All states have traffic laws that require motor vehicles on public highways, streets, roads, and driveways to have a rear license plate or tag—and most states also require a license plate on the front of a motor vehicle.

States usually require the license plates or vehicle registration to be renewed periodically—often annually and in connection with payment of a motor vehicle tax or inspection of the vehicle for safety and compliance with emissions standards.

In some states tickets or citations for no front or rear license plate or for expired plates/tags on your vehicle are known as fix-it tickets and the ticket or citation will indicate that it is a correctable violation of traffic laws. If you fix the missing-or-expired license plate problem within the required period and get the signature of an authorized person (a local police officer) the court may dismiss the ticket.

But if you fail to fix the missing-or-expired-tags problem within the required period you must pay the fine for the violation and you may be issued another ticket that will be part of your driving record. And if you fail to pay the ticket or appear in court on the hearing date the court may issue a warrant for your arrest.

In Kentucky, motor vehicles are required to have a rear license plate, and unlike some states, Kentucky does not require a front license plate. Vehicle registration and license plates must be renewed annually, which typically involves a fee and may include a vehicle safety inspection and emissions testing, depending on the county. If a driver is cited for having no rear license plate or for having expired tags, this can result in a fine. Kentucky does not have a 'fix-it ticket' system for license plate violations, so there is no provision for dismissal of the ticket upon rectification of the issue. Failure to address the citation can lead to additional fines, and ignoring a court date may result in a warrant for the driver's arrest. It's important for drivers to maintain current registration and to promptly address any citations related to license plates to avoid escalating penalties.