Is there a law that the license plate must be illuminated?
I want to side mount my license plate and leave the rest as it is.

The law in AZ is that the plate must be illuminated and be mounted horizontally.
I'm a rebel and have no light and mine is mounted vertically.
You can get pulled over. It is only a fix-it ticket so I will take my chances.

I also have my plate side-mounted vertically with no light. Haven't had a problem from LE since I did it about two years ago. However, now that I've said this.........

Most states say the plate needs to be lit. Mine isn't and haven't had a problem, yet. You could do something like these from J&P for 20 bucks.

http://img.jpcycles.com/product/3630ed2c-f8ac-476a-9c16-6696a680873d.jpeg

I was told by the stealers that the plate must be illuminated, horizontal and in the centerline of the bike. That was here in York, PA.
I was at the stealer when someone tried to get their bike inspected with the side mounted plate and they told him that it would fail for that. At least they told him before it went into the shop.
Sam

You need to check the Statues where you live, as equipment laws vary from State to State....

Thanks All.

The copper I talked to yesterday was raffling off a Road King for a charity deal, so I asked him if there was a law that stated the plate had to be lit. He pointed to the bike and said, "this one isn't." I pointed out the white lens on top of the tail light and he says, "Oh, then it's probably the law." Minneapolis' finest I guess.

I foudn the MN law on the book that says a car and bike both have to have them lit. So when I side mount it I'll probably go with Firemedicxl's suggestion.

Thanks All.

"Oh, then it's probably the law." Minneapolis' finest I guess.


You becha!

gonna look into that J&P setup, I like!

Check out Pep Boys, Autozone, Checker, etc.
Probably alot cheaper.

Check out Pep Boys, Autozone, Checker, etc.
Probably alot cheaper.

I've looked there and they do have LED's for the plates but they are more for a "decorative" look. The light on those is directed out, away from the plate.

Another thing to think about is some states say you can't have a "white" light on the rear of your vehicle directed towards the vehicle behind you. With the J&P setup the light is directed onto the plate, making them legal.

You need to check the Statues where you live, as equipment laws vary from State to State....


This is the straight scoop. Also, in many cases the fact that the plate can be seen (in plain view) but is not illuminated or mounted correctly will not be the cause for the stop. Quite often the plate violation will be a secondary issue in terms of citable offenses. An example would be you being pulled over for a speed rap. The primary offense would be your speed but while the LEO is there, he/she writes a secondary violation for the plate.

I was told by the stealers that the plate must be illuminated, horizontal and in the centerline of the bike. That was here in York, PA.
I was at the stealer when someone tried to get their bike inspected with the side mounted plate and they told him that it would fail for that. At least they told him before it went into the shop.
Sam

Can't find anything for PA that says this:

http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/067/chapter175/subchapHtoc.html

Regarding the light it basically says that if it's equipped with a light, it has to work.

As long as u ride durring the day I don't think your going to get pinched. But the best rides are always at night.

what they said.

Wisconsin requires a white light shining on the plate. It can be the same light that lights the tail light lens or it can be a separate bulb.

No restriction on vertical or horizontal.

Here is what I did.

I mounted a Sparto tail light and drilled a hole in the red lens with a 1/4" drill bit.

Now a whitish, almost pink light shines on my plate.:clap and it isn't directed at other motorists.

I also have my plate side-mounted vertically with no light. Haven't had a problem from LE since I did it about two years ago. However, now that I've said this.........

I'm an undercover saftey cop...

The MAN doesn't like the citizens to flaunt the law. I'm sorry but I have to inform you that you have the right to remain silent...

How pathetic is it that we have to worry about getting stopped for a license plate not being lit. I guess the crimes must be solved... oh wait a minute, crime is up in many cities across the Country.

"I'm sorry officer, you must need brighter headlights."

You need to check the Statues where you live, as equipment laws vary from State to State.... Yes, Check your own state laws. I know in Jersey, you must have a license plate light to show the plate at night. It is a ticketable offence in the Garden State

Can't find anything for PA that says this:

http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/067/chapter175/subchapHtoc.html

Regarding the light it basically says that if it's equipped with a light, it has to work.


That was what the inspector told the guy. He could be wrong who knows.

Sam

I know that in NC you are supposed to have an your license plate illuminated. Now, how many people actually do that? That's a whole other story. Me, i have mine lit up a night.

I only have a sparto with the plate mounted below it. I guess the glow from the tail light "illuminates" the plate. I could care less, it passed inspection and that's all that matters.