In Arizona, knowing the rules about license plates is essential for drivers. A new rule, led by Governor Doug Ducey, kicked off on January 1. It bans any covers or materials that hide license plate details. This rule aims to keep plate numbers, letters, state names, and stickers visible from all angles. Arizona takes this law seriously, charging a $135 fine for breaking it. It shows the state’s effort to keep license plates easy to see for safety and policing.
Back in 2006, Arizona first passed a law about license plate frames, which started to be used in 2009. Senator Steve Farley has tried since 2011 to tackle license plate covers. Finally, his effort led to the passing of Senate Bill 1073 by a vote of 20-10. Before this, there was a rule for plates to be readable but not a specific ban on covers. Many believe these covers can hide stolen cars from the police, risking officer safety and efficiency.
This new rule clears up any confusion for Arizona drivers. It makes sure everyone follows the latest car laws. However, drivers from other states don’t have to follow this Arizona rule. Arizona has over 60 types of license plates, so it’s important that they all meet the same visibility standards. Raul Garcia, an ex-state trooper, has noticed fewer plate covers lately. Yet, the problem of plates being hard to read remains, often because of covers designed to dodge speed cameras.
For tips on choosing the right license plate covers, visit this guide.
The Purpose and Benefits of License Plate Covers
License plate covers are key in protecting your license plates. They shield them from dirt, weather, and impacts. This is great for places with tough weather or rough roads.
They help keep your plates clean and easy to read. This is important for both police and automated systems. Without covers, plates can wear out fast, making them hard to read. Covers protect them, so they last longer.
Protective license plate covers also stop vandals. They make it tough for people to mess with your plates. This is good in places where there is more crime or car theft.
By keeping your plates in good shape, you avoid fines for unreadable or damaged plates. In short, license plate covers offer many perks. They are a handy way to protect, maintain, and secure your car’s identification.
| Feature | Battery-Powered Digital Plate | Hardwired Digital Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per Month | $19.95 | $19.95 |
| Total Cost Over 48 Months | $955.20 | $955.20 |
| One-Time Payment Option (4-Year Plan) | $215.40 | $215.40 |
| Professional Installation | $99 | $99 |
| New Plate Fee in Arizona | $5 | $5 |
| Battery Life | 5 Years | N/A |
| DMV Approval Process | 1-3 Days | 1-3 Days |
Legal Implications of Using License Plate Covers in Arizona
In recent years, Arizona has gotten strict on license plate covers. Now, it’s against the law to use anything that makes a license plate hard to read. This includes clear plastic covers that might reflect light badly, as State Senator Steve Farley pointed out. Signed by Governor Doug Ducey, this law ensures license plates can be seen easily, helping both people and automated cameras.
Arizona updated its laws because of more photo radars in cities like Phoenix and Scottsdale. These cameras need to see license plates clearly to work right. Now, anything hiding plate details is banned. Governor Ducey made this official and gave drivers 90 days after the law starts to follow these new rules.
Now, police can stop you just for having a plate cover that breaks these rules. Get caught, and a judge decides your fine. The law calls out bad products like the “Street Vision Diffusional Photo Shield.” Tests by Mythbusters and RadarTest.com proved these covers don’t trick cameras. This lets everyone know the law means business.
This law’s goal? To make sure public safety and crime fighting don’t get blocked by a plate cover. Police stand by this, knowing hidden plates can mess up their work. As this law rolls out, staying visible keeps everyone safer and helps police do their job.
Common Misconceptions About License Plate Covers
In Arizona, some drivers think clear or transparent covers are totally legal. But even slightly affecting a plate’s visibility can make any cover illegal. Knowing the rules for license plate covers helps avoid breaking the law without meaning to.
The new law, SB 1073, which Gov. Doug Ducey signed, says covers that hide any part of a license plate are not allowed. It’s important to separate myths from the actual law. For example, many think tinted covers are okay. They are only fine if the plate’s letters and numbers are still clear.
Often, drivers wrongly believe their plates are visible and legal when they might not be. Efforts to control license plate covers didn’t pass in 2004, 2008, and 2010. With SB 1073 now enforceable, breaking this law could lead to fines set by a judge.
Let’s compare some common myths to facts under SB 1073:
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Clear covers are always legal. | Any cover affecting visibility can be illegal. |
| Tinted covers are acceptable if they show numbers. | Tinted covers must not alter visibility. |
| Legislation was unnecessary since obscuring plates was already illegal. | New law explicitly bans any occlusion of plate visibility. |
| Lack of enforcement means it’s safe to use any cover. | Law enforcement actively monitors for violations. |
Knowing these myths and realities helps stay within the law and avoid fines. It’s very important to follow Arizona Department of Transportation rules and keep up with license plate cover laws.
How to Choose a Compliant License Plate Cover
Choosing the right license plate cover in Arizona is key. Make sure the cover doesn’t hide any part of the plate. This includes numbers and state stickers. A good cover lets you see the plate clearly from all sides. It should keep the plate’s color, visibility, and shine.
Transparent covers work well if they don’t blur or reflect light badly. Remember, frames used for dealership branding must meet state rules too. Keeping the plate fully visible is always the main goal.
In the U.S., including Arizona, 27 out of 50 states have stickers in the top corner of the plate. Making sure stickers and letters are seen is crucial for following the law.
Different materials are used for legal covers. Aluminum frames are light but durable. Stainless steel and titanium are strong and fight rust. Plastic frames are cheap and silicone ones are bendy. They stop noise and wear from weather. Pick a material that looks good and meets Arizona’s rules. This will help you dodge fines.
| Material | Properties |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | Lightweight, durable |
| Stainless Steel | Strong, rust-resistant |
| Titanium | Exceptional strength, rust-resistant |
| Plastic | Cost-effective |
| Silicone | Flexible, prevents rattling |
You can learn more about picking the right license plate cover here.
Potential Consequences of Non-Compliance
If you don’t follow the rules for license plates, you could face serious problems. In Arizona, breaking these rules comes with penalties for your safety and to help police do their job. You could end up paying fines, and the amount you pay depends on what rule you broke and where it happened.
Getting in trouble for license plate issues could also mean your car gets taken away. This happens especially if your plates are really messed up or look like they belong to police. This will also add points to your driving record, which can make your insurance cost more. You might end up having to pay more for insurance.
Penalties also try to stop people from using plates that hide important info. These kinds of plates make it hard for toll systems to work right and for police to know which car is which. In busy places like South Florida, almost all the license plate problems are because there are so many people and cars around.
Law enforcement uses high-tech tools like Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) to catch these issues. They’re used a lot in areas with lots of people like Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. These tools make it easier to find cars that don’t have the right plates.
In Florida, if you break the license plate laws, you could be fined about $114. But, fighting the case in court could make it more expensive. If you keep breaking the rules or try to look like the police, you might even face criminal charges. Places like California, Nevada, and Texas are looking into how these license plate reader tools affect people’s privacy and legal rights.
Tips for Maintaining Legal License Plates in Arizona
Keeping your license plates legal in Arizona is key to avoiding big fines. You just need to follow some simple rules to make sure your plate is in great shape. This helps you stay within the law.
Always check your license plate for damage or signs of wear. In Arizona, it’s a rule that plates must be clean and easy to read. If it gets dirty or covered in dust, clean it right away. Making sure your plate is visible is crucial for staying within the law and avoiding fines.
You can’t use tints, covers, or materials that make the plate hard to see. Only use covers that the law allows, which do not alter how the plate looks. A plate must be at 12 inches above the ground, as the law says. Not doing this could lead to a fine of about $136 in places like Phoenix and Tucson.
If you change your car’s color with a vinyl wrap, tell the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). Make sure your plate’s validation tabs are always there. Get a new plate if yours is damaged or hard to read. This keeps you from getting misdemeanor charges and at least $300 in court fines. For more info on following the rules for your vehicle’s plates and wraps, see the Arizona MVD guidelines.
