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 Michigan, motor vehicles are required to have a rear license plate, and while a front license plate is not mandated, it is important to ensure that the rear plate is properly displayed. Michigan law requires that license plates or vehicle registration be renewed periodically, typically on an annual basis, which may coincide with vehicle tax payments or inspections for safety and emissions standards. If a driver in Michigan is cited for not having a rear license plate or for having expired tags, this can be considered a correctable violation, often referred to as a 'fix-it' ticket. To have the ticket dismissed, the driver must rectify the issue within a specified timeframe and obtain verification from an authorized person, such as a local police officer. Failure to correct the issue within the allotted time results in fines and the possibility of receiving an additional ticket, which can 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.