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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 Alabama, the law requires that motor vehicles have a license plate displayed on the rear of the vehicle. Alabama does not mandate a front license plate, so only one plate is issued to be attached at the rear. The Alabama Department of Revenue's Motor Vehicle Division oversees the issuance and regulations of license plates. The specific placement of the license plate is also regulated, with requirements that it be securely fastened in a horizontal position at a height not less than 12 inches from the ground, measuring from the bottom, according to Alabama Code Section 32-6-51. Failure to properly display the rear license plate can result in a traffic stop and citation by law enforcement officers.

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Automobiles

license plates

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Alabama State Code

Alabama State Code

Automobiles

license plates

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