Policy Position on License Plates

License plates serve one common purpose; to identify motor vehicles. Across jurisdictions, they also identify vehicle registrants and demonstrate compliance with motor vehicle registration laws. AAMVA supports the horizontal display of a front and rear plate. Through the use of bright, retro-reflective surfaces, license plates contribute to highway safety and law enforcement efforts by making the vehicle more visible.

AAMVA also supports the uniform manufacture and design of plates; to increase the effective and efficient identification of license plates. Toward that end, jurisdictions are encouraged to adopt the AAMVA License Plate Standard, Edition 3 in the design and manufacture of all jurisdiction-issued license plates.

Conformity to the AAMVA License Plate Standard will enhance readability, usability, and connection to vehicle registration records. It will also support law enforcement efforts, enhance highway safety, and may increase certain revenue collection which is dependent upon license plate identification, such as toll collection and parking regulations.

[Amended 2020]