Washington 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 Washington’s requirements for front license plate display on standard passenger vehicles.
Does Washington State require a front license plate on passenger vehicles?
Yes. Washington State requires both front and rear license plates on most standard passenger vehicles.
Plate Covers
Tinted or opaque license plate covers are prohibited in Washington. Any cover that reduces plate readability or reflectivity violates state law.
Are tinted or opaque license plate covers legal in Washington State?
No. Tinted or opaque license plate covers are illegal in Washington. 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 Washington provided no required plate information is obstructed.
Can I use a license plate frame on my Washington State plates?
License plate frames are permitted in Washington 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
Washington requires both plates to be securely mounted and clearly readable at all times.
Where must Washington State license plates be mounted on the vehicle?
Washington requires both front and rear plates to be securely fastened, horizontally mounted, and clearly visible. Washington eliminated its vehicle inspection program on January 2, 2020. Registration tabs expire at the end of the month shown on the registration. Plates must not swing, rattle, or be angled in a way that reduces readability.
Plate Illumination
Washington requires the rear license plate to be lit by a white light when the vehicle’s headlights are on.
Does Washington State require the rear license plate to be illuminated at night?
Yes. Washington 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
Washington’s registration sticker requirements determine what must be displayed on the plate or vehicle at all times.
How do Washington State registration tabs work and when do they expire?
Washington issues annual registration tabs (stickers) for the rear plate. Tabs expire at the end of the month shown on the registration. Washington eliminated its vehicle inspection program in January 2020.
Plate Obstruction
Washington prohibits any cover or device that makes either plate difficult to read or reduces its reflectivity. The following items are specifically prohibited.
What counts as illegal license plate obstruction in Washington State?
Washington 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
Washington plate violations are traffic offenses. Fines are set by Washington courts and vary by offense and jurisdiction.
What is the fine for a plate violation in Washington State?
Washington plate violations are traffic offenses. Fines are set by Washington 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 Washington license plate is prohibited by state law. Modified plates must be replaced through the proper authority.
Can I alter or modify my Washington State license plate?
No. Altering or defacing a Washington license plate is prohibited. Any plate that has been bent, painted, or otherwise modified must be replaced through the Washington DOL at dol.wa.gov or a vehicle licensing subagent.
Decorative Covers
Decorative covers are prohibited in Washington if they reduce the readability or reflectivity of either plate in any way.
Are decorative plate covers legal in Washington State?
No. Decorative covers are prohibited if they reduce reflectivity or legibility of either plate. Display both plates without any cover for full compliance.