Wisconsin State Patrol Highlights Importance License Plate Requirements
August Law of the Month: License plates
License plates serve a critical role in public safety and support an efficient transportation system. Wisconsin residents are expected to register vehicles and display valid license plates when operating on public roadways. This month, the Wisconsin State Patrol is reminding drivers of license plate requirements as its August Law of the Month.
“License plates are an important part in keeping Wisconsin’s roads and communities safe,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “When your license plates are properly displayed and your registration is current, it helps law enforcement quickly identify motorists involved in a crash, recover stolen vehicles or investigate criminal activity such as a hit and run.”
According to the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), nearly 1.3 million license plates were issued in Wisconsin last year. Every motorist should understand how to properly display and maintain license plates for their specific vehicle, including motorcycles, collectors, farm equipment and other specialty plates.
Ensure your registration is valid
According to state law, residents are required to register vehicles with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation before going on the road. License plates are issued by the DMV once the vehicle is registered, and validation stickers show the month and year of expiration. Most registrations expire annually and must be renewed to remain valid. Motorists should receive renewal notification from the DMV through email or text with eNotify or a postcard in the mail. Registration status can also be checked online.
On most vehicles, validation stickers belong on the rear license plate, with the month in the lower left corner and year in the lower right. The stickers should never cover letters, numbers or other registration information. Wisconsin law requires an additional orange “EV Hybrid” sticker for electric or hybrid vehicles.
Vehicle-specific registration requirements are available at wisconsindmv.gov.
Display license plates properly
Properly displayed license plates serve several important legal, safety and administrative purposes. They help first responders and law enforcement quickly identify motorists during an emergency or criminal investigation.
Motorists should ensure their license plates meet these requirements:
· Proper placement: According to Wisconsin State Statute, when two license plates are issued, both plates must be firmly attached with one on the front of the vehicle and one on the rear.
· Clear visibility: State law requires plates to be maintained in a legible condition and displayed so they can be seen and read. License plate brackets that cover any part of the readable message are illegal. Replacement plates or renewal stickers can be requested online, in person or by mail.
Wisconsin offers various license plate designs and types of registration according to vehicle use or owner’s special interest. For additional information, visit wisconsindmv.gov or contact the Wisconsin DMV.
View the August Law of the Month video and news release online: wisconsindot.gov/Pages/about-wisdot/newsroom/law/lom.aspx
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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