All states have traffic laws that require motor vehicles on public highways, streets, roads, and driveways to have a rear license plate or tag—and most states also require a license plate on the front of a motor vehicle.

States usually require the license plates or vehicle registration to be renewed periodically—often annually and in connection with payment of a motor vehicle tax or inspection of the vehicle for safety and compliance with emissions standards.

In some states tickets or citations for no front or rear license plate or for expired plates/tags on your vehicle are known as fix-it tickets and the ticket or citation will indicate that it is a correctable violation of traffic laws. If you fix the missing-or-expired license plate problem within the required period and get the signature of an authorized person (a local police officer) the court may dismiss the ticket.

But if you fail to fix the missing-or-expired-tags problem within the required period you must pay the fine for the violation and you may be issued another ticket that will be part of your driving record. And if you fail to pay the ticket or appear in court on the hearing date the court may issue a warrant for your arrest.

In Georgia, motor vehicles are required to have a rear license plate, and while a front license plate is not mandated, the rear plate must be clearly visible and legible. Vehicle registration and license plates must be renewed periodically, with most passenger vehicles requiring annual renewal. Renewal often involves a fee, which may include ad valorem tax and is typically done through the Georgia Department of Revenue. If a vehicle is found with no rear license plate or with expired tags, the driver may receive a citation. Georgia does not have a 'fix-it ticket' system for license plate violations; therefore, the citation generally cannot be dismissed by simply rectifying the issue and having an officer sign off on it. Failure to address the citation can result in fines and additional penalties, and ignoring a court date may lead to a bench warrant for the vehicle owner's arrest. It's important for vehicle owners to maintain current registration and display valid license plates to comply with Georgia's traffic laws.