IS MY MOD LEGAL?

License Plate Frames in New Mexico

Conditional

Frames are legal if the plate stays clearly visible and legible; it must be maintained free from foreign material.

Verified against primary sources · August 2026

What the law says

Frames are legal if the plate stays clearly visible and legible; it must be maintained free from foreign material. Covers: not allowed. A violation is a penalty-assessment misdemeanor.

Specific Limits

Covers
not allowed
Must stay visible
whole plate

Exceptions & Exemptions

License plate frames and covers are permitted as long as they do not obstruct, obscure, or impair the visibility of any part of the license plate number, letters, or other required registration information

Statute

NMSA 1978, § 66-3-18

Read the statute →

Frequently Asked Questions

Are license plate frames legal in New Mexico?
Frames are legal if the plate stays clearly visible and legible; it must be maintained free from foreign material.
What are the exact license plate frames limits in New Mexico?
Covers: not allowed. Must stay visible: whole plate. Source: NMSA 1978, § 66-3-18.
Are there exceptions for license plate frames in New Mexico?
License plate frames and covers are permitted as long as they do not obstruct, obscure, or impair the visibility of any part of the license plate number, letters, or other required registration information

Street-legal license plate frames picks

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