Vehicles required to be registered with the Department of Licensing (DOL) must display license plates or decals assigned by the DOL.

License plate display requirements include that the license plate must be:

1. attached conspicuously at the front and rear of each vehicle if two license plates have been issued; 
2. kept clean and be able to be plainly seen and read at all times; and
3. attached in a horizontal position at a distance of not more than 4 feet from the ground.

The Washington State Patrol may grant exceptions to the above license plate display requirements if the body construction of the vehicle makes compliance impossible.

It is an unlawful act to use a license plate holder, frame, or other material that changes, alters, or makes a license plate or plates illegible.

License plates must be kept uncovered to ensure the ability to plainly see and read the license plate.

The unlawful acts relating to display of license plates is broadened to include the use of a license plate cover.  In addition, it is unlawful to use any material which conceals, obstructs, or distorts the legibility of the license plate.

Until January 1, 2025, the penalty for using a license plate cover may only be a written warning.  The warning must include information about the law and applicable penalty.