Peace officers may issue citations to a person driving a vehicle if a license plate holder obscures the name of the state on the license plate.

• A. False
• B. Only if the offender is a minor
• C. Only if the plate is not current
• D. True

Answer: (D)

Readable license plates are required because the plate needs to be clearly identifiable, including the state name. If a plate holder or any device obscures that state name, the plate isn’t legible from typical viewing distances, which defeats the purpose of the plate for enforcement and identification. In that situation, peace officers may issue a citation for obstructing or altering the plate. It isn’t limited to minors, and it doesn’t depend on whether the plate is current—the obstruction itself is the violation.