License Plate Requirements in Nevada: Everything You Need to Know
License Plate Requirements in Nevada: Everything You Need to Know
If you are a driver in Nevada or planning to buy a car, understanding the state laws regarding license plates is essential. License plates are necessary for vehicle registration and identification. Not following the rules regarding placement and display can land you in trouble. Here is everything you need to know about Nevada’s license plate requirements.
Two Plates Are Required
Nevada, renowned for its expansive desert landscapes, vibrant cities like Las Vegas, and scenic drives through destinations like Red Rock Canyon, has its own unique set of rules regarding vehicle registration. Driving through this beautiful state, you’ll notice that vehicle laws are strictly enforced to ensure safety and order on the roads.
The need of front license plates is one of the important rules in Nevada, which applies to most vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, and trucks. If you face a situation where you’re unsure about your vehicle’s compliance, it’s essential to check the current DMV guidelines to avoid any penalties.
Motorcycles and trailers are only required to display the rear plates. Additionally, vehicles that don’t have a front placement and display for a license plate, such as classic cars, can only display one.
In simple terms, if your vehicle is designed to accommodate the front plate, then you must display one. If it doesn’t have a mounting bracket or falls under an exception, it is your responsibility to display the rear plate.
How and Where to Display Plates
Once you receive your plates from the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), ensure they are securely fastened in the designated location. All plates should be attached to the front and rear bumpers, mounted upright, and positioned at least 12 inches above the ground for proper visibility.
The license plate details should be readable from 100 feet during the day and 110 feet at night. It is against the law to cover or obstruct any part of the plate. That means no tinted covers, plastic shields, or frames that block the state name and registration numbers. The rear plate expiration decals are located in the upper right corner.
Registering and Renewing License Plates
When you register a new or used vehicle, you will receive license plates as part of the process. License plates expire on the date listed and not at the end of the month. You will receive a postcard reminder 30 days prior to the expiration date, as well as emails for those with a MyDMV account.
You can renew your registration 35 days before the expiration date or up to 18 months later, but you will incur some fees. Renewing your license plates can be done online, by mail, or in person. However, if you are renewing outside the designated required timeframes, then in-person renewal is needed.
All vehicle registrations are valid for a whole year, no exceptions. Trailers, on the other hand, can be registered for one or three years. Since Nevada does not have a grace period, you must either permit online or visit the DMV if you drive after your license plate has expired.
Specialty and Personalized Plates
Drivers in Nevada have a variety of specialty plates to choose from. There are options that support charities, honor veterans, or represent state universities. These come at an additional fee.
Personalized plates are available if you want to make your license unique. These must meet the required standard and be approved by the DMV. However, you cannot add offensive language, punctuation, or symbols.
Temporary Plates and Plate Transfers
In Nevada, license plates are issued to individuals and businesses, not vehicles. Therefore, you can transfer the plates from one vehicle to another as long as the new vehicle is registered under the same name.
However, you must renew the license plates for another full year, show evidence in terms of insurance cards, and undergo an emissions test if necessary. Any unused credits from the previous year will be transferred. You can also transfer license plates to another person or swap plates on an existing registration, provided you adhere to the Nevada DMV requirements.
Conclusion
Nevada’s license plate rules are not complicated. Following the basic rules is necessary to avoid fines and keep your vehicle legally on the road.
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