Kara Sears
In Colorado, the law requires all vehicles to display valid license plates, with most vehicles needing two plates—one at the front and one at the back. This law applies to most vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs. Driving a vehicle without a front license plate in Colorado can result in a fine of up to $100 or a traffic infraction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Requirement for front license plate | Yes, for most vehicles |
| Requirement for rear license plate | Yes, for most vehicles |
| Fine for driving without a front license plate | $75 |
| Fine for driving without a license plate | Up to $100 |
| Class of infraction for driving without a license plate | Class B traffic infraction |
| Requirement for validation tabs or stickers | Yes, on the rear license plate |
| Number of license plates received at the time of vehicle registration | Two |
| Number of validation tabs received at the time of vehicle registration | Two |
| Exemption for certain vehicles | Yes, e.g. motorcycles, military vehicles |
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What You'll Learn
Exempt vehicles
In Colorado, certain vehicles are exempt from displaying both front and rear license plates. These exemptions are outlined in the state's legal code, CRS 42-3-202, which specifies that motorcycles, autocycle or street rod vehicles are exempt from displaying a front license plate, and only need to display a plate at the rear of the vehicle.
Additionally, military vehicles are also exempt from displaying license plates externally, as long as the owner carries a plate inside the car.
Other types of vehicles that may be exempt from license plate requirements in Colorado include those with specific weight limits. For example, CRS 42-4-508 sets forth the legal weight limits for certain vehicles and combinations of vehicles, and driving a vehicle above a specific weight limit is considered a misdemeanor traffic offense.
It is important to note that even if a vehicle is exempt from displaying a front license plate, the owner may still be required to attach validation tabs or stickers to the rear license plate, as specified in Colorado Revised Statutes 42-3-202.
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Fines and penalties
In Colorado, the law requires vehicles to display two license plates—one in the front and one at the back. The front license plate must be displayed horizontally in the location designated by the vehicle manufacturer.
If you drive without a front license plate in Colorado, you could be fined. The fine for driving without a front license plate is around $75, and you could face further penalties if you continue to drive without one. The specific penalty for driving without a front and back license plate is a $100 fine, classed as a Class B traffic infraction. This is a lower-level offence, as opposed to a Class A traffic infraction, a misdemeanour, or a felony. No points are added to the offender's driving license.
If your license plate is obscured or unreadable, this also carries a penalty. This is classed as a Class A traffic infraction and is punishable by a $100 fine. The law states that a license plate must be illuminated at night, and visible and clean at all times.
In addition to fines, a driver may be liable for damages under negligence per se for breaking the law at the time of a car accident. For example, if a driver is pulled over for not having a front license plate, and the police have reason to believe the driver is under the influence of alcohol, the driver could be charged with a DUI.
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License plate brackets
In Colorado, the law mandates that the owner of a motor vehicle attach a front and back license plate, with validation tabs on the rear plate. This applies to all vehicles except motorcycles, autocylces, or street rods, which only require a rear plate.
There are a variety of license plate brackets available on the market, each designed to suit different vehicle types and styles. For instance, custom motorcycle license plate brackets can add a unique touch to a bike while also serving the practical purpose of displaying the license plate. These brackets come in various designs, including vertical or horizontal orientations, and specific models to fit different motorcycle makes and models.
For car owners who want to avoid drilling holes into their bumpers, specialised no-drill license plate brackets are available. These brackets are designed to be compatible with a wide range of vehicles, providing a universal solution without the need for permanent modifications.
When choosing a license plate bracket, it is important to consider the specific requirements of your vehicle, including the make, model, and year. Additionally, checking the placement and orientation of the license plate that your vehicle model requires can help guide your choice of bracket.
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License plate placement
In Colorado, the law mandates that all vehicles display valid license plates. Most vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs, must have two plates—one attached to the front and the other to the rear of the vehicle. This law is codified under CRS 42-3-202, which states that "the owner shall attach the number plates assigned to a self-propelled vehicle, other than a motorcycle, autocycle, or street rod vehicle, to the vehicle with one in the front and the other in the rear."
The front license plate is essential for safety, security, and fairness on Colorado roads. It helps police officers identify a car from the front during emergencies or accidents. Additionally, having two plates makes it easier for law enforcement to locate stolen vehicles. All drivers are required to follow this rule, ensuring consistency across the state.
It is important to note that some vehicles are exempt from the front license plate requirement, including motorcycles, street rod vehicles, trailers, and military vehicles. However, military vehicle owners must carry the plate inside their cars.
Failure to comply with the license plate requirement in Colorado can result in legal consequences. Driving without a front license plate can lead to a traffic stop and a fine of up to $100. To avoid such penalties, vehicle owners should ensure that both plates are properly attached and displayed on their vehicles.
If a vehicle does not have a built-in mounting for a front license plate, owners can purchase a license plate holder to securely attach the plate to the center of the front bumper. This ensures that the plate is visible and easy to read, meeting the requirements set by Colorado law.
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License plate visibility
In Colorado, the law requires that license plates be visible at all times. According to Colorado Revised Statutes 42-3-202, the owner of a motor vehicle must attach both a front and rear license plate, with validation tabs or stickers displayed at the bottom of the rear plate. The law states that the rear license plate must be clearly visible, legible, and free from foreign materials. It should be horizontal, at least 12 inches from the ground, and centred on the vehicle.
The law also specifies that certain vehicles are exempt from the front and rear license plate requirements, such as motorcycles, street rod vehicles, and military vehicles. Military vehicle owners are required to carry a plate inside the car and make it available for inspection if requested by a peace officer.
Failure to properly display license plates and validation tabs is considered a class B traffic infraction in Colorado. This offence carries a fine of up to $100 and can lead to additional charges if the vehicle is stopped for other traffic violations.
To ensure compliance with the law and maintain license plate visibility, vehicle owners should securely fasten their plates, keep them clean and legible, and display the required tabs or stickers. By following these guidelines, drivers can avoid penalties and ensure that their vehicles meet the legal standards for license plate visibility in Colorado.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Colorado law requires all vehicles to display valid license plates, with one at the front and one at the rear of the vehicle.
Driving without a front license plate in Colorado is a class B traffic infraction and you could be fined up to $100.
Motorcycles, street rods, trailers, semi-trailers, and military vehicles are exempt from displaying front license plates in Colorado.
The front license plate should be placed in the center of the car's front bumper and be clearly visible and readable.
