When driving, we hardly think about our license plates until they become a problem. Colorado is the eighth-largest state in the United States. It has strict rules when it comes to license plates, with some cities like Aurora strengthening the penalties for these laws.

Whether it is a missing plate, driving with an expired tag, or putting on a tinted cover, small mistakes can lead to fines and sometimes imprisonment. Here is a breakdown of Colorado’s license plate laws and what can happen if you do not follow them.

What Colorado Requires

In the state, most vehicles must display two license plates, in the front and the back. However, there are some exemptions when it comes to the Colorado front license plate. Motorcycles, street rod vehicles, autocycles, trailers, or any vehicle tagged by another vehicle only need the rear plate. The same case applies to special mobile machinery.

All license plates must be secured and not swinging or loosely attached. They should be displayed at least 12 inches from the ground. The rear plate should be placed horizontally, at a central place, and within 18 inches of the back bumper. The front plate should also be horizontally in the designated slot.

The license plate should be visible with no dirt, scratches, or damage. Any accessories affecting the legibility of the plate are not allowed. All tabs that have the month and year sticker should be visible and readable.

What You Can’t Do With Your Plate in Colorado

A common violation is tinted covers or plastic shields over the plate. These may look sleek and protect the plate, but they are illegal if they obscure any part of the plate or prevent recognition systems from reading the details.

Covers that change the light or color or have a glare are also not allowed. Drivers can get fined for even having decorated frames that block a few letters on the tabs. If it is not 100% visible and readable, you are playing a risky violation game.

Penalties for Violating License Plate Laws in Colorado

Colorado has recently enforced tighter consequences for license plate violations. Missing plates, even if you are driving with only one plate, is considered a Class B traffic infraction. This results in a fine between $15 and $100 but no DMV points.

Obscured or altered plates, for example, using tinted covers or having anything that affects the visibility of a plate, are a Class A infraction. This can be fined by $100.

License plates in Colorado are renewed annually. Forgetting to renew your plates on time attracts a late fee of $25 to $100 for each month after the expiration date. You are also charged possible back taxes for any delay during this period.

Displaying fake plates is a Class 2 misdemeanor, which is punishable by 10-90 days in jail. There is also a $150-$300 fine and any costs incurred. This is a common situation when someone buys a new car and transfers the old plates to the newer vehicle before registering it, or uses a friend’s plates.

Stealing license plates in Colorado is also considered a Class 2 misdemeanor punishable by a $750 fine and/or not more than 120 days in jail. These offenses can affect your record.

License Plate Law Enforcement is Ramping Up in Colorado

Colorado enforcement has increased its efforts to crack down on license plate violations. There are now initiatives targeting expired tags, missing plates, and unregistered vehicles. Vehicle owners are required to register new vehicles within 60 days after buying them. New residents have 90 days after becoming a resident.

Conclusion

A license plate acts as the identification of a vehicle. Things like obstructing a tag might seem like a minor detail, but in Colorado, such violations can attract legal and financial consequences.

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

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