License plate
frames are permitted by law in the state of Maryland
but license plate covers are illegal. If you are caught using a license plate cover that obstructs the visibility of your license plate number, this could result in a fine of $70 per violation. There’s no harm in jazzing up your ride with a license plate frame. Whether it’s your way of repping your favorite sports team or just a pretty design, license plate frames are a subtle way to add personality to your vehicle.
Just don’t go overboard. If the frame is bulky enough to cover any part of your license plate number you could end up getting pulled over for it—and possibly receive a ticket.
So before you pull the trigger on that Betty Boop license plate frame you’ve been eyeing, check out this comprehensive guide to the do’s and don’ts of Maryland’s license plate frame laws.
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Start earning nowAre license plate frames legal in Maryland?
The short answer is yes. The key is to not take liberties with your interpretation of a license plate frame. If a frame covers any letters or numbers of your plate or includes a license plate cover, you will not be in compliance with Maryland traffic law.
What are the rules for license plate frames in Maryland?
Under the § 21-202.1 article of Maryland state law, license plate frames cannot cover any characters of a driver’s license plate and no license cover can be used for the intention of distorting photographs taken by speed cameras.
This means that you should steer clear of any plastic covering that goes over the entirety of your license plate. As long as the frame simply borders the edge of the license plate without covering any words or letters depicted on its face, it is permissible by law.
Are license plate covers illegal?
License plate covers are illegal in Maryland. Since the law in Maryland specifically calls against license plate covers that distort or obscure the driver’s license plate number, there is no reason to put one on your vehicle. If you do, you should be prepared to be pulled over and receive a fine.
What are the fines for license plate frames in Maryland?
Having a license plate cover that blocks any part of your license plate number carries a fine of $70 per offense. Using a license plate covering—like coatings or sprays engineered to purposely obscure your plate number from being deciphered in a speed camera photo—leaves you subject to a $40 fine per violation.
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