Two Plates, And A Clear Cover At Most
Mo. Rev. Stat. § 301.130 — front and rear on most vehicles, plainly visible and reasonably clean, and a clear cover only if nothing is impaired
Front and rear. License plates are fastened to all motor vehicles, except trucks, tractors and truck tractors licensed in excess of twelve thousand pounds, on the front and rear, not less than eight nor more than forty-eight inches above the ground, with the letters and numbers right side up.
Rear only. The plates on trailers, motorcycles, motortricycles, autocycles and motorscooters are displayed on the rear, horizontally or vertically, with the letters and numbers plainly visible.
Plainly visible and reasonably clean. Each plate is securely fastened so that all parts of it are plainly visible and reasonably clean, so that its reflective qualities are not impaired.
A cover. A plate may be encased in a transparent cover so long as the plate is plainly visible and its reflective qualities are not impaired.
The tabs. The owner affixes and displays the registration tab or tabs in the designated area of the plate, no more than one per plate. A tab attached in the prescribed manner is prima facie evidence that the registration fee has been paid.
On the road. No motor vehicle or trailer is operated on a highway of the state unless it displays the plate or set of plates issued for it.
City and county ordinances are not on this page. Whether a particular stop, charge or case was handled lawfully is a question for the court that hears it, or a licensed Missouri attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- Mo. Rev. Stat. § 301.130 — License plates, required slogan and information — special plates — plates, how displayed — tabs to be used — rulemaking authority, procedure
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Missouri attorney.