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Missouri is among the 31 states that mandate front-and-back license plates for vehicles and pickups. All the other 19 states require only one license plate.
The Missouri Department of Corrections manufactures Missouri license plates at the Jefferson City Correctional Center using metal. While a personalized plate is created using a computer graphics method that results in a flat license plate, standard license plates include embossed letters.
Are Truck License Plates Required in Missouri?
Most Missouri motor vehicle registrations must show two license plates following the Missouri law (301.130.5, RSMo) (front and rear). The exceptions include automobiles with a historic year of manufacture registration, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles registered for 18,000 lbs. or more that require only one plate.
Why Do Missouri Trucks Have Different License Plates?
Truck plates are different because various states charge different registration fees. The trucks must pay higher fees when they visit more states. Truck drivers must have their registration papers with them in every state they travel through. The different license plates allow the trucks to enter different states without paying registration fees everywhere.
Everyone who owns a car must pay for and maintain a license plate and registration, even though many people find these tasks inconvenient. It is done to assist police officers in locating and identifying vehicles that are involved in crimes. Since these plates are designed to identify the vehicle, it only makes sense that they would also provide the police officer with information about the vehicle's type and intended function.
Vehicles used for business, for instance, have different license plates. This is because they are subjected to different laws and rules when driving. Truck accidents are fairly common across the nation. In case of an accident, the employee wouldn't have to cover damages from their own insurance. However, since the employee was using the vehicle for business purposes, the owner would be responsible for paying. If you have been in an accident, contact a semi truck accident lawyer in St Louis MO.
Similarly, if there are different types of cars on the road, it could be difficult for police officers to find a certain car they are looking for. Different license plates help identify the type of vehicle.
What Is the Difference Between Truck Plates and Car License Plates in Missouri?
Registering the pickup like a passenger car is the standard procedure, and getting a regular license plate is not a big deal. The alternative is to register the truck as a "TRUCK." In this case, the specialty plate will begin with the letter "Y" and will state "TRUCK" at the bottom.
The letter "O" in Missouri is not used in the car license plate number. However, the number zero (0) is sometimes used in the third or first position.
Do Missouri Truck License Plates Begin with a Letter or a Number?
The third and fifth position numbers on the passenger plates are the only ones that still use the old format. All the numbers that progress before the letters are according to a simple 01–99 sequence. The first series of passenger plates will start with JA with a validation sticker in the center of the license plate.
Apart from this, the Missouri license office issues stickers with the plate number printed on them to prevent theft. A newly purchased motor vehicle, including Passenger, RV, and Truck 6 & 12, has a license plate with the first alpha. The Truck (18–80), for example, has a plate that expires in the same month. Therefore, the configuration will be arbitrary, with no alpha to indicate the month of expiration.
What Are Non-Commercial Vehicles?
A truck with registration code 15 is referred to as a non-commercial truck. That truck is primarily intended for personal property transportation rather than the transportation of corporate products, wares, or merchandise. Today, an SUV is the most popular non-commercial truck.
What Is the Difference Between an SUV and a Truck License Plate?
The number of seats in two SUVs will determine the type of license plate for that commercial vehicle. This means that, if a standard SUV has more seats than cargo capacity, it may be considered a car. However, if the owner doesn't allocate at least half of the space to passengers, the car will be treated more like a truck and will require the appropriate license plates. Trucks aren't designed to carry many people and have much more room for cargo than seats.
Even if there are extra seats in the back of the SUV, it won't count as an SUV unless it has 50% space for passengers. The state can fine the owner for improper license plates if the owner does not have the necessary space.
When Is a Truck Considered a Commercial Motor Vehicle?
Gross vehicle weight rating: A vehicle is known as a commercial motor vehicle if its gross weight rating is 26,001 pounds or greater. The vehicle classifies as a commercial vehicle if it is intended to transport 16 passengers, including the driver.
Can Someone Drive a Car in Missouri After Purchasing It Without License Plates?
A car owner can drive their car without license plates in Missouri for 30 days after purchasing it. On the 31st day, if the car does not have a license plate, the Missouri Department of Police can levy a $25 fine.
Can a Person Transfer Car License Plates to a Truck?
The owner of a motor vehicle that will no longer be operated can transfer the car license plates to a motor vehicle that has just been purchased. However, the owner must add both front and back plates to new motor vehicles.
What Are the Rules for Motor Vehicles in Missouri?
Any self-propelled vehicle that is not driven only on tracks is a motor vehicle, with the exception of truck tractors. Such vehicles should have two license plates and can travel within a radius of 50 miles from their home base. The front and back plates should maintain commercial vehicles' registered license for at least three years on any cars that are less than seven years old.
How to Obtain Specialty Plates in Missouri
To apply for specialty plates in Missouri:
Make the minimal donation necessary to charity or the organization that sponsors the plate.
Request an authorization statement from the organization to confirm your donation.
Visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website for minimum donation requirements. The department of revenue will provide additional information about obtaining a special license plate number for a newly purchased motor vehicle.
Does a Person Need a Bill of Sale If They Hold the Title in Missouri?
The owner of a motor vehicle must have a Missouri bill of sale in order to register the car. Additional requirements for registering such vehicles include the following:
Manufacturer's statement of origin
A certificate of title
An odometer examination
Form 108 (Completed Application for Missouri Title and License)
An odometer disclosure form
A notarized lien release
What Is Title Jumping?
When a car buyer fails to title it in their name, the title history skips an owner, which is known as jumping a car title (also known as skipping or floating). This might result in the wrong person incurring fees, taxes, and moving violations. Jumping titles is also considered a criminal offense in some states, including Missouri.
What Do the Different Colors on the Number Plate Mean?
The most important function of license plates is to identify the type of vehicle and its intended use. This implies that, for people to distinguish one type of car from another, each will have a unique license plate.
There are different options for automobiles, trucks, motorbikes, trailers, dealers, buses, and other vehicles. Some vehicles have different color schemes, whether they have two plates or only one plate. They could be colored white, yellow, blue, or black. Each color denotes a certain meaning.
White: Black letters on a white number plate signify a private vehicle. This vehicle can't transport business products.
Yellow: Commercial vehicles like cabs and trucks are given yellow license plates with black writing. The taxi or truck driver needs a valid license to operate a commercial vehicle.
Blue: Foreign delegates are given blue license plates, which feature white letters rather than black. The country code, which substitutes the state code, is a requirement for their cars.
Black: Commercial vehicles with black number plates and yellow text have a private owner but are rented out for business purposes. In this case, the driver does not require a commercial driver's license.
If the driver is using stickers for theft protection, the stickers would include the following:
11 - white on black
12 - black on red
13 - black on green
14 - black on orange
15 - black on yellow
16 - white on black
17 - black on red
18 - black on green
Conclusion
It is best to look up the Department of Revenue website to determine the type of license plate to attach to the vehicle. Since the Missouri license office might fine the owner for attaching an incorrect license plate, they should properly measure the vehicle's space for passengers and cargo. They should also check the gross weight of the vehicle to avoid any fines.
For more information regarding accident laws in Missouri, such as pedestrian at fault car accidents, contact Powell Law Firm.