Obstructed license plates in Washington State are now drawing tickets
- Peter Schneider
- Mar 28
- 2 min read
A heads up for our Washington State readers, it has always been illegal to obscure your license plate but a Washington State troopers are being instructed to push enforcement of a recent revision in the law.
The law was amended last year which specifically included license plate covers. It appears that any cover, even if you could argue it does not obstruct visibility of the license plate, is going to be considered illegal and draw a fine over $100.
Don't give the police a reason to pull you over, ditch the license plate cover. Even the rectangular license plate frame every dealer outfits a car with for advertising could be used as an excuse by a bored cop to help fill his quota for the month if it in any way covers part of the plate number, so be mindful of that.
A quick rundown on the laws:
Front license plates are required for all vehicles issued two license plates. (RCW 46.16A.200)
License plates must:
• Be kept clean and to be able to be plainly seen and read at all times. (RCW 46.16A.200)
• Attached in a horizontal position no more than four feet (4’) from the ground. (RCW 46.16A.200)
Rear license plates must be illuminated by a white light. (RCW 46.37.050)
• License plate covers are not permitted.
• It is unlawful to use any holders, frames, or any materials that in any manner change, alter, or make the vehicle license number plates illegible. (RCW 46.16A.200)
• Tinted and non-tinted covers can alter the appearance of or the reflectivity of the plate and make it unreadable or reduce the reflectivity.
The thoughts, opinions and musings of this blog are those of Peter Schneider, a consumer advocate attorney at Northwest Debt Resolution, LLC. They are just that, his thoughts, opinions and musings and should be treated as such. They are not legal advice. Do you have more questions? We would be happy to answer your questions:
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Peter Schneider
206-800-6000
Robocalls and Telephone Consumer Protection Act questions:
Nathen Barton
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Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) questions:
Peter Schneider
206-800-6000
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