Personal Insurance Blog

Some of us are very familiar with cars driving out and about with broken headlights or brake lights (both of which are very dangerous, regardless of how fun the game "padiddle" might be). But I recently learned something else- something about a license plate light (circled in yellow in the picture below).

Did you know?

License plates lights are lights in the rear of your car that illuminate your license plate to all other drivers. It allows other drivers to read your license plate number- most likely for if they need to report you for anything illegal. Now, if you were doing something illegal, you wouldn't want your license plate to be showing anyway. However, there have been instances in which license plate lights have gone out and people have been doing completely innocent things. That happened to my friend while I was in the passenger seat; he was pulled over by the police.

Most people don't consider license plates lights, but it's something that we should not forget about. If you find that you or a friend has a car in which the license plate lights have do not work, do NOT drive at night. It's an illegal offense and you will be pulled over.

What should you do?

If you do find that your license plate lights have gone out, as I've said, do NOT go out driving at night. You can get these lights fixed at several car shops and mechanics, or you can do-it-yourself. If you do-it-yourself, make sure you order white lights for your license plate. Other colors are not acceptable in Massachusetts and any form of a blue or red light on a moving vehicle is reserved for emergency vehicles. You do not want to get pulled over and face consequences for incorrect license plates lights as well as impersonating an emergency vehicle- especially over something as tiny as a license plate light!

Safety inspection

License plate lights are one of the things checked during a safety inspection in Massachusetts, just like headlights and brake lights. While those two may seem higher and of more importance on the hierarchy of car lights, don't forget the license plate lights. They'll get you every time!

If you have any other questions about safety, auto insurance, or any other car questions, feel free to contact us at Gordon Insurance. Learn more about auto insurance here.