Is License Plate Cover Legal in New Mexico? (2026)
It depends. In New Mexico, license plate cover is restricted. License plate covers are restricted in this state. Clear covers that do not obstruct readability may be permitted, but tinted, smoked, or reflective covers are typically prohibited. Laws vary — check specific state vehicle code for what types of covers are allowed..
Key facts
- Status
- Restricted
- Permit required
- No
- Jurisdiction
- New Mexico
- Last reviewed
- 2026-02-15
License Plate Cover laws in New Mexico
In New Mexico, the use of license plate covers is restricted. The relevant statute is New Mexico Statutes Annotated (NMSA) § 66-3-114, which addresses the display of license plates. This statute generally requires license plates to be displayed in a manner that is clearly legible and not obscured. While the statute does not explicitly ban all license plate covers, it prohibits any device or material that obstructs the view or readability of the license plate. This typically means that tinted, smoked, or any cover that alters the appearance or legibility of the plate is prohibited. Clear, non-obstructive covers that do not interfere with the visibility of the license plate's identification numbers, letters, or validation stickers are generally considered permissible, provided they do not create a glare or otherwise impede law enforcement's ability to read the plate. Violations of NMSA § 66-3-114 concerning the obstruction of license plates can result in a traffic citation. While specific fines can vary depending on the discretion of the issuing officer and local ordinances, penalties for displaying a license plate in a manner that is not clearly legible or is obscured generally fall under petty misdemeanors. This classification typically carries fines ranging from $25 to $500, although jail time is uncommon for this type of offense unless there are aggravating circumstances or repeated violations. The increased use of automated enforcement cameras also serves as a deterrent and can lead to citations based on unreadable plates. There are no broad statutory exemptions for specific types of license plate covers in New Mexico, beyond the implied allowance for those that do not obscure the plate's legibility. Therefore, residents and travelers in New Mexico are advised to ensure their license plates are fully visible and free from any material that could be interpreted as obstructing or altering their appearance. This includes avoiding tinted or smoked covers, as well as any decorative elements that might interfere with official identification. The primary practical consideration is to maintain complete and unobstructed visibility of the license plate at all times to comply with state law and avoid potential citations.
Frequently asked questions
Is license plate cover legal in New Mexico for travelers?
For travelers visiting New Mexico, license plate cover is currently restricted. In New Mexico, the use of license plate covers is restricted. The relevant statute is New Mexico Statutes Annotated (NMSA) § 66-3-114, which addresses the display of license plates. This statute generally requires license plates to be displayed in a manner that is clearly legible and not obscured. While the statute does not explicitly ban all license plate covers, it prohibits any device or material that obstructs the view or readability of the license plate. This typically means that tinted, smoked, or any cover that alters the appearance or legibility of the plate is prohibited. Clear, non-obstructive covers that do not interfere with the visibility of the license plate's identification numbers, letters, or validation stickers are generally considered permissible, provided they do not create a glare or otherwise impede law enforcement's ability to read the plate. Violations of NMSA § 66-3-114 concerning the obstruction of license plates can result in a traffic citation. While specific fines can vary depending on the discretion of the issuing officer and local ordinances, penalties for displaying a license plate in a manner that is not clearly legible or is obscured generally fall under petty misdemeanors. This classification typically carries fines ranging from $25 to $500, although jail time is uncommon for this type of offense unless there are aggravating circumstances or repeated violations. The increased use of automated enforcement cameras also serves as a deterrent and can lead to citations based on unreadable plates. There are no broad statutory exemptions for specific types of license plate covers in New Mexico, beyond the implied allowance for those that do not obscure the plate's legibility. Therefore, residents and travelers in New Mexico are advised to ensure their license plates are fully visible and free from any material that could be interpreted as obstructing or altering their appearance. This includes avoiding tinted or smoked covers, as well as any decorative elements that might interfere with official identification. The primary practical consideration is to maintain complete and unobstructed visibility of the license plate at all times to comply with state law and avoid potential citations.
Do I need a permit for license plate cover in New Mexico?
New Mexico does not specifically require a permit for license plate cover, though general regulations apply.
Can I transport license plate cover through New Mexico?
Transport laws for license plate cover in New Mexico depend on the specific item and your route. Generally, transport is allowed if you comply with state regulations. Always check states you pass through.
What are the penalties for license plate cover violations in New Mexico?
Penalties for license plate cover violations in New Mexico vary based on the specific offense. Always verify current laws before traveling.