IS MY MOD LEGAL?

License Plate Frames in Maryland

Conditional

License plate frames are legal in Maryland as long as nothing required stays hidden. The plate must be free from foreign materials, and that expressly includes registration plate covers — all covers, clear ones included, are banned.

Verified against primary sources · August 2026

What the law says

The plate must be free from foreign materials, and that expressly includes registration plate covers — all covers, clear ones included, are banned. Frame and border violations are secondary enforcement only — police may not stop you solely for one.

Specific Limits

Covers
all banned
Frames
allowed
Must stay visible
all plate information

Exceptions & Exemptions

License plate frames are allowed but must not cover or obscure any portion of the license plate numbers, letters, or registration stickers

Statute

Md. Transp. §§ 13-411, 13-411.1

Read the statute →

Frequently Asked Questions

Are license plate frames legal in Maryland?
License plate frames are legal in Maryland as long as nothing required stays hidden. The plate must be free from foreign materials, and that expressly includes registration plate covers — all covers, clear ones included, are banned.
What are the exact license plate frames limits in Maryland?
Covers: all banned. Frames: allowed. Must stay visible: all plate information. Source: Md. Transp. §§ 13-411, 13-411.1.
Are there exceptions for license plate frames in Maryland?
License plate frames are allowed but must not cover or obscure any portion of the license plate numbers, letters, or registration stickers

Street-legal license plate frames picks

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