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 West Virginia (WV), the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires that most motor vehicles have a license plate attached to both the front and the rear of the vehicle. The state statutes specify the proper display of license plates, which includes the requirement that the plates be securely fastened in a horizontal position and at a height not less than 12 inches from the ground. The plate should be clearly visible and maintained free from foreign materials and in a condition to be clearly legible. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in a traffic stop by law enforcement and the issuance of a citation. It is important for vehicle owners in West Virginia to ensure that their license plates are properly mounted and visible to comply with state regulations.