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 Florida, vehicles are required to have a license plate attached to the rear. Florida does not require a front license plate, so only one plate is issued to motorists. According to Florida Statute 316.605, the license plate must be affixed to the rear of the vehicle in a position so as not to swing, and at a height not less than 12 inches from the ground, measuring from the bottom of the plate. The plate must be clearly legible and securely fastened to prevent it from becoming loose or swinging. Failure to properly display a rear license plate can result in a traffic citation. Additionally, the license plate must be illuminated by a white light making it visible from a distance of 50 feet at night, as per Florida Statute 316.610. Vehicle owners are also required to renew their registration and license plate annually, which involves paying a fee and receiving a new registration sticker to place on the plate.