Fines for license plate covers start in 2025

Washington state will begin enforcing fines for the use of license plate covers starting January 1, 2025, with penalties exceeding $100 for violations. Although these clear plastic covers were always technically illegal, the recent passage of House Bill 1963 clarifies that their use is illegal due to concerns about obscuring license plate visibility. This legislative change was prompted by law enforcement concerns about the difficulty in identifying vehicles, especially at night. Officials from the Washington State Patrol have indicated that while some drivers believe these covers protect their plates, they ultimately compromise the legibility of the plates. The law aims to eliminate confusion regarding the legality of these covers and enhance traffic enforcement.

While selling license plate covers remains legal, their use on vehicles is now strictly prohibited, reflecting a broader effort to improve road safety and ensure effective vehicle identification by law enforcement.