Is My License Plate Frame Legal in Montana

The state of Montana has no restrictions on license plate frames as long as the plate is clearly visible and securely attached.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Montana law allows you to have a custom license plate cover as long as all information on the plate is readily visible. 
One of the most fun things about having a car is making it uniquely yours, and there’s no shortage of ways to do it. But before you go all-in on vehicular self-expression, make sure that what you’ve got in mind is legal where you’ll be hitting the road. 
Read on to learn the details on license plate frames in Big Sky Country, and then let
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Yes! As long as the plate is completely visible and securely attached, you can have a license plate frame. 

What are the rules for license plate frames in Montana?

Montana code 61-3-301 stipulates that a vehicle’s license plate must be “securely fastened to prevent it from swinging and may not be obstructed from plain view.”
The entire plate needs to be readily visible. That means that the state name, plate numbers, any text on the plate, and tags must all be unobstructed. 

What about license plate covers?

Montana law does not explicitly forbid license plate covers, but it does stipulate that the plates must not be obstructed from plain view. If you get a plate cover, make sure that it’s clear and doesn’t prevent your plate from being seen. There have been cases in Montana where drivers were pulled over for snow-obstructed plates, so it’s possible you could get ticketed for a cover that’s too dark, reflective, or scratched. 

What are the fines for license plate frames in Montana?

While the Montana vehicle code doesn’t specify the fine for having an obstructed license plate, that doesn’t mean there couldn’t potentially be one. At the very least, an obstructed license plate is likely to get you pulled over. 
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