Every vehicle owner must install license plate lights from the first day they use their vehicle. Failure to install this mandatory feature or failure to do so will result in administrative penalties, including license suspension, a small fine, or a verbal warning. When choosing rear license plate lighting, there are a few rules to follow.
What is the purpose of license plate light?
Special lights must be installed only on the rear license plate of a vehicle. Additional lighting does not affect the vehicle's functionality, but it facilitates visual recognition and makes it easier for street cameras to record the license plate at night. A complete lack of illumination is considered by traffic police officers to be a deliberate obstruction of their duties.
Additional license plate lighting makes the job of traffic police officers easier. In the event of a theft, it increases the chances of detection and speeds up vehicle searches. A bright license plate light ensures excellent vehicle visibility from a distance, reducing the number of accidents.
Types of lamps
Various lighting fixtures are installed on the rear of a car during production. However, some older models have partially functioning license plates or no license plates at all. You can customize your car yourself by purchasing all the necessary materials in advance. There are several lighting options available:
- Incandescent lamps. They are installed in the ceiling lights and positioned in the corners of the license plate. These coil-type bulbs do not cause errors in the on-board computer and are easily replaced with similar bulbs of similar power and shape.;
- LED strips. They have increased brightness and last twice as long as standard lights. The backlight can be installed in any acceptable color;
- License plate frame with camera and light source. Allows you to adjust the light intensity and angle. Suitable for any car brand.
Color requirements
A vehicle must be operated only with license plate lights of a specific color. Lights on the front of the vehicle may only be white or yellow. Red and orange lights are permitted at the rear. To improve license plate legibility, only white LEDs are used.
Blue and green lamps are not included in the list of permitted illumination colors. They may be installed as an additional light source under the vehicle's underbody. Bright, flickering lights may distract other road users and cause accidents. Lamps and shades must be made of durable material and be able to withstand vibration, sudden impacts, and temperature changes.