Colorado Revised Statute 42-3-202 (III)(b) clearly states, “A person shall not operate a motor vehicle with an affixed device or a substance that causes all or a portion of a license plate to be unreadable by a system used to automatically identify a motor vehicle. Typically, those covers are used to obscure the plates from being read by photo radar cameras. Separately, if you are wondering about the legality of those covers you see over license plates, they are not allowed by Colorado law. The Colorado State Patrol tells me that they do contact vehicles where license plate visibility is an issue, including when bikes or snowboards or mud or anything else blocks part or all of the license plate, including the tags.

It reads, “ The tabs or stickers shall be visible at all times”. The Colorado State Patrol tells me that too is an enforceable offense under the same Colorado Revised Statutes code, 42-3-202 section (I)(b). Every time I'm in my car is see numerous cars with bicycle racks on the rear of the car completely obstructing the license plate. Your question is very similar to another I received from Curt from Buena Vista who writes, “What is driving you crazy? Colorado law requires license plates clearly visible. MORE: Read more traffic issues driving people crazy

The State Patrol wanted to remind car owners that when the Department of Motor Vehicles issues validation tabs to an owner, the envelope provided has the instructions right on the front telling owners exactly where and how to mount the tabs. The current year validating tab or sticker shall be displayed in the bottom right corner of the rear license plate.” “The current month validating tab or sticker shall be displayed in the bottom left corner of the rear license plate.

The short answer I received from the Colorado State Patrol was also yes, adding that Colorado Revised Statute 42-3-202(I)(b) clearly states where the validating tabs are to be placed. Andrea from Denver writes, 'What is driving you crazy? People who put their plate tags on the wrong place on their license plate! Can’t they get a ticket for that?”

Wrong county sticker on license plate