Are License Plate Covers Illegal?
In most states, yes. Tinted and smoked covers are banned almost everywhere. Even clear covers are illegal in many states.
Reviewed by Ethan Harper · Last updated March 2026
Illegal in Most States
License plate covers are banned or restricted in 50 states as of 2026. Tinted, smoked, and reflective covers are illegal almost everywhere. Fines range from $25 to $1,000 depending on the state.
The Short Answer
License plate covers are illegal in most US states. As of 2026, 50 states ban or restrict them in some form. The trend has been toward stricter enforcement as automated license plate readers (ALPRs), toll cameras, and red-light cameras have become more widespread.
The key distinction most states make:
- Tinted/smoked/reflective covers: Illegal in virtually every state
- Clear covers: Illegal in many states, legal in some
- Plate frames: Generally legal as long as they do not obscure any text, stickers, or registration information
Why Are Plate Covers Illegal?
The primary reasons states ban plate covers:
- Toll camera evasion: Tinted and reflective covers can prevent toll cameras from reading plates, causing revenue loss
- Law enforcement: Covers make it harder for officers and witnesses to identify vehicles involved in crimes or accidents
- ALPR interference: Even clear covers can cause glare that interferes with automated plate reader systems
- Red-light cameras: Covers designed to obscure plates at certain angles defeat camera-based traffic enforcement
States Where Plate Covers Are Illegal
The following 8 states have outright bans on license plate covers:
| State | Status |
|---|---|
| California | Illegal |
| Hawaii | Illegal |
| Illinois | Illegal |
| Louisiana | Illegal |
| Maryland | Illegal |
| Minnesota | Illegal |
| New York | Illegal |
| Washington | Illegal |
States with Restrictions
These 42 states allow some types of covers but ban others (typically tinted or reflective covers are banned while clear covers may be permitted):
| State | Status |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Restricted |
| Alaska | Restricted |
| Arizona | Restricted |
| Arkansas | Restricted |
| Colorado | Restricted |
| Connecticut | Restricted |
| Delaware | Restricted |
| Florida | Restricted |
| Georgia | Restricted |
| Idaho | Restricted |
| Indiana | Restricted |
| Iowa | Restricted |
| Kansas | Restricted |
| Kentucky | Restricted |
| Maine | Restricted |
| Massachusetts | Restricted |
| Michigan | Restricted |
| Mississippi | Restricted |
| Missouri | Restricted |
| Montana | Restricted |
| Nebraska | Restricted |
| Nevada | Restricted |
| New Hampshire | Restricted |
| New Jersey | Restricted |
| New Mexico | Restricted |
| North Carolina | Restricted |
| North Dakota | Restricted |
| Ohio | Restricted |
| Oklahoma | Restricted |
| Oregon | Restricted |
| Pennsylvania | Restricted |
| Rhode Island | Restricted |
| South Carolina | Restricted |
| South Dakota | Restricted |
| Tennessee | Restricted |
| Texas | Restricted |
| Utah | Restricted |
| Vermont | Restricted |
| Virginia | Restricted |
| West Virginia | Restricted |
| Wisconsin | Restricted |
| Wyoming | Restricted |
Typical Fines by State
| Fine Range | Typical States |
|---|---|
| $25-$50 | Fix-it ticket states (correct it and fine is waived) |
| $100-$200 | Most common fine range for first offense |
| $200-$500 | States with aggressive toll enforcement |
| $500-$1,000 | Repeat offenses or anti-camera device statutes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are license plate covers illegal?
In most states, yes. 50 states ban or restrict license plate covers as of 2026. Tinted and smoked covers are illegal almost everywhere. Only 0 states have no specific restrictions.
Why are license plate covers illegal?
They interfere with toll cameras, law enforcement identification, and automated plate readers. States have increasingly banned them as camera-based enforcement has expanded.
What is the fine for a license plate cover?
Fines typically range from $25 to $200 for a first offense. Some states impose fines up to $1,000 for repeat offenses or covers designed to defeat cameras.
Are clear license plate covers legal?
It depends on the state. Some states allow clear covers, but many ban all covers regardless of tint because even clear plastic can cause glare that interferes with plate readers.
Can you get pulled over for a plate cover?
Yes. In states where plate covers are illegal, having one gives law enforcement probable cause for a traffic stop.