Roger Vanderpool, director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and Stacey K. Stanton, director of the Arizona Department of Transportation/ Motor Vehicle Division (ADOT/MVD), want to advise the motoring public of an important change to the requirements for the attachment and display of the Arizona license plate that will affect every motorist or business with a vehicle(s) registered in this state.
Effective Jan. 1, 2009, Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) 28-2354, has been amended to state that “a person shall maintain each license plate so it is clearly legible and so that the name of this state at the top of the license plate shall not be obscured.” The revision was added to the existing requirement for the proper attachment and legible display of the Arizona license plate.
An attachment that contains an ADOT/MVD graphic depicting a “good” and “bad” displayed Arizona license plate will be sent in separate e-mail.
The actual Arizona law has been copied into this document and can also be found at:
http://www.azleg.state.az.us/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/28/02354.htm&Title=28&DocType=ARS
Frequently asked questions to further explain A.R.S. 28-2354B:
Does the change apply to out of state or foreign license plates?
No, the revision only applies to Arizona license plates.
Can some of the word “Arizona” be covered and not be in violation?
No, the requirement is that the name of the state at the top of the license plate not
be obscured.
Does this change help law enforcement?
The requirement to have the state name of “Arizona” clearly visible and not
obscured provides several benefits. The most important benefit centers on
citizens who witness a crime involving a motor vehicle or otherwise recognizes a
license plate from a broadcast for an Amber Alert or other Attempt to Locate will
better able the witness to identify the “Arizona” and the characters on the plate.
What is the fine for anyone that is cited for violating this law?
The fines vary throughout the state according to the traffic court that has
jurisdiction. The fines can range from $110.00 to $200.00 statewide, the average
fine appears to be about $136.00 throughout the Valley.
Is this a primary or secondary enforcement law?
Primary enforcement, which means any law enforcement officer can make a
traffic stop on the vehicle solely for violation of A.R.S. 28-2354B. It additionally
is classified as a civil sanction offense.
Was this change requested by the Arizona Department of Public Safety?
DPS was not a part of the legislation that created this revision.
If I attached the license plate frame that covers the name Arizona before the revision
went into effect, or it was placed on my vehicle by the dealership where it was purchased
will that exempt my plate from the law?
On Jan. 1, 2009, when the revision becomes effective, it will apply to
all Arizona license plates and their proper display, regardless when the license
plate was first attached or whatever frame was placed on it.
DPS and ADOT/MVD are committed to providing information to the public on various Arizona rules, regulations and traffic laws to further insure the safety of all motorists who travel this great this state.
To obtain additional information please visit the below Web sites:
http://www.azdps.gov http://azdot.gov/mvd/
