Question about mandatory display of license plates

[ACX]

Let's say the car is registered in a State which mandates the display of both license plates. Can a driver be fined for driving with only one license plate in another State which does not require both license plates.

Thank you

[FlyingRon]

You betcha.

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by ACX

Let's say the car is registered in a State which mandates the display of both license plates. Can a driver be fined for driving with only one license plate in another State which does not require both license plates.

Thank you

It would depend on the law in your state. I doubt you would get a citation if you were vacationing from a one plate state to a two plate state, but it might be possible depending on how the statute is written. It also depends on case law. In my state of CA if you came from a state where only one plate is required, case law holds that you cannot be guilty of the offense.

[FlyingRon]

That's not what he asked CDW.

His home state that issued the plates requires TWO.
The state he is visiting only requires the front plate.

Yes, you need to know the state law, but many say that you're exempt from their plate laws if you comply with the other state's (and you're a visitor not otherwise required to register there). This means both plates and inspection stickers in our case.

[CdwJava]

Okay ... now that I re-read it, I think I can re-phrase it ...

So, if I read it right, he is asking if he is from a two plate state (like CA) and visits a state where only ONE plate is required, he is asking if he can be cited for failing to comply with the home state's laws? I suspect, no. Not unless the visiting state has a code section that covers it.

For instance, if someone from TX drives here without displaying an inspection sticker - a violation of that state's laws - I cannot cite them for such a failure to comply with TX law here. Now,if as a result of this the TX plate was expired or unregistered, then he could be cited for operating an unregistered vehicle.