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 Hawaii, motor vehicles are required to have a rear license plate, and while a front license plate is not mandated by state law, it is commonly issued and expected to be displayed. Vehicle registration and license plates must be renewed periodically, with the frequency depending on the type of vehicle and other factors. Renewal often involves payment of vehicle taxes and may require a safety inspection or emissions testing. In Hawaii, citations for not having a front or rear license plate, or for having expired tags, can be considered 'fix-it' tickets. This means that if the issue is corrected within a specified timeframe and verified by an authorized person, such as a police officer, the court may dismiss the citation. However, failure to address the issue within the required period can result in fines and additional tickets, which may affect the driver's record. Non-compliance with paying the fine or failing to appear in court can lead to more severe consequences, including the issuance of an arrest warrant.