License plates (also known as vehicle registration plates or license tags) are generally rectangular metal plates issued by your state’s department of motor vehicles for the purpose of identifying your car. A license plate must be attached to the rear of your car, and in 31 states and the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.), you must also have a license plate on the front of your car. In a state or district that also requires you to display a license plate on the front of your car, your failure to do so will provide the police with probable cause to stop you and issue a citation at any time. State laws (statutes) generally provide for the specific placement of license plates, stated in minimum and maximum inches from the ground.
In South Carolina, the law requires that motor vehicles must display a valid license plate on the rear of the vehicle. South Carolina does not mandate the use of a front license plate, so only one plate is issued to motorists by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). The placement of the rear license plate is regulated by state statutes, which specify the required visibility and height from the ground to ensure that the plate is clearly visible. Failure to properly display a rear license plate can result in a traffic stop and citation. It is important for vehicle owners in South Carolina to adhere to these regulations to avoid potential fines and enforcement actions by police.