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 Utah, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is responsible for the issuance of license plates, which are required for the identification of vehicles. Utah law mandates that a license plate be attached to the rear of the vehicle. Unlike the 31 states and the District of Columbia mentioned, Utah does not require a front license plate on most vehicles; a rear plate is sufficient. However, certain types of vehicles, such as commercial vehicles, may have different requirements. The specific placement of the license plate is also regulated by state law, which includes requirements on how high or low the plate can be mounted on the vehicle. Failure to properly display a rear license plate in Utah can result in a traffic stop and citation by law enforcement officers.