Originally Posted by
Artmo
I've always thought it pretty stupid that a trailer has a different license number than the tow vehicle.
In any case, most US license plates are pretty illegible from more that about 20ft even when not obscured. Why don't we have plates which are legible from 25 yards at least, like the rest of the developed world. We might then have fewer unidentifiable hit and run drivers, for example. But I suppose getting money from decorating license plates with all kinds of rubbish is more important than safety.
Trailers have different plates for two reasons, one is that all trailers are covered under the same law, and a tractor-trailer trailer doesn't need to have a plate adhered for the hauling truck. Second it allows the transportation department to charge you for a trailer plate.