(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.

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Terms Used In Utah Code 41-1a-404 v2

  • Manufacturer: means a person engaged in the business of constructing, manufacturing, assembling, producing, or importing new or unused vehicles, vessels, or outboard motors for the purpose of sale or trade. See Utah Code 41-1a-102
  • Military vehicle: means a vehicle of any size or weight that was manufactured for use by armed forces and that is maintained in a condition that represents the vehicle's military design and markings regardless of current ownership or use. See Utah Code 41-1a-102
  • Owner: means a person, other than a lienholder, holding title to a vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor whether or not the vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor is subject to a security interest. See Utah Code 41-1a-102
  • Registration: means a document issued by a jurisdiction that allows operation of a vehicle or vessel on the highways or waters of this state for the time period for which the registration is valid and that is evidence of compliance with the registration requirements of the jurisdiction. See Utah Code 41-1a-102
  • Trailer: means a vehicle without motive power designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and constructed so that no part of its weight rests upon the towing vehicle. See Utah Code 41-1a-102
  • Vehicle: includes a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, off-highway vehicle, camper, park model recreational vehicle, manufactured home, and mobile home. See Utah Code 41-1a-102
(2) Except as provided in Subsection (3), a license plate shall at all times be:

     (2)(a) securely fastened:

          (2)(a)(i) in a horizontal position to the vehicle for which it is issued to prevent the plate from swinging;
          (2)(a)(ii) at a height of not less than 12 inches from the ground, measuring from the bottom of the plate; and
          (2)(a)(iii) in a place and position to be clearly visible; and
     (2)(b) maintained:

          (2)(b)(i) free from foreign materials or a tinted or translucent license plate cover; and
          (2)(b)(ii) in a condition to be clearly legible.
(3) The provisions of Subsections (2)(a)(iii) and (2)(b) do not apply:

     (3)(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:

          (3)(a)(i) a trailer hitch;
          (3)(a)(ii) a wheelchair lift or wheelchair carrier;
          (3)(a)(iii) a trailer being towed by the vehicle;
          (3)(a)(iv) a bicycle rack, ski rack, or luggage rack; or
          (3)(a)(v) a similar cargo carrying device; or
     (3)(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.