A Crackdown On Obscured License Plates

The Louisiana State Police are not going to be playing nice anymore when it comes to obscured license tags. State law has been in place for that requires that all plates need to be clearly displayed. The driver is subject to tickets if the plate is shown otherwise.

The law specifically calls out anything that can obscure the plate including mud, frames, or those blurry plate covers.

Drivers are also requires to keep their plates up to date and clean. The reflectiveness of the plate is just as important as the obscurity of it.

The use of aftermarket covers for license tags has increased considerably in Louisiana.  Most drivers are probably unaware that by using such covers or decorative lights they are probably in violation of the law.  We are urging them to remove the aftermarket products now before being cited.”

Edmonson also stated that this is a safety issue,

It is imperative that the numbers or letters on the tag be visible and readable.  When they are obscured it impairs accurate reporting by citizens who are attempting to provide police with information on reckless or impaired drivers, motor vehicle crashes, and vehicles involved in criminal acts.”

According to police records, countless crimes have been solved by people being able to report the crime to police with a license plate association. Also, many stolen vehicle and fugitive suspects being caught by this method could mean the difference between life and death.

Law enforcement professionals work tirelessly every day investigating criminal acts and conducting traffic stops across the state to ensure public safety,” Edmonson said. “While increasingly sophisticated investigative tools are deployed each day, the simple act of being able to clearly read and report a vehicle’s license plate is often the first step to removing dangerous individuals from our communities.”

The crackdown begins now and police will be looking for violations. For more information regarding specific enforcement activities and safety campaigns in your area, please contact your local LSP Public Information Officer. www.lsp.org/public.html