§ 24-12-10-4. Display of current valid registration plate.

A.

It is a violation of this ordinance for any person to drive or park upon a public street or public parking area of this municipality any motor vehicle or trailer which does not display one or more visible current valid registration plates as required by state law.(*)

B.

The registration plate shall be attached to the rear of the vehicle for which it is issued; however, the registration plate shall be attached to the front of a road tractor or truck tractor. The plate shall be securely fastened at all times, in a fixed horizontal position, at a height of not less than twelve inches from the ground, measuring from the bottom of the plate. It shall be in a place and position so as to be clearly visible, and it shall be maintained free from foreign material and in a condition to be clearly legible.

C.

No vehicle, while being operated on the streets of this municipality, shall have displayed thereon, either on the front or the rear thereof, any license plate, including tab or sticker, other than one issued, or validated, for the current registration period, by the division or any other licensing authority having jurisdiction over the vehicle.

No expired license plate, tab or sticker shall be displayed on such vehicle, other than an expired special license plate which may be exhibited on the front of the vehicle.

D.

Nothing contained herein shall be construed as prohibiting the use, on the front of the vehicle, of a promotional or advertising plate.

E.

Any police officer may, upon discovering that the registration plate of any vehicle is illegible because of wear or damage or other causes, issue a citation to the owner or operator of the vehicle. The citation shall provide that the owner shall, within thirty days from the date of the citation, apply for and obtain a duplicate or replacement plate from the division.

F.

Any motor vehicle owner who has been issued a citation for an illegible registration plate and who fails to comply with the terms of the citation requiring the acquisition of a duplicate or replacement plate within thirty days of the date of the citation is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Ord. No. 1567 , 5-29-18)

State law reference

66-3-17, 66-3-18 and 66-8-10 NMSA 1978.