Tesla Model Y 2025: Low License Plate, A Mistake?

The 2025 Tesla Model Y has chosen to relocate the rear license plate from the hatch to the bumper. A serious mistake?

The problem with cars designed “for the whole planet” is that they are sometimes not suitable for all the environments in which they will drive. This is the first thought that crosses our mind upon noticing that the rear license plate of the revamped Tesla Model Y has moved all the way down to the bumper. Why?

What does the law say?

In Europe, the minimum height for installing the rear license plate of a vehicle depends on the regulations in force, which can vary from country to country. However, there are general standards set by the UN (Regulation No. 48 of the UNECE/UN), which establishes uniform requirements for vehicle approval regarding the installation of lighting and signaling devices. According to this regulation:

• The rear license plate must be located at a minimum height of 30 centimeters above the ground.
• The maximum height is generally set at 120 centimeters with certain exceptions.
• The plate must be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
• It must be sufficiently illuminated to be readable at night.
• It must be visible at a specific angle to ensure its readability.

Style first?

The location of a vehicle’s rear license plate is not just a matter of aesthetics. Positioned too low, it can lead to various inconveniences in daily use, ranging from dirt accumulation to damage. This is where American and/or Chinese engineers seemingly overlooked Europe in their global equation.

One of the primary drawbacks of a low-mounted plate is its exposure to projections. Located in the path of dirty air vortices created when the car is in motion, it quickly accumulates mud, water, dust, or road salt. In winter or on wet roads, this results in a loss of readability that can pose problems during a police check, passing a speed camera, or entering an automatic toll booth. More frequent cleaning will then be necessary, adding a burden on Tesla drivers.

Besides getting dirty quickly, a poorly positioned plate is more vulnerable to bumps and scratches. Any slight impact or nudge while parking, or during a missed brake from behind, and it could result in breakage and an expensive repair bill. And if replacing a license plate is already annoying, then the whole lighting system is even worse. This raises concerns about fines during checks by overly meticulous law enforcement.

What about the tow hitch?

Finally, when the hitch is deployed, it could partially obscure the plate, making it difficult or even impossible to read from certain angles. This issue could lead to violations of existing regulations that require clear visibility of the plate. Owners may thus face fines or denial during technical inspections. Tesla may be compelled to make modifications to comply with European standards.

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