Celica Forums General Discussion Exterior Legality of JDM plates

Hi-- I recently got my 2002 GT, and currently have no front plate but a plate in the back. I just ordered JDM plates solely for aesthetics, however I ordered them with my actual license plate number. How legal is this, if at all? Attached below are the plates I ordered :)

https://amzn.to/3zOIzHw

You'll have to look up the rules in your state, but in California the law requires all registered passenger vehicles to display two license plates: one on the front of the vehicle and one on the back. Neglecting to properly install a front license plate on your vehicle registered in California is a violation of the law. These plates are to be supplied by the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles), unmodified, untempered with, and unobstructed. The rear plate must display the vehicle registration month and year stickers supplied by DMV. The vehicle code also prohibits you from having any form of covering over your license plate, whether it be clear or tinted.

I doubt that the vehicle inspection rules in New York are more lenient, especially since they require vehicles to pass inspection. In general, non-government issued plates are novelty and should only be used for off-road purposes

In the USA, if you are in a state that doesn't require a front license plate, these may be legal to use only in the front of your vehicle while still using the state supplied plate at the rear. There are about 18 states which do not require state-issued front license plates. Check your local laws to confirm.