[New Standards] What is the correct angle for motorcycle license plates? A thorough explanation of violations and illegal practices

New Standards Enforced from October 2021

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From October 2021, the standards for license plate installation have been revised and made stricter.

If your license plate is installed in its normal state, these new standards do not concern you. However, if you have modified how your license plate is installed through customization, you need to be aware of these changes.

Violations Result in 2 Penalty Points and Fines of up to 500,000 Yen

Violating the new standards for license plate installation (new standards concerning the display of license plates) incurs a rather strict penalty: 2 penalty points and a fine of up to 500,000 yen.

There are no issues if the vehicle is in its new car state, but if you purchased it as a used car or received it from an acquaintance, and it is customized, caution is advised.

Even if the angle or mounting position would be a violation under the new standards, it is not an issue if the license plate was installed that way when the car was new (as shipped from the manufacturer).

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's Rules for License Plates

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What exactly are the new standards concerning license plate display, enforced from October 2021, for license plate installation?

The new standards, which impose 2 penalty points and a fine of up to 500,000 yen for violations, stipulate detailed rules regarding license plate angles, orientation, frames, and holders, as follows:

License Plate Covers

License plate covers that fully cover the license plate are prohibited.

Even if the license plate is clearly legible through a colorless and transparent cover, the act of attaching a cover itself is prohibited. Therefore, if you have a cover attached to your license plate, you should remove it before you are caught.

License Plate Orientation

The license plate must be oriented horizontally so that it can be read naturally; any other orientation is prohibited.

Attaching the license plate to the side of the vehicle, as seen in some American-style customizations, is also prohibited. Only horizontal attachment to the rear of the vehicle (in the manufacturer's original position) is permitted.

When customizing, pay attention not only to the orientation but also to the mounting position of the license plate.

Bending

Bending the license plate to stick it to the fender, as seen on some sports bikes prioritizing aerodynamics or bikes aiming to conceal their plate from identification, is, of course, prohibited.

This constitutes hiding the license plate as it prevents identification from the rear, and it can also lead to police questioning due to suspicions of criminal involvement.

While there is no explicit text prohibiting bending the license plate, it is a violation as it contravenes the provisions regarding license plate mounting angle and visibility.

Frames and Holders

Motorcycle license plates must be installed directly, and the use of frames is prohibited.

While cars have different standards, for motorcycles, the use of frames itself is prohibited, so the license plate must be installed without one.

As for holders, those that are simply plate-like and do not cover any part of the license plate are permissible.

The distinction between prohibited and permitted is whether or not it covers the license plate. Even if it covers the license plate by a mere 1mm, it is entirely prohibited, so be careful.

Bolt and Cap Size

The bolts and covers used to secure the license plate must be of a size that does not obscure the plate.

Specific sizes and rules are as follows:

• Diameter must be 28mm or less and must not cover any part of the license plate.
• Thickness must be 9mm or less.
• Must be securely fastened (tightened) to prevent detachment.

License Plate Mounting Angle

The mounting angle of the license plate is also regulated, requiring it to be fixed within a range of 40° upward to 15° downward when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

The horizontal angle (orientation) is also stipulated as 0°, and even a slight tilt will be considered a violation and subject to enforcement.

If you have purchased a used car or customized the area around the license plate, you should check whether it falls within the prescribed range.

Prohibition of Damage or Discoloration

The license plate must be clearly legible, so if it is significantly dirty or otherwise difficult to read, it will be subject to enforcement.

Similarly, if the license plate is faded or discolored, making it difficult to read, it will also be subject to enforcement. Therefore, it is best to avoid using wax or similar products to polish the license plate, as this can cause discoloration.

Consequences of Violating License Plate Rules

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The new standards concerning license plate display, enforced from October 1, 2021, can lead to rather severe penalties for violations.

What kind of penalties await in case of a violation?

Penalties for Violating License Plate Standards

If you violate the new license plate standards, you will incur 2 penalty points and a fine of up to 500,000 yen.

Furthermore, if you make the license plate difficult to read (even if it remains dirty, there's a possibility of enforcement), it constitutes a violation of the Road Transport Vehicle Act's number display obligation, resulting in the same severe penalty of 2 penalty points and a fine of up to 500,000 yen.

The new standards were originally enforced on April 1, 2016, and became fully effective after a grace period of five and a half years for transitioning to the new standards, with slightly different standards depending on the new vehicle registration year.

Motorcycles Registered by September 30, 2021

Before the new standards were enforced, license plate standards were not as strict. Therefore, motorcycles newly registered (license plates attached) by September 30, 2021, are subject to the old standards.

Motorcycles registered by September 30, 2021, are not considered illegal if they are in their new-car state (as shipped from the manufacturer), even if they do not conform to the new standards.

Even if the license plate angle viewed from the left and right does not conform to the new standards, or if it is directly attached to the fender, it is acceptable.

Motorcycles Registered on or After October 1, 2021

Motorcycles newly registered on or after October 1, 2021, are subject to the new standards.

License plate covers are prohibited, and if the angles viewed from the left and right, or from above, do not conform to the new standards, it is illegal and subject to enforcement.

Manufacturers also produce motorcycles in compliance with the new standards, so unless the license plate has been customized or the mounting bolts have loosened and caused a tilt, there should be no illegality.

Motorcycle License Plate FAQ

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This section provides a summary of "frequently asked questions" and "answers" regarding motorcycle license plates. Please use it as a reference for license plate installation and violations.

What is the "back-tucked" angle for a license plate?

The "back-tucked" license plate refers to attaching the license plate to the fender using stays or similar, and the angle varies by vehicle type.

The "back-tucked" license plate was seen on motorcycles involved in reckless driving for aesthetic reasons or to conceal the plate, and on sports motorcycles for aerodynamic reasons.

Under the new standards, the license plate angle is strictly regulated, and "back-tucking" is a violation subject to enforcement.

What is the permissible angle for a license plate?

Under the new standards for motorcycle license plates, the plate's angle, when viewed from the side, must be between 40 degrees upward and 15 degrees downward. Any angle when viewed from above is prohibited.

However, motorcycles newly registered by September 30, 2021, fall under the old standards, and if they are in their new-car state (as shipped from the manufacturer), it is not a violation.

Motorcycles newly registered on or after October 1, 2021, will be subject to enforcement under the new standards.

What is the fine for a motorcycle license plate violation?

If you violate the new standards for motorcycle license plates, you will receive 2 penalty points and a fine of up to 500,000 yen.

A fine is a criminal penalty determined by a court. If you commit a relevant violation, you will later receive a summons to appear in court, where the amount of the fine will be determined through a summary trial, and you must pay the fine by the specified deadline.

Fines also result in a criminal record, and if you receive a "red ticket" for extremely malicious violations such as speeding more than 30 km/h over the limit, you will be summoned to court and the fine will be finalized.

Why did people start bending license plates?

While a minority of people bend (angle) their license plates, what was the motivation behind this trend?

Bending license plates is often seen on motorcycles used by motorcycle gangs (those who make noise with engine revving and ride in large groups, engaging in illegal activities). The purpose of bending the plate is to make it unreadable in case the police appear (an act of concealment).

Seeing the bent license plates of these gangs, some ordinary bikers perceived it as cool, and the practice spread as they imitated it.

Is angling a license plate cheesy?

Whether angling a license plate is cool or cheesy depends on individual perception and values.

Just as some people find full-cowl sport bikes cool while others prefer naked bikes, there are differences based on personal taste.

There are also bikes that suit an angled license plate and those that don't, and that judgment will also vary from person to person.

How do you measure the angle of a license plate?

There are two ways to measure the angle of a license plate: using tools such as a digital angle meter, or using a protractor app on your smartphone.

With a digital angle meter, the angle is displayed instantly when the device is held horizontally against the license plate. Similarly, smartphone apps can easily measure the angle by holding your phone horizontally against the license plate.

Recommended free smartphone apps for measuring angles include "Angle Inclinometer" (iPhone, Android), "Protractor Digital" (iPhone), and "Smart Protractor," all of which allow for easy angle measurement.

Summary

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The new standards concerning license plate display, enforced from October 2021, are strict, imposing 2 penalty points and a fine of up to 500,000 yen for violations.

The new standards for license plates dictate the angle and mounting position, and the installation of any cover that overlaps the license plate by even 1mm is completely prohibited. Therefore, if you have a cover installed, you should remove it.

As an exception, motorcycles registered by September 30, 2021, are not considered in violation even if they do not comply with the new standards, provided the license plate is in its new-car state (as shipped from the manufacturer). However, those who have customized their bikes need to be careful.