No, you cannot legally drive a car without a required registration sticker (often called a license plate sticker or tab) displayed on your license plate. The sticker is visual proof that your vehicle's registration is current and that you've paid the necessary fees to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Driving without it is a traffic violation that can result in a fine, and in some cases, your car may even be impounded. The requirement and specific penalties vary significantly by state.
The primary sticker required nationwide is the vehicle registration sticker. It's typically placed on the upper corner of your license plate and indicates the month and year your registration expires. Law enforcement officers use this sticker for quick visual checks. Some states, like California, have eliminated the requirement for a front license plate but still mandate a valid sticker on the rear plate. Other states, like New York and Texas, require stickers on both plates if both are issued.
Beyond the registration sticker, some jurisdictions have additional requirements. For example, certain counties may require an emissions inspection sticker to prove your car passes local air quality standards. Failure to display any required sticker makes you susceptible to being pulled over.
| State | Sticker Type Required | Typical Fine for Expired/Missing Sticker | Additional Consequences |
|---|
| California | Rear License Plate Registration | $25 - $250+ | May be cited for correctable violation ("fix-it ticket") |
| Texas | Both License Plates (Registration) | $200 - $350 | Potential late fees on registration renewal |
| New York | Both License Plates (Registration & Inspection) | Up to $200 | Car may be impounded if registration is expired over 60 days |
| Illinois | Rear License Plate Registration | Up to $1,000 | Class B misdemeanor for long-expired registration |
| Colorado | Rear License Plate Registration | $100+ | Four points added to your driver's license |
If your sticker is lost, stolen, or you haven't received it after renewing, you should carry the paper registration receipt in your vehicle as temporary proof. However, this may not prevent a traffic stop, and you are responsible for obtaining and displaying a replacement sticker as soon as possible. The safest course of action is always to ensure your stickers are current, visible, and unobstructed.
