how much does it cost to replace a license plate light

by Amelie Kohler Published 4 years ago Updated 2 years ago

A license plate light replacement involves removing the light cover, replacing the bulb, and testing the new one for proper functioning. You can expect to pay around $100 for this service, and the majority of the cost goes toward labor.

Full Answer

Do you need to replace your license plate light?

It's hard to notice if your license plate lights are burnt out until a police officer pulls you over and gives you a summons to fix it, so periodically check them yourself after sundown. What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the License Plate Light? How important is this service? License plate lights are essential.

How do I know if my license plate light is bad?

Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. Not having a light over your license plate reduces your plate's visibility and could get you pulled over. If your license plate lights seem dim, you notice a crack in your lens or that the license plate bulb is burnt out or not working, consider replacing the bulb or socket.

What are the requirements for a license plate bulb?

Bulbs must be white -- other colors are not legal. Bulbs must illuminate the plate so that it can be read from 50 feet away. Bulbs must be wired to come on when the headlights or parking lights are on.

Does O'Reilly Auto Parts sell license plate bulbs?

If you need a license plate bulb, or an entirely new light socket, visit O'Reilly Auto Parts and check out our options for your car.

How do you fix a license plate light?

1:447:39How To Replace The License Plate Light? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd just pull it out you don't have to unscrew. Anything this is the way to pull it out and replaceMoreAnd just pull it out you don't have to unscrew. Anything this is the way to pull it out and replace the bulb. After that once you replaced. It just push it back into place.

What is the license plate light called?

The license plate lamps are designed to illuminate the plate and registration tags on your vehicle and make it easily visible to law enforcement. In many states, a burnt out license plate bulb can get you a ticket.

How do I put on a license plate light?

How to Install a License Plate Light:Step 1: Buy New License Plate Lights. ... Step 2: Use a flat screwdriver to remove the license plate housing cover. ... Step 3: Remove the bulb housing gently and unscrew the stock bulb.Step 4: Screw your new LED light securely where the old one used to be and place it back in the housing.More items...•

Are license plate lights important?

License plates lights are lights in the rear of your car that illuminate your license plate to all other drivers. It allows other drivers to read your license plate number- most likely for if they need to report you for anything illegal.

How do I remove a license plate bulb?

Grab the light bulbs with your fingers, and pull them straight out of the bases to remove them. If the light bulbs don't come out easily, look for plastic or metal tabs holding them in place. Hold the tabs down with your finger or a screwdriver while you pull the light bulbs out.

What year did license plate lights start?

1939 In the U.S., self-canceling flashing turn signals on each side of the rear were introduced. 1940-1949 In the U.S., most cars on the rear had two tail lamps, two brake lamps, and a license plate lamp. In the U.S., flashing turn signal lamps and a back up lamp were on many cars.

Can you put LED lights on license plate?

License plate light replacement. LED light bulbs for your license plate gives your car or truck a modern look with the white light output. It is also slightly brighter which improves the look of your car. Replacing the license plate light is easy to do and way worth it.

How do you change the license plate light on a 2007 Toyota Camry?

2:006:34How To Replace License Plate Lights 2007 Toyota Camry--VERY EASY!!!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo all we have to do is twist and pull out and there is one twist pull out and there's the secondMoreSo all we have to do is twist and pull out and there is one twist pull out and there's the second one. Now we have to pull the bulbs out of the socket. So just grab the bulb.

How do you change the license plate light on a 2016 Toyota Camry?

1:354:59How to Replace License Plate Lenses & Bulbs 11-17 Toyota CamryYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOut seals pretty worn there's your bulb 194 bulb just grab it and pull it out from the actualMoreOut seals pretty worn there's your bulb 194 bulb just grab it and pull it out from the actual connector. You see the copper connectors in there. And here's our bulb. Like I said it's a 194.

Do you have to have a license plate light in California?

24601. Either the taillamp or a separate lamp shall be so constructed and placed as to illuminate with a white light the rear license plate during darkness and render it clearly legible from a distance of 50 feet to the rear.

Are license plate lights required in Texas?

The Transportation Code states in section 547.322 that the rear license plate must be illuminated by a white light that “makes the plate clearly legible at a distance of 50 feet from the rear.” Even with a working light, if a police officer cannot see your license plate “clearly” from 50 feet away you are still in ...

Do you need a license plate light in NY?

Number Plate Light 1 White On the rear plate to light it from the side. Parking Lamps* 2 Amber On the front, one on each side; at the same height, as far apart as practicable. Not less than 15” or more than 72” high.

What Is A License Plate Light

Your car always has an inexpensive light that illuminates your plate to allow other drivers to see it, especially at night. Whether yours work on incandescent or LED lights, it is important to make sure they are working otherwise you may be pulled over and ticketed.

How Important Is This Service?

As most districts mandate license plate bulbs, you will simply have a terrible time driving if you leave yours unrepaired. You will likely become a point of attraction for all officers who will systematically ticket you until your license is suspended. It sounds terrible, but don’t worry, we can help.

What to do if your license plate lights are broken?

If your vehicle’s license plate lights break, grow dim, or burn out, replace them immediately to avoid paying hefty fines. Luckily, you don’t have to look far for replacement because CarParts.com has a wide variety of sturdy license plate lights for you to choose from. Our lights are...

How to remove a license plate from a car?

Screw driver#N#Clean rag#N#Step 1: Using a screwdriver, remove the license plate frame from the rear of your car.#N#Step 2: Screws holding the silver framework are usually placed behind the decorative frame. Take these off as well.#N#Step 3: Locate the catch that closes the trunk, and release it. Pull back the carpeting behind the license plate carefully. You will find a similar catch holding it in place.#N#Step 4: You should now see the license plate assembly. Inside the trunk, there are two screws holding it in place. Remove these and carefully pull the license plate assembly into the trunk. This will reveal the license plate bulbs.#N#Step 5: Unscrew the old or damaged light bulbs and replace them with the new ones. Return the license plate assembly, the carpet, and the frame. Use the rag to clean the surrounding areas where dust may have accumulated.#N#Always check that you have bought new light bulbs with the right size and wattage. If you are unsure of this, it's always good practice to check your operator's manual.

What happens if you drive a classic car without a license plate?

If you have a classic car without license plate lights, you need to install some on them before driving them on the road, especially in low-light conditions. Otherwise , you might be pulled over by law enforcement and eventually fined.

Do license plate lights affect performance?

License plate lights are often taken for granted. After all, they don’t really affect the performance of your car. However, failure to replace bad license plate lights or failure to install license plate lights in vehicles that don’t have them pre-installed can result in hefty fines if you’re caught. Here are some of the most common reasons to buy a new license plate light:

How much does License Plate Light Replacement cost in Los Angeles?

It depends on the type of car you drive and the auto repair shop you go to in Los Angeles. Our mechanics in Los Angeles are mobile, which means they don't have the overhead that repair shops have. They provide you convenience by coming to your home or office in Los Angeles.

What is the License Plate Light all about?

These are the light bulbs that illuminate your car’s front and rear license plates. Some cars have one per plate; others have two.

Our recommendation

According to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, LEDs use less than half the wattage compared to their incandescent counterparts.

How important is this service?

License plate lights are essential. Most states have a law requiring that every vehicle must be equipped with a rear lighting system, including rear lamps, rear reflectors, stop lamps, and license plate lights.

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.