Trailer license plate

37chief · Mar 1, 2018

A few posts below the trailer has the license plate mounted on the rear fender vertical. Is this legal? reason is I have my plate mounted with a C clamp, so it can be mounted horizontal at the rear of my trailer. I have ruined a few good C clamps, and plates by forgetting to remove the plate before I back off my mower. I even had one fall off. I imagine most states have the same rules. I just don't want anther excuse to get pulled over. any thoughts? Stan

kcm.MN · Mar 1, 2018

I can't speak as to whether it's legal or not, especially as laws vary from state to state. However, I've seen plates mounted that way for decades. Never heard of anyone ever getting in trouble for it. At least the plate is displayed and easy to read.

rrlund · Mar 1, 2018

There are a lot of them mounted that way,but I know a guy here in Michigan who got a ticket for it,so apparently it not legal here.

old · Mar 1, 2018

Legal well that is a yes no or maybe depending on your state laws. If I remember right your in CA. so knowing how crazy things are out there it could well be all of the above. LOL I would simply check with your local DMV and see what is and what is not legal. I know I have beaten the rap on more then one ticket by knowing the laws

Bob Bancroft · Mar 1, 2018

I suppose it's the same everywhere- what the rule book says, and what gets enforced, are two different things. I recall studying NYS regulations when finishing up a dump box installation on a truck. Everything is spelled out, if you can understand it- light location, mud flap dimensions, etc. I recall reading about license plate location. According to regulation, the tanker trailers I see with the license plate mounted way up on the center rear end of the tank, are illegal, as the plate is mounted too high. But I don't see them getting in trouble for it?

Stephen Newell · Mar 1, 2018

Actually to be legal it should be mounted horizontal and be illuminated by a light at night. Where I live nobody pays any attention to plates though, they can be anywhere or none at all and they don't seem to get pulled over. Probably the trailers that have plates 3/4 of them are expired.

dr sportster · Mar 1, 2018

Just read up on Florida law. The motorcycle laws have been changed to allow vertical mounting. Some law enforcement does not know this and will issue tickets unlawfully.

Bret4207 · Mar 1, 2018

(quoted from post at 13:59:29 03/01/18) I suppose it's the same everywhere- what the rule book says, and what gets enforced, are two different things. I recall studying NYS regulations when finishing up a dump box installation on a truck. Everything is spelled out, if you can understand it- light location, mud flap dimensions, etc. I recall reading about license plate location. According to regulation, the tanker trailers I see with the license plate mounted way up on the center rear end of the tank, are illegal, as the plate is mounted too high. But I don't see them getting in trouble for it?

Been that way for years Bob. IIRC the NYS V&T Law, it specifies a max height of 48". Anyone that dings a guy for something like that will be accused of writing chicken crap (the other word actually) tickets by his fellow Troopers/officers. I have seen a couple handed out over the years when it was that, (a correctable equipment infraction), vs a moving violation or log book ticket or something more serious.

David R Inman · Mar 1, 2018

Also worth looking to see if your state allows use of motorcycle size plate on a trailer. I know in Az, when registering a trailer they will give you a motorcycle size plate if you ask them to for use on trailers.

Rich'sToys · Mar 1, 2018

(quoted from post at 11:41:36 03/01/18) If I remember right your in CA. so knowing how crazy things are out there it could well be all of the above.

Heck, in California it probably causes cancer if you mount it wrong!

DoubleO7 · Mar 1, 2018

I just use a hunk of cardboard and write on it:
"Plate stolen"
Seems legal around these parts as I see others doing the same or similar.

coshoo · Mar 1, 2018

I had mounted it vertically on the fender for years, because I've got a tilt trailer, and there's no place to mount it on the back. Last time I got a new plate, the gal at DMV asked me if I mounted it on the fender, so she gave me a motorcycle sized plate so I could do it horizontal. Looks downright professional now.

ss55 · Mar 1, 2018

That alone probably won't get you pulled over. If you are pulled over for something else, a license plate infraction might be added. Is the C-clamp is so you can use the same plate on several different trailers?

tomNE · Mar 1, 2018

just because a 'jack-wad' gives u a ticket; doesn't mean he's right. I mount them vertically and have called the county attorney or sometimes go directly to the judge and have them dropped everytime!

37chief · Mar 1, 2018

Only one trailer. The C clamp is so I don't rip the plate off removing m mower. Stan

oldseabee · Mar 1, 2018

(quoted from post at 09:18:49 03/01/18) A few posts below the trailer has the license plate mounted on the rear fender vertical. Is this legal? reason is I have my plate mounted with a C clamp, so it can be mounted horizontal at the rear of my trailer. I have ruined a few good C clamps, and plates by forgetting to remove the plate before I back off my mower. I even had one fall off. I imagine most states have the same rules. I just don't want anther excuse to get pulled over. any thoughts? Stan

It's legal in Calif.

Steve in VA · Mar 1, 2018

In Virginia there are 3 conditions; mounted such that it doesn't swing, clearly visible, clearly legible. The regs go on to say that you can't cover it with plastic or such and that nothing can be affixed to it.

john *.?-!.* cub owner · Mar 1, 2018

I see a lot of them mounted vertically on the fender, including mine, and have never heard of anyone getting a ticket for it. I would susp0ect they are more critical when it comes to commercial haulers though.

RayP(MI) · Mar 1, 2018

Here's what Michigan says about that:

"(2) A registration plate shall at all times be securely fastened in a horizontal position to the vehicle for which the plate is issued so as to prevent the plate from swinging. The plate shall be attached at a height of not less than 12 inches from the ground, measured from the bottom of the plate, in a place and position that is clearly visible. The plate shall be maintained free from foreign materials that obscure or partially obscure the registration information and in a clearly legible condition."

Eldon (WA) · Mar 1, 2018

(quoted from post at 12:36:13 03/01/18) I had mounted it vertically on the fender for years, because I've got a tilt trailer, and there's no place to mount it on the back. Last time I got a new plate, the gal at DMV asked me if I mounted it on the fender, so she gave me a motorcycle sized plate so I could do it horizontal. Looks downright professional now.

I asked about getting a small plate and was told I could not for a 14k trailer...

504 · Mar 1, 2018

In Missouri it is legal to mount it vertical,as of January 2017.

Straw Boss · Mar 2, 2018

My state went to paper thin aluminum plates some years back. If they flop in the wind at all, they will break off at the Bolt holes. Guess who pays full price for a replacement plate? Not anymore! I run 5 different trailers behind my pickups and haven't attached a plate in 5 years or more. Just carry them in the pickup under the seat and NOBODY has ever stopped me for no plates.....yet. ?????

Leroy · Mar 2, 2018

I just know most trailers you cannot mount the plate or lights anyplace to be legal.

Trailer license plate

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