Is it illegal to drive with a license plate light out?
Yes, it is generally illegal to drive with a license plate light out in most jurisdictions. The laws regarding license plate lights vary by state, but the majority of states require vehicles to have properly functioning license plate lights to ensure the license plate is clearly visible at night or in low-light conditions.
Explanation of the Law
License plate lights are an important safety feature on vehicles, as they illuminate the license plate and make it easier for other drivers, law enforcement, and traffic cameras to identify the vehicle. Most states have laws that require vehicles to have at least one license plate light that illuminates the license plate from the rear of the vehicle.
The specific requirements for license plate lights can vary, but they typically include:
- At least one license plate light that is functional and illuminates the license plate
- The license plate light must be white or clear in color
- The light must be bright enough to make the license plate visible from a distance
- The light must be positioned to properly illuminate the license plate
Driving with a license plate light out can result in a traffic citation or fine, as it is considered a violation of vehicle equipment laws. The penalties for this offense can vary by state, but may include fines, points on the driver's license, or even the possibility of the vehicle being impounded.
Reasons for the Law
The primary reason for laws requiring functioning license plate lights is to ensure the visibility and identification of vehicles, especially at night or in low-light conditions. This helps with the following:
- Allowing law enforcement to easily identify and track vehicles
- Enabling traffic cameras to capture clear images of license plates
- Improving overall road safety by making vehicles more visible to other drivers
Additionally, properly functioning license plate lights can help prevent accidents and hit-and-run incidents, as other drivers are more likely to be able to identify a vehicle with a clearly illuminated license plate.
Recommendations
If your vehicle's license plate light is not working, it is recommended to have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible to avoid potential legal issues and ensure the safety of yourself and other drivers on the road. Regular maintenance and inspections of your vehicle's lighting system can help prevent this type of violation.
Does a car have to have a light making the license plate visible?
All vehicles are required to have a white light that makes the license plate visible from a distance of 50 feet. This requirement ensures that license plates can be easily read by law enforcement officers, pedestrians, and other drivers.
Do license plate lights have to work to pass inspection?
Every vehicle safety inspection will include a check of your headlights, taillights, hazard lights, turn signal, license plate lights, and brake lights. All of these lights must function properly without being too dim.
How much does a license plate light cost?
How Much Does a License Plate Light Replacement Cost? Aftermarket license plate lights can cost anywhere between $2 and $250 depending on light source, color, finish, recommended use, and series.
How much does it cost to fix a license plate light?
How Much Does a License Plate Light Replacement Cost? Aftermarket license plate lights can cost anywhere between $2 and $250 depending on light source, color, finish, recommended use, and series.
What does license plate light out mean?
Most cars have only one license plate light. So if it's out, that would mean you have no license plate light. And that is something you can get pulled over for.
How do I fix my license plate light?
Replacing Lights from the Outside
- Get new tag lights that are compatible with your vehicle.
- Loosen the screws on the lights' covers if your vehicle has them.
- Rotate the bases of the lights from underneath if they're attached to the bumper.
- Pull the light bulbs straight out.
- Push the new tag lights into the slots.
Is it illegal for license plate light to be out?
Having a burned-out license plate light is a valid reason for police to pull you over.
Will a license plate light fail inspection?
Every vehicle safety inspection will include a check of your headlights, taillights, hazard lights, turn signal, license plate lights, and brake lights. All of these lights must function properly without being too dim.
Can you drive with one license plate light out?
In California, it is generally required for vehicles to have functioning license plate lights. If one of your license plate lights is out, it may potentially be a violation of the law, as it can impact the visibility of your license plate, especially during nighttime or low-light conditions.
How to fix license plate light?
Replacing Lights from the Outside
- Get new tag lights that are compatible with your vehicle.
- Loosen the screws on the lights' covers if your vehicle has them.
- Rotate the bases of the lights from underneath if they're attached to the bumper.
- Pull the light bulbs straight out.
- Push the new tag lights into the slots.
