Why Do Motorcyclists Flip Their Plates Backward?

May 28, 2026 | Motorcycle Accident | Christopher J. Marzzacco

Why Do Motorcyclists Flip Their Plates Backward?

Have you ever gotten behind a motorcycle and noticed that its license plate was flipped backward? While this might be a somewhat common practice among motorcycle riders, riding without a rear license plate is illegal in all 50 states, including Pennsylvania. 

So, why would a motorcyclist flip their plate? Keep reading below to learn the reasons why, as well as other rules motorcyclists must follow.

Motorcycle License Plate Requirements in Pennsylvania

Motorcycles are issued a specific type of license plate that displays the letters “MC” at the bottom. However, they must generally comply with all the same license plate requirements as other vehicles. 

Pennsylvania law requires that license plates be:

  • Securely fastened to the vehicle
  • Clearly visible
  • Not less than 12 inches from the ground, as measured from the bottom of the plate
  • Secured to prevent swinging
  • Illuminated by a proper license plate light at night

Standard license plates must be secured in a horizontal position. However, motorcycles have a special exception to this rule. A motorcycle may utilize either a horizontal or vertical plate, depending on the type of license plate holder on the motorcycle.

It is important to note, however, that a horizontal license plate cannot simply be flipped to a vertical position. If your motorcycle requires a vertical license plate, you must complete a Form MV-165 Application for Vertical Motorcycle Registration Plate. There is an additional fee that goes along with this request.

Common Reasons Why Motorcyclists Flip Their Plates Backward

There are a few different reasons why a motorcyclist may flip their plate backward. Some of the most common reasons include: 

  • Dodging tolls and traffic cameras: Motorcyclists may flip their plate backward to dodge automated toll booths. This prevents the toll cameras from capturing their license plate information. Riders can then pass through automated tolls without receiving a toll charge. Additionally, red light cameras and other traffic cameras are unable to capture the plate.
  • Evading law enforcement: Some motorcyclists flip their plates in order to evade law enforcement. This is especially true when a rider is speeding or performing dangerous maneuvers. Flipping their plate can prevent law enforcement from running their information. This can make it difficult to find the motorcycle’s owner or apprehend the rider to hold them accountable for their traffic violations.
  • Protecting their privacy: Although not a great excuse, some riders claim to flip their plate backward in order to protect their identity. This can prevent their tag from being photographed or shared online. Again, this is not really a good excuse. Most personal identifying information about your motorcycle is available on the internet already.
  • Hiding their identity after an accident: Riders who are involved in a motorcycle accident may try to conceal their license plate to hide their identity. This is especially true after a hit-and-run accident. This can be a way of trying to dodge liability after an accident for which they were responsible. In these situations, riders may find themselves in serious legal trouble.

Not only can the rider face trouble for breaking the license plate laws, but also for fleeing the scene of an accident. If you have been involved in an accident with a hit-and-run driver, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer for help.

Are Plate Flippers Illegal in Pennsylvania?

Yes, plate flippers are illegal in Pennsylvania, and anyone caught using one of these devices can face some stiff penalties. Drivers and motorcycle riders may use these devices to evade tolls, automatic citations, and other law enforcement activities. 

However, drivers who are caught using any device to intentionally obstruct their license plate can face a fine of $2,000. Additionally, law enforcement may confiscate the device, and they might also be able to impound your motorcycle in some situations.

Contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Harrisburg Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Flipping a motorcycle license plate backward is illegal in Pennsylvania and can result in serious penalties. While some riders do it to avoid tolls, traffic cameras, or identification, concealing a plate can also make it difficult to identify motorcyclists involved in reckless driving or hit-and-run crashes.

If you have questions or need help after a motorcycle accident, contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates today. We offer a free consultation with a Harrisburg motorcycle accident lawyer. 

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