POV motorcycle Question: Sgt Chopper pulls up on his new ride, you notice the license plate is turned sideways...legal or not?

CW3 Kevin Storm — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 11:09:18 -0400

Is this legal? In some states Sgt. Chopper may get a ticket for this. Check with your local laws and post regulations to see if this is a problem.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 11:15 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 11:15:40 -0400

Good to know

Response by SSG Brandon Sheldon made Jul 24 at 2015 11:18 AM

SSG Brandon Sheldon — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 11:18:05 -0400

The only Texas law I could find with specific verbiage about plates is with regard to visability and the license plate light, where it states it must be clearly legible from 50 ft from the rear. (Transportation Code Sec. 547.322(f)(2): (1) illuminates the rear license plate; and
(2) makes the plate clearly legible at a distance of 50 ft. from the rear.)
The only other code I found was Transportation Code Sec. 502.409 and this basically refers to obstructing visability of the plates

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jul 24 at 2015 11:23 AM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 11:23:55 -0400

I n California as 2011, most be able to read from left to right.

Response by TSgt David L. made Jul 24 at 2015 11:23 AM

TSgt David L. — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 11:23:56 -0400

No law here in Montana. Must be lighted and visible from a set distance. Don't know what it is.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 3:28 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 15:28:57 -0400

I think you will find the law wants it to be legible and visible. I would have more concern over the placement.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 3:37 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 15:37:23 -0400

It depends on the state, that's why Harley put the extremely ugly horizontal side plate mount on some of the newer bikes. I know it is illegal in NY, VA, and MD. Almost nothing is illegal on a motorcycle in TN or AL. Not sure about KS or KY although you ate probably safe. MO could go either way.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 25 at 2015 3:26 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 03:26:49 -0400

Here in AZ they make no mention whatsoever of "vertical license plate placement" and in fact I see them all the time both on base at Davis Monthan AFB, out in town, and many of my CVMA brothers and sisters have their plate mounted like that.

For reference:
http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ars/28/02354.htm

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Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jul 25 at 2015 7:44 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 07:44:13 -0400

Local state laws reign supreme and yet will be gray and vague in many states leaving it to officer discretion. There are states laws that say the plate must be legible,,and an officer thats says tects not originated in a left to right fashion is not legible other state laws specifically the plate text MUST be oriented left to right.

Have not seen or heard about any Post (base) regs that stipulate something specific about a MC license plate, not in the state laws. If your post (or base) has something on the books different then state law, please post it.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jul 25 at 2015 7:50 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 07:50:22 -0400

That runs into improper display of a license plate. One of the AR 190s covers it (or used to). We would just give people a heads up. I never heard of an MP giving a ticket for it.

Response by 1SG Angelo Villavicencio made Aug 13 at 2018 2:17 PM

1SG Angelo Villavicencio — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 14:17:04 -0400

Here in PA you can order the plate either for vertical or horizontal display. Best thing to do is check with the state registration office. On the military side best to swing by the Provost Marshall's office for a courtesy check or wait for the citation/warning.