Utah § 1a-404 - Location and position of plates -- Visibility of plates -- Exceptions.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 1a-404 — Location and position of plates -- Visibility of plates -- Exceptions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1a-404. Location and position of plates -- Visibility of plates -- Exceptions.

Effective 1/1/2025
41-1a-404.  Location and position of plates -- Visibility of plates -- Exceptions.
(1)Except as provided in Section 41-1a-301 relating to a vehicle with apportioned registration, the owner or operator of a vehicle shall ensure that the license plate is attached to the rear of the vehicle as described in this section.
(2)Except as provided in Subsection (3), a license plate shall at all times be:
(a)securely fastened:
(i)in a horizontal position to the vehicle for which it is issued to prevent the plate from swinging;
(ii)at a height of not less than 12 inches from the ground, measuring from the bottom of the plate; and
(iii)in a place and position to be clearly visible; and
(b)maintained:
(i)free from foreign materials or a tinted or translucent license plate cover; and
(ii)in a condition to be clearly legible.
(3)The provisions of Subsections (2)(a)(iii) and (2)(b) do not apply:
(a)to a license plate that is obscured exclusively by one or more of the following devices or by the cargo the device is carrying, if the device is installed according to manufacturer specifications or generally accepted installation practices:
(i)a trailer hitch;
(ii)a wheelchair lift or wheelchair carrier;
(iii)a trailer being towed by the vehicle;
(iv)a bicycle rack, ski rack, or luggage rack; or
(v)a similar cargo carrying device; or
(b)to a military vehicle if the license plate is in the military vehicle and ready for inspection by law enforcement upon request.
(4)A violation of this section is an infraction.


Amended by Chapter 251, 2024 General Session

Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Related Utah Legal Topics

Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 1a-404

What does Utah Code § 1a-404 cover?

Section 1a-404 ("Location and position of plates -- Visibility of plates -- Exceptions.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Utah § 1a-404?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 1a-404" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Utah law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.

How does Utah § 1a-404 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Utah.