A Whatcom County driver swapped their real plate for a homemade one reading HONDA. WSP stopped them and had some thoughts. (Photo: WSP)
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A Whatcom County traffic stop is drawing attention after a driver displayed a homemade license plate instead of a state-issued one.
Washington State Patrol Trooper Kelsey Harding said a WSP trooper stopped the vehicle and found a hand-made plate reading “HONDA” mounted in place of an official plate.
“For those that need a reminder, your license plate is NOT an arts and crafts project,” Harding said. “While the Whatcom County Trooper was impressed, license plates must be DOL issued, properly mounted on the FRONT and REAR (unless your registration says otherwise), clearly visible, and unaltered.”
Your license plate is NOT an arts and crafts project. Save the arts and crafts for things that won’t get you in trouble.
— WSP Trooper Kelsey Harding
Washington law requires drivers to use Department of Licensing-issued plates, mounted on the front and rear of the vehicle unless the registration states otherwise. Plates must remain clearly visible and unaltered. Troopers say any obstruction, including clear covers, can lead to a citation. Homemade or modified plates are also prohibited.
Officials note that altered or missing plates make it harder to identify vehicles tied to crimes or traffic violations. “Save the arts and crafts for things that won’t get you in trouble,” the agency wrote. The Washington State Patrol did not say whether the trooper cited the driver.
What Washington Law Actually Says
Under RCW 46.16A.200 and RCW 46.37.685, Washington’s license plate rules are more specific than many drivers realize. The laws tightened further as of January 1, 2025, when fines replaced warnings for illegal plate covers:
- Covers and frames: All license plate covers, including clear ones, are illegal if they distort or obscure any identifying letters, numbers, or tabs
- Altering or disfiguring: Plates must remain in original condition, clearly visible, and free of obstruction including frost and snow
- Plate-flipping devices: Installing or selling a plate-flipping or plate-hiding device is a gross misdemeanor, with fines up to $1,000 or more for repeat offenses — vehicle subject to immediate impound
- Penalties as of 2025: Illegal covers now result in tickets of approximately $237 rather than warnings
- Exceptions: Trailers, campers, and motorcycles have limited exceptions, but plates must still remain legible
The laws apply regardless of intent. A decorative frame that partially covers the registration tab or state name is just as illegal as a homemade plate, even if the driver did not realize it.
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