License plates (also known as vehicle registration plates or license tags) are generally rectangular metal plates issued by your state’s department of motor vehicles for the purpose of identifying your car. A license plate must be attached to the rear of your car, and in 31 states and the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.), you must also have a license plate on the front of your car. In a state or district that also requires you to display a license plate on the front of your car, your failure to do so will provide the police with probable cause to stop you and issue a citation at any time. State laws (statutes) generally provide for the specific placement of license plates, stated in minimum and maximum inches from the ground.
In Alaska (AK), vehicles are required to display license plates issued by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Alaska state law mandates that a license plate be attached to the rear of the vehicle. Unlike the 31 states and the District of Columbia mentioned, Alaska does not require a front license plate on passenger vehicles; only one plate, which is the rear plate, is required. The specific placement of the license plate is also regulated by state statutes, which include requirements on how the plate should be mounted and the visibility of the plate. Failure to properly display a rear license plate in accordance with Alaska's regulations can result in a traffic stop and the issuance of a citation by law enforcement officers.