License Plate Light Assemblies
About License Plate Light Assemblies
The license plate area at the back of a motorcycle has to hold the plate firmly, keep it readable and, in most places, light it at night. Riders shop here to replace a cracked or lost bracket, to move the plate off the fender for a cleaner look, or to add a plate light that works with a new taillight.
Start with the job you need done. A plate mount or relocation bracket, such as a rear-fender, side-mount or low-profile style, decides where the plate sits. A plate light or lighted plate screw illuminates it, and a frame finishes the look. Many mounts are listed for a specific model, with Harley-Davidson Dyna and FXST examples among them, so the bolt holes and the shape of the fender have to match. Check how the light is wired, since a plate light needs a feed from the taillight circuit or a harness, and make sure the new bracket still leaves the taillight and turn signals clearly visible. Plate lights are normally white; check your local rules before using any other color.
Brands listed here include BOLT, HELIX, HardDrive, Drag Specialties and Custom Dynamics. Pick your bike in the Ride Finder at the top of the page to see mounts made for it. Related rear lighting is in Tail & Brake Light Assemblies and Turn Signal Light Assemblies, bulbs are in Light Bulbs & LEDs, and the whole group is Lighting & Lamps.
FAQs on motorcycle license plate lights and mounts
Does a motorcycle license plate need its own light?
In most places the plate must be visible and lit at night, so a plate light is normally part of the rear lighting. Rules differ by state and country, so check your local requirements before removing the original lamp or moving the plate.
How do I choose a license plate mount?
Decide where the plate should sit, such as on the rear fender, on the side or in a low-profile position, then match the mount to your model and year. Check the plate size and hole spacing, and confirm the bracket leaves the taillight and signals visible.
What color should a license plate light be?
A license plate light is normally white, so the characters stay easy to read. Colored accent lighting around the plate may be restricted where you ride, so check your local rules before fitting anything other than a white plate light.
How do I keep a license plate from cracking or rattling?
Vibration is the usual cause. Use the correct fasteners with washers, add a rubber or nylon isolator between plate and bracket if the design allows it, and use a locking nut or thread locker on the hardware. Check that everything is still tight now and then.
Do lighted plate screws replace a plate light?
Lighted plate screws replace the fasteners that hold the plate and add a small light of their own. Treat them as an accent unless the listing says otherwise, and check your local rules before relying on them as the only plate lighting.
