Temporary plates, also known as temporary license plates or temporary tags, are short-term vehicle registration plates issued by a government authority or dealership. These plates are used when a vehicle is newly purchased or when the regular plates are not yet available.
Temporary plates are made of paper or cardboard and display a unique identifier, the expiration date, and sometimes additional information like the dealership’s name.
However, where do you put the plates when you receive them? Can you put a temporary license plate in the back window?
No, you cannot put a temporary license plate in the back window to avoid concealing any part of the license plate. Beside, it might be illegal in your location, so just put the plates on where the regular license plate should be.
Can You Put a Temporary License Plate in the Back Window?
To be honest, the answer to this question varies. You maybe able to put a temporary license plate in the rear window but you must make sure that nothing is concealing or obstructing the view of the plates. The plates needs to be as visible as the permanent plates is supposed to be.
Therefore, if putting the plates in the rear window will obstruct its visibility, then do not put it there because you will be pulled over by the police.
Reason Why You Should Not Put a Temporary License Plate in the Rear Window
Here’s why you should avoid putting your temporary license plate in the back window:
1. Because of Visibility Concerns
Temporary plates are usually designed to be highly visible so that law enforcement, toll cameras, and other drivers can easily identify your vehicle.
When a temporary plate is placed in the back window, it can be difficult to see, especially if the window is tinted, dirty, or reflective.
The angle of the glass and lighting conditions can create glare or shadows that will obscure the plate, making it challenging for others to read the necessary information.
2. It Might be Illegal in Your Location
In many regions, the law requires that temporary license plates be displayed in the same location as a permanent plate, which is usually on the rear bumper. This standardization ensures that plates are easily recognizable and in a consistent location across all vehicles.
However, by placing the temporary plate in the back window, you may be violating local regulations, which could result in fines or other penalties.
Law enforcement officers may pull you over simply because the plate is not in the expected position, leading to unnecessary hassle.
3. Obstruction of Driver’s View
When driving, safety is a primary concern, and anything that obstructs your view can be dangerous.
However, placing a temporary license plate in the rear window can partially block your view of the road behind you, especially if the plate is large or placed at an awkward angle.
This obstruction can make it harder to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists, thereby increasing the risk of accidents, especially when reversing or changing lanes.
4. Risk of Theft or Loss
Temporary plates are often made of less durable materials, such as paper or thin plastic, making them more vulnerable to damage or theft.
When you place the plate in the back window, it may not be as securely fastened as it would be if mounted on the rear bumper.
This increases the risk of the plate falling off or being stolen. If your temporary plate is lost or stolen, you may have to go through the process of obtaining a replacement, which can be inconvenient and costly.
5. Enforcement and Identification Issues
Law enforcement and automated systems, such as toll cameras or speed cameras, are calibrated to read license plates in standard positions.
When a plate is placed in the back window, it may not be easily captured by these systems. This can lead to enforcement difficulties, where tolls are not properly recorded or fines are not issued correctly.
In some cases, this could also complicate matters if your vehicle is involved in an incident and needs to be identified.
6. Exposure to Elements
Temporary plates are not as durable as permanent metal plates and can be easily damaged by environmental factors.
When you put the plates in the back window, they are still exposed to sunlight, which can cause fading or warping, especially if the plate is made of paper or a similar material.
Over time, this exposure can render the plate unreadable, leading to legal issues if you are pulled over by the police.
7. Legal Disputes
In the event of an accident or a legal dispute, the visibility and positioning of your temporary license plate could become a point of contention.
If your plate was not displayed according to the law, it might complicate insurance claims or liability determinations. Therefore, ensuring that your temporary plate is in the correct position will minimize the risk of such complications.
Is It Illegal to Put Your License Plate in the Back Window
Yes, it is generally illegal to place your license plate in the back window instead of its designated location, such as the rear bumper. Laws vary by jurisdiction, but most require license plates to be mounted in a specific, easily visible location on the vehicle, so going against that can be illegal.
Where to Put Temporary Paper License Plate?
Temporary paper license plates should be placed in the same location where a permanent license plate would normally be mounted. This is usually on the rear bumper of the vehicle.
Some jurisdictions may also require a temporary plate to be displayed on the front bumper if front plates are required. Make sure the plate is securely attached and clearly visible, free of obstructions, dirt, or glare.
Conclusion
While it may seem easier to place a temporary license plate in the back window, the issues it may cause far outweigh the convenience. Therefore, it’s safer and legally advisable to display the plate in the designated area on your vehicle, usually where the permanent plate would be mounted to ensure compliance with the law, improves visibility for law enforcement, and reduces the risk of accidents or theft.
