RCW 46.16.240 Attachment of plates to vehicles -- Violations enumerated.

The vehicle license number plates shall be attached conspicuously at the front and rear of each vehicle for which the same are issued and in such a manner that they can be plainly seen and read at all times: PROVIDED, That if only one license number plate is legally issued for any vehicle such plate shall be conspicuously attached to the rear of such vehicle. Each vehicle license number plate shall be placed or hung in a horizontal position at a distance of not less than one foot nor more than four feet from the ground and shall be kept clean so as to be plainly seen and read at all times: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That in cases where the body construction of the vehicle is such that compliance with this section is impossible, permission to deviate therefrom may be granted by the state patrol. It shall be unlawful to display upon the front or rear of any vehicle, vehicle license number plate or plates other than those furnished by the director for such vehicle or to display upon any vehicle any vehicle license number plate or plates which have been in any manner changed, altered, disfigured or have become illegible. License plate frames may be used on vehicle license number plates only if the frames do not obscure license tabs or identifying letters or numbers on the plates and the plates can be plainly seen and read at all times. It is unlawful to use any holders, frames, or any materials that in any manner change, alter, or make the vehicle license number plates illegible. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any vehicle unless there shall be displayed thereon valid vehicle license number plates attached as herein provided.

RCW 46.16A.200 License plates.

(5)(a) Display. License plates must be:

(i) Attached conspicuously at the front and rear of each vehicle if two license plates have been issued;

(ii) Attached to the rear of the vehicle if one license plate has been issued;

(iii) Kept clean and be able to be plainly seen and read at all times; and

(iv) Attached in a horizontal position at a distance of not more than four feet from the ground.

(b) The Washington state patrol may grant exceptions to this subsection if the body construction of the vehicle makes compliance with this section impossible.

RCW 46.16A.160 Nonresident exemption — Reciprocity — Rules.


(1) The provisions of this chapter relating to the registration of vehicles and display of license plates and registration certificates do not apply to vehicles owned by nonresidents of this state if:

(a) The owner has complied with the law requiring the registration of vehicles in the names of the owners in force in the state, foreign country, territory, or federal district of residence; and

(b) The license plate showing the initial or abbreviation of the name of the state, foreign country, territory, or federal district is displayed on the vehicle substantially as required in this state.

RCW 46.16A.340 Temporary permits for nonresident members of armed forces — Fee — Rules.


(1) A nonresident member of the armed forces of the United States may apply to the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director for a temporary permit for a recently purchased motor vehicle. The permit:

(a) Allows the motor vehicle to be used in Washington state while the owner applies for out-of-state registration;

(b) Is valid for forty-five days; and

(c) Must be carried on the motor vehicle so that it is clearly visible from outside of the motor vehicle.

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(3) The department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall collect the fee required under RCW 46.17.400(1)(d) when issuing the forty-five day permit described in this section.

(4) The department shall adopt rules to implement this section. Those rules may require proof that the nonresident member of the armed forces of the United States qualifies for the forty-five day permit before the permit may be issued.