Non DMV custom license plate..Allowed or not?

[Boz]

I've been wondering, and I'll probably call my local Motor Vehicle Division to ask, but anyhow let me ask here.

Is it possible to have custom license plate done to be used on the back but still keeping your registration numbers and stickers on it? For example offical AZ DMV license plate designs suck balls and I was wondering if it's possible to order somewhere a custom plate with the background I want (black or something like that) and then have my registration numbers/letters on it along with regular DMV stickers on it. Is that legal? Or it's not allowed?

I mean, I see people driving with paper stuck on their back windshield with just numbers on it, without real license plate and they drive without problems. I don't see why cops would give me a hard time if I had my info right on those custom plates.

Thx.

[iczman]

Well for one it will be hard for cops to id each custom plate if they're not all the same. But I too have been always want the long simple european plate (white background with big clear number/letters); they just look too good on sport cars.

[The Burning Rom]

No, it is not possible (at least not to my knowledge) in any state. The paper plate you're seeing in people's windows is a temporary plate that is issued when a person buys a car...so they can drive it on the road while they are waiting for their permanent plates to arrive.

What you can do is check into some of the other plate designs they have. Usually states will have special plates for sports teams, wildlife, charities, etc. that you can order instead. Otherwise I'm afriad you're stuck with your plates. Maybe when the state redsigns their plates in 5 or so years you will like the new design better ;)

[ahfunaki]

I'm pretty sure you would get pulled over...

I've been pulled over for having a tinted red cover on my car because it changes the color of the plate...

[daze369]

it is against the law in california to obscure or change the plates (a friend even got a ticket for adding an apostrophe on his personalized plate).

i would assume other states would have similar laws regarding this issue -- otherwise, you'd see a lot of totally custom plates out there.

the paper in the back of the window is usually a temporary thing while they are waiting for their plates to be mailed.

[njeske]

not sure about AZ, but in CA my father-in-law changed his custom plate from KJARCOM to KJAR.COM by using a permanent marker and got a fix-it ticket for it.

[SapUMBC]

It's a state-by-state thing. Only way to know for sure would be to call.