Most drivers in New Jersey don’t give their license plates much thought—until they get pulled over or find a ticket on the windshield. But in reality, license plate violations are more common than you might expect, and many of them stem from simple mistakes like improper placement or using an illegal cover.
New Jersey’s license plate laws are designed to ensure your plates are clearly visible, securely fastened, and easy for law enforcement or traffic cameras to read. Whether you’re parked on a public street or driving down the Turnpike, violations can lead to fines—and sometimes even more serious consequences.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the surprising ways you can get a license plate ticket in NJ, answer key questions like “Does New Jersey require a front license plate?”, and explain what to do if you’ve already received a citation.
Yes, New Jersey requires most vehicles to have two license plates—one on the front and one on the back. This rule is outlined under N.J.S.A. 39:3-33, and it applies to nearly all passenger vehicles registered in the state. The only major exception is motorcycles, which only need a rear plate.
This surprises many drivers, especially those who’ve moved to New Jersey from a state that only requires one plate. But in New Jersey, driving without a front license plate can get you pulled over and ticketed—even if the rear plate is properly mounted and visible.
Some people try to get around this by placing the front plate inside the dashboard or windshield area, but that’s also against the law. The plate must be securely fastened to the exterior of the vehicle in a clearly visible location.
In New Jersey, how your license plate is displayed matters just as much as whether you have one. Even if you have both plates, you can still receive a ticket if they aren’t properly mounted or visible. These are some of the most common display-related violations:
Some drivers place their front plate on the dashboard or tape it to the inside of the windshield. This may seem harmless, but it’s a violation of both N.J.S.A. 39:3-33 (improper display) and N.J.S.A. 39:3-74, which prohibits any obstruction of the front or rear window.
License plates must be securely attached so they don’t slip, hang crooked, or fall off. You can’t just rest the plate on your bumper or loosely zip-tie it in place—law enforcement can issue a citation if the plate isn’t firmly mounted.
Your plate must be mounted between 12 and 48 inches off the ground, according to NJ regulations. If it’s too low or mounted at an upward/downward angle that makes it hard to read, that’s another potential violation.
During winter, it’s easy to forget to clear off your license plate. But if snow, ice, or mud makes it unreadable, you can be ticketed for obstructing the plate.
These types of violations fall under “improper display” and can apply whether you’re driving or parked on a public road. If law enforcement sees the issue, they don’t need to catch you in motion to issue a ticket.
No — New Jersey law prohibits the use of any plastic, tinted, or glass covers over your license plates, even if the plate is still partially visible. According to N.J.S.A. 39:3-74, it is illegal to “conceal or obscure” any part of your license plate, including the numbers, letters, or the words “New Jersey.”
That means even a clear plastic shield that’s meant to “protect” the plate can be a problem if it reflects light in a way that makes the plate hard to read. Tinted covers and decorative frames that cover the state name or plate number are also strictly prohibited.
This law applies to both the front and back plates. Violating it could result in a ticket—especially if your vehicle is picked up by a license plate reader or if a police officer notices the obstruction while you’re parked or driving.
Many drivers receive these tickets without realizing they’ve done anything wrong. But under New Jersey law, intent doesn’t matter—if the plate isn’t clearly visible and readable, you’re at risk of being fined.
Yes — under New Jersey law, your rear license plate must be illuminated at night so that it can be read from at least 50 feet away. This requirement helps police officers and traffic cameras identify vehicles after dark.
Most modern vehicles come equipped with a small light above the rear plate. But if that bulb is burned out or the area is too dirty to make the plate visible, you could receive a ticket—even if you weren’t aware the light wasn’t working.
What’s more, a plate that isn’t visible at night could raise suspicion, leading to a traffic stop that uncovers other issues. That’s why it’s important to check your plate lights during routine vehicle maintenance or before long trips.
Although this violation may seem minor, it still falls under improper display and can result in a fine.
In New Jersey, you can be ticketed for a license plate violation whether you’re driving or simply parked on a public street. This surprises many drivers who assume a license plate issue only matters while the vehicle is in motion.
If your car is parked on a public roadway and your plate is obscured, missing, or improperly displayed, law enforcement can issue a parking ticket. This includes plates that are:
Covered by tinted or plastic shields
Placed in the dashboard or window
Blocked by snow or dirt
On the other hand, if you’re pulled over while driving, the same violation can result in a moving violation. While the fines may be similar, moving violations can carry other consequences—especially if they give law enforcement a reason to investigate further.
This means a simple issue like a missing front plate or unreadable tag could open the door to additional charges, such as:
Driving without registration or insurance
Vehicle equipment violations
DUI or possession-related offenses (if probable cause is established)
That’s why it’s always best to correct any license plate issues promptly—before they attract the attention of law enforcement.
A license plate violation in New Jersey may seem like a minor issue, but it can still come with real financial consequences. If you’re cited for improper display, missing plates, or using a prohibited cover, you could face fines—even if you had no idea you were breaking the law.
Here’s what you could be looking at:
Standard license plate violations:
Fines can be up to $100 per violation, even for first-time offenses involving missing front plates or obstructed rear plates.
Counterfeit or fictitious plates:
If you’re caught using a fake or altered plate, the fine jumps significantly—up to $500, with the potential for more serious legal consequences if fraud is suspected.
No front license plate (when required):
This is considered a violation under N.J.S.A. 39:3-33 and is typically treated as a fix-it ticket, but still comes with a fine and the hassle of proving correction.
It’s also important to remember that license plate violations do not add points to your driving record. However, they can be used as a lawful reason to pull you over, which may lead to additional infractions or even criminal charges if other issues are discovered during the stop.
In short, a $100 fine might be the least of your concerns if a license plate issue puts your vehicle—and your record—under scrutiny.
You might think a license plate ticket is nothing more than a minor inconvenience—but in reality, it can become the gateway to far more serious legal problems.
In New Jersey, police officers are permitted to stop a vehicle based on a license plate violation alone. That includes:
Missing or improperly displayed plates
Tinted or obscured plate covers
Plates placed in the dashboard or windshield
No front plate, when required
Once you’re pulled over, that stop can quickly escalate. If an officer suspects something else—like a suspended license, lack of insurance, open container, or even DUI—they may begin a more in-depth investigation or vehicle search.
For example:
If the officer smells alcohol or marijuana, it could lead to a DUI charge
If they spot contraband or weapons in plain view, you could face criminal charges
If your license or registration isn’t in order, you might end up with multiple citations
That’s why it’s important to treat any license plate issue seriously. What starts as a $100 ticket can quickly snowball into hundreds or thousands in fines, court appearances, or even a criminal record.
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we’ve seen firsthand how something small can lead to a legal mess—and we’re here to help you stop that from happening.
If you’ve received a ticket for a license plate violation in New Jersey, you may be tempted to just pay the fine and move on. But depending on the circumstances, that could be a mistake—especially if the ticket was issued incorrectly, unfairly, or led to other complications.
Here’s what to do:
Check the exact statute cited on your ticket (such as N.J.S.A. 39:3-33 or 39:3-74) to understand what you’re being accused of. Sometimes the violation is based on outdated info or a simple misunderstanding—like a plate that fell off without your knowledge.
If your license plates were properly displayed or not covered at the time of the ticket, photos can help prove your case. This is especially helpful if the ticket was issued while the vehicle was parked and you weren’t present.
Even a minor ticket can lead to headaches—especially if it turns into a court summons or results in other charges. At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we know how to challenge license plate violations, prevent them from escalating, and protect your driving record.
We’ve helped countless New Jersey drivers resolve citations, negotiate reduced penalties, and avoid unnecessary points or fines. Don’t face it alone—call us today at (908) 279-7979 for a free consultation.
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we understand that even a “small” traffic ticket can create real stress—especially if it affects your job, insurance, or driving privileges. Whether you were pulled over for a missing front plate, cited for a license plate cover, or issued a ticket while parked, we’re here to help you resolve it quickly and effectively.
With over 25 years of combined legal experience, our team has successfully defended clients across New Jersey against all types of traffic violations—including improper display, obstructed plates, and related moving offenses. We know the local laws, the courts, and how to protect your rights.
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