Should I Purchase a Car with License Plate Lights?

Depending on where you live, you may be required to have license plate lights. Consider buying a car with license plate lights or installing a light on your existing vehicles. The lights illuminate your license plate, and if your state requires it, ensure the lights are in good working order – you could be pulled over and cited if the light is burned out.  

If you live in a gated community, the license plate recognition software at the gate makes entering easy. Toll roads are often equipped with similar technology, and an illuminated plate makes it possible to drive through toll gates without the need to stop.

When purchasing a car, whether new or used, the first requirement on the list is reliability. Many drivers rely on vehicle information found on sites such as consumer reports or Edmunds . These sites offer consumers valuable data on vehicle brands' performance and consumer reviews.  

Before purchasing a used vehicle, ensure a full mechanical check is performed, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and license plate lights, as well as all essential safety systems such as tires, brakes, airbags, seatbelts, transmission, and engine. This check can reveal issues that make the vehicle a poor choice – and save you from a series of costly repairs.

All new cars are equipped with license plate lights, so if you purchase a new car, you are provided with these lights. New types of lights are becoming popular with vehicle owners, including LED lights, which last longer – but must comply with state law if you consider colored lights to customize your vehicle. You don’t want to be pulled over and cited.

Every state has requirements regarding the visibility of license plates. Generally, you are required to ensure your plates are clean enough for numbers and letters to be readable, the plates are valid in your state, and your tags are current. You risk being pulled over if your license plate is dirty, muddy, or otherwise difficult to read. License plate lights can help keep you and other drivers safer on the streets and highways in your area. Imagine your vehicle is in a collision, and the driver flees the scene (hit and run). Using your phone to capture an image of the negligent driver’s license plate could save you from being forced to pay for costly repairs. Illuminated plates protect both you and the other drivers in your community.

Most people will be involved in an auto accident at some point in a lifetime, hopefully, a minor fender bender. However, even the safest driver can make an error, cause an accident, and be held liable – and that’s when your personal insurance could save you from a financial disaster. Your auto insurance may cover the cost of some losses, but in the case of a serious injury, the driver who caused the crash will be responsible for medical bills.  

When the cost of medical care exceeds your auto insurance's bodily injury liability policy limits, your personal insurance policy brings an added layer of protection. For more information about personal insurance, meet with one of our local agents to review your insurance and advise you about the types of coverage that could protect you and your family.