Utah vehicle license plate laws govern how license plates must be displayed, what covers and frames are permitted, and what constitutes an obstruction violation. Only a rear plate is required on standard passenger vehicles.
Front Plate Requirement
This section explains Utah’s requirements for front license plate display on standard passenger vehicles.
Did Utah remove its front plate requirement, and when did it take effect?
No. Utah removed its front plate requirement effective January 1, 2025 under Senate Bill 45. Standard passenger vehicles now display only one plate, mounted at the rear. Drivers who previously displayed a front plate do not need to remove it, but it is no longer required.
Plate Covers
Tinted or opaque license plate covers are prohibited in Utah. Any cover that reduces plate readability or reflectivity violates state law.
Are tinted or opaque license plate covers legal in Utah?
No. Tinted or opaque license plate covers are illegal in Utah. Any cover that reduces the visibility, reflectivity, or legibility of the plate is prohibited. Anti-camera sprays and coatings are also prohibited.
Plate Frames
Plate frames are permitted in Utah provided no required plate information is obstructed.
Can I use a license plate frame on my Utah rear plate?
License plate frames are permitted in Utah provided they do not obstruct any portion of the plate, including the state name, any characters, or any registration stickers. Frames that cover any required plate information are violations.
Plate Mounting
Utah requires the rear plate to be securely mounted and clearly readable at all times.
How must the Utah rear plate be mounted now that Utah is a rear-plate-only state?
Utah requires the rear plate to be securely fastened, horizontally mounted, and clearly visible. Utah is now a rear-plate-only state since January 1, 2025. Only the rear plate needs to be mounted. Plates must not swing, rattle, or be angled in a way that reduces readability.
Plate Illumination
Utah requires the rear license plate to be lit by a white light when the vehicle’s headlights are on.
Does Utah require the rear license plate to be illuminated at night?
Yes. Utah 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
Utah’s registration sticker requirements determine what must be displayed on the plate or vehicle at all times.
How do Utah registration stickers work with the On The Spot program?
Utah issues annual registration stickers for the rear plate. The sticker must be properly affixed as directed by the Utah DMV. The On The Spot program allows renewal and inspection at a single visit.
Plate Obstruction
Utah prohibits any cover or device that makes the 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 Utah?
Utah prohibits any material or device that makes the plate illegible or harder to read. The items listed below are specifically prohibited under state law.
- Tinted or colored covers over the plate
- Clear covers that reduce reflectivity or legibility
- Frames that cover the state name, any character, or any registration sticker
- Anti-camera sprays or coatings on the plate surface
- Dirt or debris that makes the plate unreadable
Fines and Violations
Utah plate violations are traffic offenses. Fines are set by Utah courts and vary by offense and jurisdiction.
What is the fine for a plate cover or obstruction violation in Utah?
Utah plate violations are traffic offenses. Fines are set by Utah courts and vary by offense and jurisdiction.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Plate obstruction or cover | Traffic offense - fine set by court |
| Missing or improperly displayed plate | Traffic offense - fine set by court |
| Non-functioning plate light | Equipment violation - fine set by court |
Plate Alteration
Altering or modifying a Utah license plate is prohibited by state law. Modified plates must be replaced through the proper authority.
Can I alter or modify my Utah license plate?
No. Altering or defacing a Utah license plate is prohibited. Any plate that has been bent, painted, or otherwise modified must be replaced through the Utah DMV at dmv.utah.gov or an On The Spot inspection station.
Decorative Covers
Decorative covers are prohibited in Utah if they reduce the readability or reflectivity of the plate in any way.
Are clear decorative plate covers legal in Utah?
No. Decorative covers are prohibited if they reduce reflectivity or legibility of the plate. Display the plate without any cover for full compliance.