Is My License Plate Frame Legal in North Carolina?

License plate frames are allowed in North Carolina as long as they do not cover any numbers or letters on the license plate.
Written by Sarah Gray
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Applying a custom license plate frame is perfectly legal in North Carolina—just be sure it doesn’t cover any numbers or letters on your license plate, and you’re good to go!
Our cars show as much of our personalities as our clothes, so we’re just as likely to want to rock a license plate frame as a new pair of sunglasses. North Carolina is one state that’s happy to let you flaunt your style, but there are specific guidelines you have to follow.
Each state has its own regulations, so
car insurance
comparison and broker app
Jerry
has done the work for you to compile all the information you need about what’s legal and what’s not when it comes to license plate frames. Keep reading to learn North Carolina’s license plate frame laws—including how to keep your
North Carolina insurance rates
low if you break them.
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Yes—North Carolina residents are welcome to add customized license plate frames to their cars. Just make sure the frame doesn’t cover any numbers, letters, or parts of the registration sticker, and you’re all set!
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What are the rules for license plate frames in North Carolina?

Like most states in the U.S., North Carolina prohibits residents from covering any portion of their license plate or registration. However, as long as your license plate frame leaves your plate completely visible, you’re welcome to sport it!
The frame cannot cover:
  • The license plate numbers
  • The state name
  • The registration renewal sticker

What about license plate covers?

It’s illegal to use any kind of license plate cover that makes the plate more difficult to read. Even the state’s motto, “First in Flight” must be visible and legible for your plate to be considered legally displayed.

What are the fines for license plate frames in North Carolina?

In general, fines for license plate obstruction can be fairly small, but North Carolina will fine you up to $100 for each offense.

How to find cheap car insurance in North Carolina

Save yourself the time and hassle of fines in North Carolina by making sure you follow license plate frame laws. While you’re at it, let
Jerry
save you even more time and money by finding you the best insurance at the best price. 
Here’s how it works: just download Jerry's
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, answer a few questions, in less than a minute, Jerry will compare quotes from over 50 top insurance companies to find you the best prices. Make your pick, and Jerry will take it from there—setting up your new policy and even helping you cancel your old one.
Jerry even keeps helping you save by sending you new quotes whenever your policy comes up for renewal. The average Jerry customer saves $800+ a year.
“I was literally floored by the savings
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found for me. I was paying close to $960 every 6 months and now I’m paying $380 every 6 months for IDENTICAL COVERAGE in North Carolina!” —Olivia Z.
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