It is not uncommon for people to obscure their license plate numbers in order to protect their privacy or avoid being tracked by law enforcement or other parties. This can be done using a variety of methods, such as using a license plate cover, a frame that covers part of the plate, or even spray-painting the plate.
However, it is important to note that obscuring a license plate is generally not legal in most states, including New York. This is because the license plate must be clearly visible at all times in order to facilitate the identification of vehicles for law enforcement and other purposes. Obscuring a license plate can result in fines and other legal consequences, and in some cases, the police may even impound the vehicle if the license plate is not visible.
Despite these risks, some people continue to obscure their license plate numbers in order to protect their privacy or avoid being tracked. It is important to weigh the potential benefits and risks of obscuring a license plate before taking this action. If you are considering obscuring your license plate, it is a good idea to check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to understand the specific laws and regulations in your area.
In the state of New York, it is generally not legal to obscure or cover up any part of a license plate, including the numbers and letters, with any material that makes it difficult to read the plate. This includes using a license plate cover, a frame that covers part of the plate, or any other material that obstructs the view of the plate.
The license plate must be clearly visible at all times and must be kept clean and legible. It must be displayed on the front and back of the vehicle and must be issued by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).There may be some exceptions to this rule for certain types of vehicles, such as historical vehicles or vehicles that are used in parades or other special events. In these cases, a temporary cover or frame may be allowed, as long as it does not obstruct the view of the plate. However, it is important to check with the DMV before using any type of cover or frame on a license plate in New York.
Obscuring a license plate can have serious consequences, including fines and points on your driver’s license. If you are caught obscuring a license plate, you may be ticketed and required to pay a fine. In some cases, the police may even impound your vehicle if the license plate is not visible.
“MTA and law enforcement agencies announced Friday, May 20, 2022, that they are cracking down on motorists who use fake, obscured, or covered license plates to avoid paying tolls.
The collaborative effort aims to combat deliberate attempts to prevent tolling cameras from identifying license plates through increased enforcement and by sharing information and best practices to identify bad actors on the road.
The coordinated law enforcement effort aims to not only crack down on the evasion of tolls through forged or obstructed license plates but to curtail motorists who use similar deceptive tactics to hide more serious crimes and to evade speed and red-light cameras across the region.”
It is important to follow the laws regarding license plates in New York to avoid any legal issues. If you have any questions about the legality of a license plate in New York, it is a good idea to contact the DMV for more information. A more detailed article regarding to penalties and cost to the drivers incurring in this practice is here.
