License plate covers and frames can be a great way to customize your vehicle, whether you want to promote your business or just add a little personality to your car. They also help to protect the edges of your license plate from

wear and tear

as you drive.

But before you attach a new frame to your plate, make sure that it’s legal! The rules about license plate frames and covers vary from state to state. Unless you check the laws first, you might face an unwanted ticket down the line.

Car insurance

broker

Jerry

is here with everything you need to know about license plate frames in West Virginia. We’ll explain what makes a frame legal or illegal to help you stay in compliance with state law, and we'll even throw in a tip about how to reduce your

West Virginia car insurance costs

Make safe driving pay

Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.

Start earning now

Are license plate frames legal in West Virginia?

License plate frames are legal in the state of West Virginia. But don’t add that custom frame just yet! You must be sure that your plate can be read even with your frame attached.

MORE:

Seat-belt law in West Virginia

What are the rules for license plate frames in West Virginia?

According to

Section 17A-3-15b

of the West Virginia Code,

license plates

should be “clearly visible and shall be maintained free from foreign materials and in a condition to be clearly legible.”

Your frame cannot cover the expiration date or the six-digit license number. You also cannot cover the state of issue. This means that both “WEST VIRGINIA” on the top of the plate and “WILD AND WONDERFUL” on the bottom of your plate should be visible.

If all text on your license plate is legible with the frame attached, then that frame is legal.

Are license plate covers legal too?

Both license plate frames and covers are legal in West Virginia. The same rules about license plate frames also apply to license plate covers. There should be no distortion, tinting, or fogginess that makes your plate hard to read.

What are the fines for license plate frames in West Virginia?

Driving with an obscured license plate is a misdemeanor in West Virginia. As a result, you could face up to $500 in fines for using a frame that blocks part of the license plate or a cover that makes your plate illegible.

MORE:

West Virginia car seat law

"I’m earning

awesome rewards

every week, just for driving safe!”

How to find affordable car insurance in West Virginia

Nobody likes paying for a ticket. Avoiding fines is as simple as ensuring that you’re in compliance with your state’s license plate frame laws. And while not all drivers want to add a custom license plate frame to their vehicle, everyone should make sure that they are in compliance with their state's insurance requirements before they hit the road.

Jerry

will find you affordable coverage that meets

West Virginia’s minimum car insurance laws

. Our innovative technology compares quotes from 55+ insurance providers in seconds.

Our

trustworthy comparison shopping super app

makes buying insurance a stress-free experience. Forget sorting through paperwork or dealing with unwanted phone calls. Jerry will cancel your old policy and even automatically reshop before it’s time to renew.

Jerry doesn’t just simplify the insurance experience. On average, Jerry customers save up to $887 annually. Cheaper insurance without the hassle of a traditional broker- what’s not to love?

“This app is all about savings!
Jerry
just saved me $193/month on my car insurance. They literally found me the cheapest policies out there and with better coverage! Seriously, just sit back and watch Jerry work its magic.” —Rachel B.

RECOMMENDED