In Muskogee, Oklahoma, it is important to have your license plate clearly visible at all times. And it is important that the license plate be located in the place it is expected and required to be. Otherwise, you could face an improper display of license plate charge.
During traffic accidents, or a hit and run, or the like, we often have just seconds to glance at the license plate before a car speeds away. When the license plate is not in the proper place, it may be impossible to spot.
So if you have your license plate up on the top of your dashboard inside your car, or if you have some material over it that obscures it, you may be in violation of the law.
And while the initial fees may seem small, if the matter is not remedied, you could lose your car.
License Plates Must Be Clearly Visible
For most vehicles in the state of Oklahoma, the license plate must be securely attached and displayed on the rear of the vehicle. However, truck-tractor plates must be securely attached and displayed on the front of the vehicle. Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 1113
The license plate must be clearly visible at all times. They cannot be covered or obscured in any way with material — even if the material is clear. Failure to comply could lead to an improper display of license plate charge in Muskogee.
If you buy a vehicle in Oklahoma, the car dealer must place a temporary license plate of similar size to the permanent Oklahoma license plate of a weatherproof plastic-impregnated substance upon the vehicle.
Except for cab and chassis trucks, the temporary license plate is to be placed in the same location as the permanent license plate. You then have 30 days to get the vehicle licensed and registered. Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 1137.3
If you lose the license plate, of if it is stolen, file a police report and then you can get a replacement by filing an affidavit with the appropriate agency. Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 1114
Penalties for Improper Display of License Plate
In addition to any penalties that you might owe, if you do not have a license plate that is visible with current Oklahoma registration decals affixed, the police may seize your car. This usually is the penalty 90 days after the expiration of the annual registration.
Law enforcement officials may keep the car in storage until you can show proof of current license and registration and that all fees have been paid, including the fees for towing and storage of the car.
If you fail to show such proof and pay all fees, your car may be sold. Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 1115.1
Low-cost Consultation: Muskogee Misdemeanor Defense Attorney
For a consultation with an experienced Muskogee criminal defense attorney, call Wirth Law Office – Muskogee today at 918-913-0725.
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