How far off the ground must the registration plate be displayed?

The registration plate must be displayed a minimum of 12 inches off the ground. This requirement is designed to ensure that the plate is visible and legible to law enforcement officers and others on the road. Adequate height helps prevent obstructions that might occur due to dirt, snow, or other debris, enhancing safety by ensuring that the plate can be easily seen.

Maintaining this specific height standard also aligns with the uniformity and consistency of license plate display across vehicles, which aids in effective law enforcement and vehicle identification. The height of 12 inches strikes a balance between visibility and practicality, making it a widely adopted requirement in traffic laws. Other heights mentioned, such as 6, 18, or 24 inches, do not meet the established legal criteria for visibility and could therefore be deemed insufficient for proper registration plate display.