Always Score Your License Plate Sticker with a Razor- Here’s Why

License plate stickers are expensive, and thieves know it. Depending on which state you live in, new license plate tags can cost hundreds of dollars to replace, not to mention the annoyance of going back to the DMV and standing in line for new ones. Tags are especially at risk in states with high registration fees or strict emissions laws.

“Thieves can strip a sticker in seconds off of the car’s plate and use it to avoid paying renewal fees or make a stolen vehicle appear as if it were legal,” says Timur Gizzatov, owner of Gleamworks. “It is quite a frustrating crime since most people are unaware that their sticker is actually missing until they are either pulled over or ticketed.”

Thankfully, there’s a trick that will help keep your vehicle tags safe from thieves.

First, remove any old stickers from your license plate. Do not stack new stickers on top of the existing one — this method will not work otherwise.

After that, thoroughly clean the area so there’s no excess adhesive left on the plate. Next, place the new sticker on the plate and smooth out any air bubbles. Finally, use a box cutter or other sharp tool to cut an X pattern on the sticker. Other patterns will work as well, but this is the most effective.

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By “scoring” the sticker, the tag will be more difficult to rip off. Instead it will tear into multiple pieces, rendering it unusable. This trick won’t keep thieves from removing the sticker. But if they do, they can’t use it on their vehicle. That alone might be enough of a deterrent to keep your sticker safe.

Another safety measure to consider: Security screws, which prevent thieves from stealing your entire license plate. The screws come with a special wrench that make them more difficult to remove.

Next, read about the best way to clean your license plate.

FAQ

How can I prevent my entire license plate from being stolen?

To deter license plate thieves, you can install an anti-theft frame or tamper-resistant screws. “However, with these you are also preventing yourself from removing it at some point,” says Chris “Moose” Pyle, an automotive expert with JustAnswer. Instead, he recommends using a bolt in lieu of a screw, along with a nylon lock washer on the backside. “The time it takes to remove that is a theft deterrent,” he says.

Some people also use a clear plastic cover over their plates, which acts as an additional deterrence. “However, it is best to check local laws with regard to this as some areas do restrict their usage,” says Gizzatov.

Also, try to park in your garage or other secure area whenever possible. “If you park in the street, try to park near a street light so that it’s harder for someone to hide when trying to steal,” says Melanie Musson, an auto industry expert with CarInsurance.org.

What other car parts are thieves targeting?

Anything with value that can be removed quickly and easily can be a target. Common items include: spare tires, tailgates, exterior lamps, radios, GPS/navigation devices, wheels (rims and tires), catalytic converters, airbags, door/window trim and headlights.

“Some will even steal the whole side mirrors, especially those luxury vehicles that have very expensive sensors built in,” says Gizzatov.

Pyle also cautions against leaving items in a truck bed or in a place they can be easily seen inside a car. “A thief will break a window for a cup holder full of change,” he says.

About the Experts

• Melanie Musson is an auto industry expert with CarInsurance.org, where she has worked for nearly a decade.
• Chris “Moose” Pyle is a master-certified technician with 20-plus years of automotive experience. He has also worked as an expert for JustAnswer, the expert on-demand platform, since 2006.
• Timur Gizzatov is owner of Gleamworks Paint Protection Film & Ceramic Coating Centre in Vancouver, BC, and has been working as an automotive expert since 2007.