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 Hawaii, license plates, also known as vehicle registration plates, are issued by the Hawaii Department of Transportation. Hawaii requires that vehicles have both front and rear license plates displayed. According to Hawaii Revised Statutes §249-7, license plates must be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle, securely fastened and clearly visible. They should be maintained in a condition that is legible and shall not be obscured. Failure to properly display a front or rear license plate can give law enforcement probable cause to stop a vehicle and issue a citation. The specific height at which plates must be mounted is not detailed in the statutes, but they must be placed in a standard location where they are clearly visible.