How Much Is A Ticket For A License Plate Light Out? (2025)

What Is a License Plate Light Violation?

Motor vehicles sold in the U.S. have a small light above or adjacent to the rear license plate. This light illuminates the plate when the vehicle’s headlights and taillights are turned on.

The light serves two purposes. First, it shines on the reflective material coating the license plate, making your car more visible to people behind you. In poor lighting or bad weather, the light reflected from the license plate can help others avoid a rear end collision.

Second, license plates include contrasting colors so that your plate number stands out. The light highlights this contrast at night by causing the light letters on a dark background or the dark letters on a light background to stand out. This allows police officers behind your vehicle to read your plate number more easily.

A license plate violation occurs when this light does not function. This equipment violation might occur for many reasons, including the following:

• Burned-out light bulb
• Damaged wiring
• Blown electric fuse

Regardless of the reason for the equipment failure, a malfunctioning license plate light can increase the risk of accidents and make it more difficult for the police to identify your vehicle.

Is It Illegal to Drive With a Burned-Out Tag Light?

Most states have laws against driving without a license plate light. This equipment violation is typically classified as a non-moving violation and subject to a fine, but no jail time.

However, these violations are often found while stopping drivers for other offenses or after auto accidents. If the police officer identifies other legal violations in the process, such as a DUI, the driver may face fines or jail time for those other violations.

Additionally, a burned-out license plate light gives the police a reason to stop you. During the stop, the officer can look for other violations. For instance, they may sniff for alcohol as they talk to you and look through your windows for beer cans or liquor bottles in violation of the state’s open container law.

How Much Is the Ticket for a License Plate Light Out?

The fine for a license plate light violation is typically a few hundred dollars. For example, in Maine, the fine for an inadequate plate light is $152.

Some courts can also impose court fees on top of any fines. In Arnold, Missouri, you can pay a fine of $50.50 plus court fees of $30.50 for a non-functioning license plate light.

Does the Fine Vary by State or City?

There is no uniform fine for a burned-out license plate light in the U.S. Moreover, many states allow individual cities to set the fines for traffic infractions. Thus, the fine you pay depends on the department that issued the citation.

Can the Ticket Be Dismissed if I Fix the Light?

Many states allow judges to reduce or waive fines for equipment violations if you repair the issue before your court date. Michigan, for example, enables drivers to submit proof of the repair to the court. If the document is received before the court date, the judge can waive the $145 fine.

How Do I Avoid License Plate Light Citations?

The best way to avoid license plate citations is to regularly inspect your vehicle’s lights. If you notice that your light does not work, you should repair it or schedule an appointment with a garage to have it repaired. In the meantime, your appointment might be enough to avoid a ticket if an officer stops you.

What Happens if I Ignore the Ticket?

If you receive a ticket for a non-functioning license plate light, you should take it seriously. Although non-moving violations typically do not carry a jail sentence, a failure to pay the fine could result in a bench warrant. If you get stopped with an outstanding bench warrant, the police can take you to jail.

Moving Forward With Legal Guidance

Most judges understand the minor nature of a citation for a burned-out license plate light. They know that the answer to “How much is a ticket for a license plate light out?” is usually only a few hundred dollars, and that it may not be appropriate to jail you for failing to pay this fine.

However, judges are also bound to follow the law. If your state’s legal system allows imprisonment for unpaid fines, the judge may have no choice.

Consider hiring legal representation in these cases. Many courts have ways to resolve unpaid fines and bench warrants, particularly for non-criminal violations.

A lawyer can guide you through this process and identify possible solutions, such as a payment plan, that will allow you to remain compliant with the law. This can also be helpful if you find you cannot afford to pay the entire fine up front.

Contact ConsumerShield to Discuss Your Ticket Today

While most states consider non-moving violations to be non-criminal infractions, you may face serious consequences if you ignore a warning or citation. Failing to pay a fine can result in contempt of court, triggering additional fines or even jail time.

ConsumerShield can connect you with a knowledgeable lawyer in your area if you are dealing with issues related to a non-moving violation. Contact us for a free case evaluation today.