Yes, Washington is one of 28 states (and the District of Columbia) that require motorists to have a front license plate on their vehicles. If a motorist doesn’t have a front license plate on their vehicle, they can face a fine and other legal consequences for their neglect of the law.
Our Seattle car accident lawyers can break down the specific legislation addressing front license plate requirements in Washington State to help you and the people around you ensure that you’re operating in compliance with the law.
We can also break down what steps you can take to hold parties without front license plates accountable for their negligence in the wake of accidents.
What Law Enforces Front License Plate Usage in Washington State?
According to Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 46.16A.030, all vehicles in Washington State must have a license plate on the front and back of the car if the driver wants to avoid a ticket. The statute specifically emphasizes that both license plates must be conspicuous, ensuring visibility.
The only exceptions to this rule allow drivers to forgo the two-plate rule when the rear of their vehicle might be obscured by a trailer, trailer hitch, bicycle rack, and/or wheelchair carrier or lift.
Parties who think they may qualify for an exception to the two-plate rule must petition the State Patrol for an exemption. Driving without an exemption puts a relevant driver at risk for a ticket and more severe penalties. There is no guarantee that you will receive an exemption upon petitioning.
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What are the Consequences for Violating Washington State’s Front License Plate Laws?
If you’re pulled over for missing a front license plate and you haven’t secured an exemption, you’ll be issued a ticket. You will have to pay the fine associated with the ticket, or else the state may have the right to take additional legal action against you.
What Should You Do if You’re Hit by a Driver Without a Front License Plate?
If you get into a car accident with a driver who doesn’t have a front license plate in Washington State, don’t panic. You should still proceed with post-accident protocol so long as it is safe for you to do so.
This means that you should safely exit your vehicle and proceed to exchange insurance information with the party responsible for your collision.
However, people driving without a front license plate in Washington may know that they’re violating state law. As such, they may flee the scene of your collision to avoid a ticket and any fines associated with their lack of a front license.
If this is the case, do not pursue the fleeing driver. Instead, work with bystanders to get pictures of their rear license plates.
You can leave the pursuit of a fleeing party to police officers. Never pursue a fleeing driver, as doing so can put you at risk for serious injuries and violent encounters with an irrational driver. Instead, you should:
- Work with emergency responders to get the treatments necessary to care for your injuries
- Document the scene of your accident through photos and video footage
- Speak with witnesses and secure their contact information, making them easier to contact at a later date
- Connect with an experienced Seattle car accident lawyer to discuss your right to financially recover from your losses
Working with an experienced Seattle personal injury lawyer in the wake of a car accident allows you to discuss how to hold liable parties responsible for your financial recovery, even in the wake of a hit-and-run.
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Our Seattle Car Accident Lawyers Can Take Your Case
Connecting with a Seattle car accident lawyer after a collision does not obligate you to take legal action against the party responsible for your accident.
Instead, our team can assess the negligence that led to your collision and interface with insurance adjusters on your behalf, subsequently protecting your right to fair accident compensation.
Our team can specifically note a liable driver’s refusal to secure a front license plate, as required in Washington State, as evidence of their refusal to uphold the duty of care they owed you.
That violation of the law may make it easier for you to hold a liable party responsible for your financial recovery, especially if you need to take a car accident claim to civil court.
We can break down how the lack of a front license plate may impact your recovery following a car accident while building your case. Contact our team today to book a free car accident case consultation with our experienced representatives.
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Learn More About License Plate Laws Today
Do you have questions about front license plate requirements in Washington State? Do you need help holding a negligent party accountable for an accident involving a vehicle without a front license plate?
If so, you can turn to our car accident attorneys in Seattle for legal support. Our team understands the intricacies of state law and can support you in and out of court.
Your case consultations with our team come free of charge and won’t lock you into any kind of legal action. We’re prepared to help you file an insurance claim or represent your case in court, depending on how you want to recover from your losses.
Book your free case consultation today to learn more about our available car accident services.
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