For any vehicle owner in Colorado, understanding Colorado license plate laws is key. The law, specifically CRS 42-3-202, says your license plates must be clear to see. Both the front and back plates need to be shown on most vehicles. They must be fixed well to stop them from swinging and be at least 12 inches off the ground. Keeping them visible is important for law enforcement and safety on the road.
License plate covers are allowed by the law. Yet, CRS 42-3-202 (2)(b) clearly says you can’t use anything that makes the plate hard to read. While Colorado requires two plates for most vehicles, some like motorcycles and trailers are exceptions. Not following these rules could result in a class B traffic ticket. The fine could be as much as $100, but it won’t add points to your license.
Also, remember that any cover must be clear. It shouldn’t cover the plate or the registration stickers. Following these rules makes sure you don’t run into problems during traffic stops or vehicle checks. This lets you drive in Colorado without worries.
The Purpose and Benefits of License Plate Covers
License plate covers protect your vehicle’s plates from dirt, debris, or harsh weather. This ensures your plates stay clear and readable. When license plates first came out in the early 1900s, states like Massachusetts started issuing them.
These covers protect your plate from the elements. Aluminum frames are light and durable. Stainless steel and titanium resist rust and corrosion well. Soft silicone frames reduce noise and withstand weather damage. These materials help keep your license plate in good shape.
Using a license plate cover correctly can prevent fines. In Colorado, the law requires covers to be clear to keep license plates and tabs visible. This follows Colorado’s laws, helping drivers avoid penalties.
Interestingly, 27 states, including Alabama and California, place registration stickers in the top corner of the plate. Meanwhile, Connecticut and Pennsylvania don’t use stickers. In Colorado, it’s crucial to keep your license plate visible to avoid a $25 fine.
A clear, well-fitted cover also helps with photo radar cameras. These cameras need a clear view of your license plate to work properly. For tips on choosing the best cover, check out this guide on the best license plate covers red light cameras.
Understanding the importance of license plate protection can prevent fines. It keeps your vehicle within state laws. Protecting your license plate makes it last longer and stay visible.
Legal Implications of Using License Plate Covers in Colorado
In Colorado, it’s essential to understand the rules about license plate covers. The law, according to Colorado Revised Statute (CRS) 42-3-202 (2)(b), makes it clear. It says that any cover or device making a license plate hard to read is not allowed.
This means no tinted, smoked, or dirty covers that hide the plate. The Parker Police Department has seen more of these issues lately. They stress that following the law is important.
CRS 42-3-202 has specific rules for how license plates should be displayed:
- Rear license plates must be mounted at a height no less than 12 inches from the ground and within 18 inches of the rear bumper.
- License plates must be kept free from foreign materials and be clearly visible.
- Both front and rear plates must be securely fastened to prevent swinging.
- Current month and year tabs or stickers must be displayed in specific corners of the rear license plate.
If you don’t follow these rules, you could get in trouble. A vehicle with a covered or unclear plate faces a class B traffic infraction. Worse yet, if the plate is unreadable, you could face a class A infraction and a $100 fine.
Sticking to CRS 42-3-202 isn’t just about avoiding fines. It’s about keeping your vehicle legal and identifiable. This is vital in Colorado, where there are 133 different license plate designs and both plates are usually needed.
Common Misconceptions About License Plate Covers
Many drivers in Colorado believe myths about license plate covers. They think all covers are against the law. But, the truth is, Colorado law allows clear covers that do not hide the plate’s details.
One big myth is about the cover rules. People often think any cover is a no-go. The key rule is that the cover must not block the plate’s numbers and letters.
Another misunderstanding is about where to put registration tags. In Colorado, they belong at the plate’s bottom. If you put them in the wrong spot, you might get fined.
Not following the rules for license plate covers can lead to trouble. Knowing what’s allowed helps avoid problems with the police. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation uses plate data in solving crimes. A blocked plate can mess with these efforts.
To clear up these myths, let’s compare them to the facts:
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| All license plate covers are illegal in Colorado. | Only covers that obscure the plate’s visibility are illegal. |
| Registration tags can be placed anywhere on the plate. | Tags must be positioned at the bottom of the plate. |
| Covers can be tinted or colored. | Only clear covers are allowed. |
By knowing and following these rules, you can steer clear of fines. It helps both you and the police. Understanding these myths about license plate covers keeps you out of legal trouble.
How to Choose a Compliant License Plate Cover
When selecting legal license plate covers in Colorado, making the right choice is crucial. You must pick one that meets state rules to avoid fines. The main thing to look for is that it’s clear. It should be fully see-through and not hide any part of the plate, including stickers.
It’s also key to make sure it doesn’t change the plate’s color. Don’t pick covers that are reflective, scratched, or dirty. These can make the plate hard to see.
Clarity is one thing, but the plate must be seen from all angles too. The cover shouldn’t make the plate hard to see from different views. In Colorado, the back plate must be lit at night and seen from 60 feet away.
Looking at different materials for compliant vehicle accessories is smart. Aluminum frames are light and strong, making them a good choice. There’s also stainless steel and titanium for their durability and resistance to rust. If money is tight, plastic frames are cheaper, and silicone ones are flexible, stopping noises and lasting through the weather.
It’s also key to think about where to put registration stickers, since each state is different. In Colorado, stickers have to be clear on the back plate, not blocked by any cover or frame. This follows local laws and lets you show off your style or brand on your car.
If you’re looking for more help on picking the right license plate cover, you can find detailed advice here. Staying within the law not only keeps you from fines but also makes sure your plates are readable, making roads safer.
Potential Consequences of Non-Compliance
Not following Colorado’s rules for license plate covers can lead to serious problems. First off, you could be fined about $135. If you break the driving laws in Colorado, you could get three points on your record. If you keep breaking the rules, you might get stopped by the police more often. Especially if your license plate is hard to read.
If you don’t follow the rules about vehicle registration, the state might take action. They could issue a Cease and Desist Order against you. This would mean you can’t use anything the state gave you for your vehicle, like license plates. You wouldn’t be able to register your vehicle again until you followed all the requirements from the Colorado Department of Revenue.
If a Cease and Desist Order is given to you, you have ten days to ask for a hearing after a meeting about the violation. This hearing has to happen within twenty days of your request. If you don’t ask for a hearing in time, you lose your chance to fight the order. The decision will then be final. During this process, you can have a lawyer help you try to lessen the consequences.
The penalties for not making your license plate clear include other issues too. For example, not using dealer demo plates or depot plates correctly can also lead to problems. Dealers need to make sure only certain employees use depot plates. They also must report if any plates are lost or stolen within seventy-two hours. Plus, any issues like no longer following the rules or closing the dealership must be reported quickly.
A survey from Police1 shows why following these rules is so important. Even though speeding is often why police stop drivers, issues like not seeing license plates well matter too. Also, 66% of police officers said they use cameras on their bodies to make stops more open and fair. Many said making sure vehicles can be identified is crucial. This highlights why it’s so important to make sure license plates can be seen.
Following the rules for vehicle registration and making sure your license plate is visible helps you avoid fines. But it does more than that. It also makes the roads safer for everyone. By sticking to these rules, you help lower the risk of getting driving violations in Colorado. Plus, it keeps your driving record clean.
Tips for Maintaining Legal License Plates in Colorado
Keeping your license plates legal is key for staying within Colorado’s rules. It’s important to check your license plate cover often. Make sure it’s clean, clear, and free of any scratches or dirt. These issues can make your plate hard to read, leading to problems.
It’s also vital to attach your license plate the right way. In Colorado, plates must be fixed horizontally at least 12 inches off the ground. This stops them from swinging. It’s important for visibility and safety. Plus, make sure your plates are well-lit at night. Even though many cars have plate lights, check them regularly to ensure they work.
Another easy but crucial tip is to keep your plates clean. Wash both the plate and its cover often. This is especially true after bad weather hits. Dirt can hide your plate number, breaking state laws. This could get you stopped by the police. Following these steps helps you avoid tickets and keeps roads safe.
