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 North Carolina, the law requires that a license plate be displayed on the rear of a vehicle. North Carolina does not mandate the use of a front license plate, so only one plate is issued to be attached at the rear. The specific placement of the license plate is regulated by state statutes, which dictate the proper positioning of the plate, including the height at which it must be mounted from the ground. Failure to properly display the rear license plate in accordance with North Carolina state law can result in a traffic stop and the issuance of a citation by law enforcement officers. It is important for vehicle owners in North Carolina to ensure their license plate is securely fastened to the rear of their vehicle and is clearly visible, as per the state's vehicle registration requirements.