Question about license plates....

Question

Ok, so my mom bought that thing that goes around the license plate...I don't know the official name. You can personalize it with letters that slip in and out of it. My question is, the top of it pretty much blocks the state printed on the license plate-it barely shows. Is it illegial to have it like that or does it not really matter as long as the license plate numbers show?

Answer 1

It's called a frame!

It depends on the state. Check with the local police or license branch. They can tell you.

Answer 2

Pretty much every state and province has a similar law, stating the plate must be identifiable.  The number alone is insufficient, as it can be issued by more than one place among the 50 states, 10 provinces, and the territories of each country.

You can modify the frame, or set the plate in it slightly differently to make the name visible, but if you don't, the vehicle will very likely be ticketed.

Makers of frames really don't care what people do with them, or if they are totally legal.  Look at the packaging with the frame, and likely there is a line or two stating the plate is not guaranteed to conform to local law, and it is up to the user to ensure compliance.