Motorcycle license plate location?

tdogg954 · 03-22-2006, 11:37 PM

I have searched this site, read through my states motorcycle operators manual, and looked at my states equipment statutes and can not find any regulations regarding licence plate location requirements. The only thing I found was someone on here stated that it should be: able to be read from 100 ft away.

I just moved my plate up under the seat and installed a light above it. It is totally visible from the rear and the light is functional. Am I going to get harassed? What are your thoughts on plates mounted under the seats at an angle? What are your states laws regarding plate locations? Thanks in advance for any info!

BTW I don't have a digital camera and I just attempted to take a picture with my phone and it sucked.

OFFICER737 · 03-22-2006, 11:51 PM

Pretty much all states require it to be seen from "behind" at a reasonable distance where it can be readable. Cars and trucks they give a specific location but bikes are a little gray. I have seen them on swingarms, regular mounts, saddle bags just about everywhere. I would say if they can read them then you should be okay unless you get a hard ass somewhere.

tdogg954 · 03-22-2006, 11:56 PM

Thanks! Yeah there are some weird laws here but I haven't found anything on plate location for auto's or bike's. Thanks again!

officerbrat · 03-23-2006, 01:26 AM

I agree that there isnt really anything too specific about registration plates and motorcycles. However, I am pretty sure that the same rule that they use for regular vehicles applies. What I mean is that here in KS the tag has to have a tag light that is visible from a minimum of 50 ft. It also can not be obstructed by anything and must be kept clean enough to read.

kneedraggin650s · 03-23-2006, 05:23 AM

Before I got my fender kit I looked for the laws on plates and could not find anything. My fender kit is on and my plate is down a little ways, but sitting in a crown you can still make out my tag. I have had several cops behind me and have not been stopped YET.

tdogg954 · 03-23-2006, 04:36 PM

Thanks Officerbrat and Kneedragger650. I pretty sure cruisers can see it, I can when in my truck, but its lifted. Plus its protected by the hugger now so it should stay cleaner than where it was. I will just have to wait and see, hopefully I don't get pulled over by some hard ass. Thanks again.

4pasnu · 03-23-2006, 04:45 PM

Just have someone try and see it when you are sitting on the bike. A buddy of mine mounted his and thought it was all good, but when he sat on the bike the tag disappeared. The po-po didn't like it very much when he got pulled over.

bumblebee · 03-24-2006, 10:02 AM

Other than the standard "lighted and visible" requirements...Florida requires that the "Florida" Heading across the top be mounted horizontal...I saw some chopper dudes get hassled in Daytona for their swing arm mounts.

officerbrat · 03-24-2006, 03:08 PM

Every state is going to be different when it comes to the amount that is visible. I have a tag trim on my car. It covers part of the KANSAS but not all of it. I havent found anything that specifically covers tag trims.

tdogg954 · 03-31-2006, 12:12 AM

Found this on another forum in AZ. I think I'm legal.

A. A person shall display the license plate or plates as follows:
1. For a motor vehicle, motorcycle, trailer or semitrailer, on the rear.

2. For a vehicle for which two license plates are issued, the vehicle owner shall display either of the following:

(a) One plate on the rear.

(b) One plate on the front and one plate on the rear.

B. A person shall display all license plates as required by subsection A until their lawful use expires or is canceled or revoked. A person shall maintain each license plate so it is clearly legible. A person shall securely fasten each license plate to the vehicle as follows:

1. To prevent the plate from swinging.

2. At a height of at least twelve inches from the ground to the bottom of the plate.

3. In a position to be clearly visible.

http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ars/28/02354.htm

A. A motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer and pole trailer and any other vehicle that is being drawn at the end of a train of vehicles shall be equipped with at least one tail lamp mounted on the rear. When lighted as required by this article, the tail lamp shall emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the rear, except that in the case of a train of vehicles, only the tail lamp on the rearmost vehicle need actually be seen from the distance specified.

B. A tail lamp on a vehicle shall be located at a height of not more than sixty inches nor less than fifteen inches to be measured as provided in section 28-923, subsection B.

C. Either a tail lamp or a separate lamp shall be constructed and placed in a manner that illuminates with a white light the rear license plate and renders it clearly legible from a distance of fifty feet to the rear. A tail lamp or tail lamps together with any separate lamp for illuminating the rear license plate shall be wired to provide that the tail lamp or lamps are lighted whenever the head lamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted.

http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ars/28/00925.htm