Choosing the Right License Plate Frame for Your State: a Guide
License Plates and Frames: a Brief Overview
License plates, also known as vehicle registration plates, are used globally to identify vehicles and vehicle owners. These plates are made of metal and mounted to vehicles, displaying a string of letters and numbers unique to that vehicle. Because license plates are mounted on nearly every motor vehicle, license plate frames can be an effective way to spread a message!
License plates were first introduced in the early 1900s as the automobile gained popularity. Massachusetts was the first state to issue official car license plates in 1903, and other states quickly followed. In the mid-1900s, license plate frames became popular to protect license plates from wear and tear. For brands looking to get noticed, this created a new way to get your brand in front of customers!
Customized License Plate Frames
Custom license plate holders printed with brand names have been used since at least the 1970s. These license plate holders give brands an innovative way to advertise their brand, and give customers another way to express themselves with their cars. Text is generally printed on the top or bottom of these frames.
Since the invention of branded license plate frames, they've become a prevalent advertising method for car dealerships and auto brands. Dealerships generally outfit the cars they sell with custom frames printed with their dealership name and phone number. This is one of the most effective ways to get your brand noticed on the roads! Sports teams, universities, and charity organizations also frequently create custom license plate frames.
However, not all frames are created equal. There are unique license plate frame laws by state. This article will explore the rules surrounding license plate frames and help you determine what's acceptable in your state.
How To Choose a Legal License Plate Frame
The main thing to consider with car license plate frames is the registration sticker. Registration stickers are placed in the corner of license plates to show that the car is current on its registration. Your license plate frame cannot cover your registration sticker; otherwise, you could wind up with a ticket and fine!
Every state has individual laws about license plate visibility, but they all boil down to this: if a license plate frame covers the license plate numbers or the registration stickers and makes them illegible, that frame is not legal. Let's review the various license plate designs to determine which license plate frame is best for each state!
Note: For each state listed below, a link to their respective license plate display laws will be included. These are the most recent laws as of 2023. Customers are responsible for ensuring a license plate frame is legal and suitable for their vehicles before ordering.
License Plates with Stickers in the Top Corner
The most common placement for the registration sticker is in the top corner of the license plate. Some states have separate stickers for the month and year of registration, with one sticker in each corner. Most states use one sticker, which is placed in the top right corner of the license plate.
27 of the 50 United States place registration stickers in the top corner of the license plate: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusets, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. In these states, opting for a license plate frame with text on the bottom is best. A license plate frame with text on top is acceptable, so long as the text panel leaves the corners of the plate uncovered.
License Plates with Stickers in the Bottom Corner
The bottom corner is the second most common placement for registration stickers on license plates. As with the states listed above, the registration can be one or two stickers denoting the month and year the car's registration will expire. Most states use one sticker.
The 18 states that put registration stickers in the bottom corner are: Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Rhode Island, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. A license plate frame that features text on the top panel is ideal for the states in this list; frames with a bottom text panel will work so long as the panel does not cover up the corners of the license plate.
License Plates with Stickers in the Middle or No Sticker
Finally, a handful of states don't put registration stickers on any corners of the license plate! You can feel comfortable using license plate frames with text on the top panel, bottom panel, or both in these states!
In Missouri, registration stickers are placed in the middle of the license plate. Connecticut and Pennsylvania have done away with registration stickers altogether. Finally, New York, Washington D.C., and Texas have switched to placing registration stickers inside the windshield, likely to prevent theft of the sticker. Residents of these states can choose from the broadest selection of legal license plate frames.
Selecting Your License Plate Frame
Once you've determined what's legal in your state, it's time to sift through your options and select a license plate frame based on your preferences. There is a wide variety in the materials, styles, and sizes of license plates you can choose. Let's explore the options!
License Plate Frame Materials
When selecting license plate frames, it's essential to consider the material options available. License plate frames can be made with materials like aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, plastic, or silicone, each offering unique benefits. Aluminum is lightweight and durable, while stainless steel and titanium offer exceptional strength and resistance to rust and corrosion. Plastic frames are a cost-effective option, and silicone frames provide a soft, flexible choice that won't rattle against your car or degrade due to weather.
License Plate Frame Styles
There are also various styles to choose from with license plate frames for cars! As we've covered, license plate frames can display text on the top, the bottom, or both. The placement of your registration stickers is the best way to determine which style works best here– if stickers are on top, get a frame with text on the bottom, and vice versa.
License plate frames can be printed with fun patterns like tie-dye, camouflage, or paw prints. Some frames, especially front license plate frames, even incorporate bumper protectors to guard against minor impacts! There are also novelty frame shapes for a fun and unique choice, with designs ranging from palm trees and shark teeth to dazzling diamonds, allowing you to showcase your individuality on the road. If your vehicle lacks a backup camera, type S license plate frames come with a built in solar-powered backup camera!
License Plate Frame Size
When selecting a frame, it is crucial to consider the size requirements of your license plate. Standard license plates in the U.S. and Canada measure 6 x 12 inches for all cars, trucks, and trailers. On the other hand, motorcycle license plates are not standardized but generally measure 4 inches by 7 inches. License plate frames are generally sold based on these measurements to ensure a proper fit. To avoid any issues, verify the dimensions of your license plate before purchasing a frame.
Customize License Plate Frames for Your Brand with Logotech!
License plates and their frames have a storied history; click here to read more about the history of license plates! If you're looking to create custom license plate frames for your brand, Logotech is the ideal spot. Our custom license plate frames are the perfect way to promote your brand or organization! We use only the highest quality materials in our license plate frames, ensuring your message will be seen on the road for years.
We also offer a huge selection of promotional products for dealerships and auto brands! We have the lowest wholesale prices and a team of dedicated experts at your disposal. Get custom license plate frames with Logotech and get your brand noticed! To get started with your order, create an account on our website, and an account manager will contact you shortly.
