Allowable Dealer Plate Use

The allowable use of dealer plates is very broad based. Dealer plates may not be used:

1. on a vehicle leased or rented for compensation; the vehicle must be licensed and registered in the name of the business in order to be leased or rented; or
2. in lieu of registration, on a motor vehicle sold by the dealer; an example would be if a temporary permit had expired in place of renewing that registration; or
3. on a loaded motor vehicle over 12,000 pounds gross laden weight unless a special loaded demonstration permit is obtained from the division.

There is no restriction placed on how a dealer can use dealer plates as long as the vehicle is owned by or consigned to the dealership, it is not being leased or rented, and it is not loaded with a gross weight of over 12,000 pounds (41-3-501 UGA). You can use a dealer plate to drive a vehicle back to your dealership after purchasing it at an out-of state auction as long as your dealership owns the vehicle. You are, however, subject to the registration laws of the states you travel through, and some states may not recognize Utah dealer plates.

Dealer plates can only be used by dealers on vehicles owned by or consigned to their dealership (41-3-501). All special plates should be securely fastened in a horizontal position to the rear of the vehicle where clearly visible and legible. You cannot display a dealer plate on the dashboard or in a side window (41-3-504 UCA).

If you feel that you or one of your employees has been improperly fined by a local Utah enforcement officer (local police or highway patrol) please contact our office. Its important that each police jurisdiction within the state be properly educated about the rules of dealer plates. Contact us at 801.566.3802.

The Independent Auto Dealers Association of Utah has available to all members a card outlining these allowable plate uses that you can carry in your wallet. Please call the Midvale IDS office to obtain your FREE dealer plate use cards. Cards are available for all salesman and owners of member dealers.