On the ticket this prints as: FRONT OR BACK PLATE MISSING
Front or rear license plate not properly displayed.
46.6%
of contested cases are dismissed outright — and 65% end dismissed or reduced. From 618,213 decided hearings in the city's own records.
Is it worth fighting?
47% of contested cases dismiss — one of the best rates in the dataset. Plates knocked loose in the bumper, temporary paper plates in the window, and simple agent error dominate. Photograph the vehicle showing both plates and contest.
What actually wins
Both plates were present — photographs win this instantly
Plate was present but displaced (in windshield/bumper after a knock) — cured and evidenced
Out-of-state vehicle from a one-plate state (front plate not required by home state)
Evidence to gather
Photos of the vehicle showing both plates, with date
Repair records if a collision displaced it
Home-state single-plate rule reference
Fighting it is free. New York lets you dispute online, by mail, or in person — no fee, no lawyer required, decision from a hearing officer. Start at nyc.gov → Dispute a ticket. Check the response deadline printed on your ticket, and answer before it to avoid late penalties.