License Plate Frames in Tennessee
Frames are legal if nothing is obscured; the plate must be clearly visible and maintained free from foreign materials. A trailer-hitch ball is excepted.
Verified against primary sources · August 2026
What the law says
Frames are legal if nothing is obscured; the plate must be clearly visible and maintained free from foreign materials. A trailer-hitch ball is excepted. Covers: tinted materials banned outright, even if the information is not concealed.
Specific Limits
- Covers
- tinted materials banned outright, even if the information is not concealed
- Must stay visible
- whole plate
Exceptions & Exemptions
License plate frames are permitted but must not obscure any part of the license plate including numbers, letters, or state identification. Covers or tinted materials over license plates are prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are license plate frames legal in Tennessee?
What are the exact license plate frames limits in Tennessee?
Are there exceptions for license plate frames in Tennessee?
Street-legal license plate frames picks
Gear that helps you mod without a ticket in Tennessee.
A low-profile frame that doesn't cover the state name, tags, or registration stickers.
Shop on AmazonMost states require the plate lit in white — not a tinted or colored bulb.
Shop on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, Is My Mod Legal earns from qualifying purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear that helps you stay street-legal.