November 26, 1980
Subject:
Motor Vehicles; Disguise or Concealment of Registration Plate.
Requested By:
Patrolman Perry L. Webster Madison Police Department
Questions:
- Is the operator of a vehicle with a registration plate not clearly visible because of a plastic covering in violation of G.S. 20-63(g)?
- Is a plastic cover on any sort over a registration plate in violation of G.S. 20-63(g)?
Conclusions:
- Yes, if the operator willfully placed the plastic over the registration plate and the plastic covering is of a color or density which disguises or conceals the numbers or color of the registration plate.
- No.
As to the Conclusion (1), it would be necessary to prove that the operator willfully placed the covering over the registration plate. The fact that the plastic covering is over the registration plate without proof that the operator willfully placed it there would not be sufficient. The vehicle may well be borrowed, rented, etc. G.S. 20-63(g) reads:
"(g) Alteration, Disguise, or Concealment of Numbers. — Any operator of a motor vehicle who shall willfully mutilate, bend, twist, cover or cause to be covered or partially covered by any bumper, light, spare tire, tire rack, strap, or other device, or who shall paint, enamel, emboss, stamp, print, perforate, or alter or add to or cut off any part or portion of a registration plate or deposit or cause to be placed or deposited any oil, grease, or other substance upon such registration plates for the purpose of making dust adhere thereto, or who shall deface, disfigure thereon, or who shall display a number plate in other than a horizontal upright position, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor." (Emphasis added).
As to Conclusion (2), the mere fact of a plastic cover would not be a violation. The cover would have to affect the visibility of the registration plate.
Rufus L. Edmisten Attorney General
William W. Melvin Deputy Attorney General