either plate
- Clear covers that reduce reflectivity or legibility of either plate
- Frames that cover the state name, any character, or any sticker on either plate
- Anti-camera sprays or coatings on either plate
- Dirt or debris that makes either plate unreadable
Fines and Violations
Tennessee plate violations are traffic offenses. Fines are set by Tennessee courts and vary by offense and jurisdiction.
What is the fine for a plate violation in Tennessee?
Tennessee plate violations are traffic offenses. Fines are set by Tennessee courts and vary by offense and jurisdiction.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Missing front plate | Traffic offense – fine typically $100 to $200 |
| Plate obstruction or cover | Traffic offense – fine set by court |
| Missing or improperly displayed rear plate | Traffic offense – fine set by court |
| Non-functioning plate light | Equipment violation – fine set by court |
Plate Alteration
Altering or modifying a Tennessee license plate is prohibited by state law. Modified plates must be replaced through the proper authority.
Can I alter or modify my Tennessee license plate?
No. Altering or defacing a Tennessee license plate is prohibited. Any plate that has been bent, painted, or otherwise modified must be replaced through your county clerk’s office.
Decorative Covers
Decorative covers are prohibited in Tennessee if they reduce the readability or reflectivity of either plate in any way.
Are decorative plate covers legal in Tennessee?
No. Decorative covers are prohibited if they reduce reflectivity or legibility of either plate. Display both plates without any cover for full compliance.