How to Change Number Plate Lights on Your Vehicle

The number plate light bulb, also known as the license plate light bulb or the tag light, illuminates a vehicle’s rear license plate. This makes the license plate more visible in low-light conditions, making it an essential component for night driving. If your number plate lights start failing, don’t think twice about replacing them.

Why Are Number Plate Lights Important?

Number plate lights help law enforcers and other people read your license plate easily in darkness. This helps promote good driving habits and compliance with traffic laws and regulations.

A well-lit license plate also makes it easier for other vehicles to see you and your vehicle in low-light conditions, reducing the risk of road accidents.

How to Change a Number Plate Light

If you plan on changing your vehicle’s number plate lights, you’ll need the following tools and parts.

• Gloves
• Screwdriver
• Replacement number plate light bulbs

To remove and replace the number plate lights, follow these steps carefully.

1. Loosen the screws securing the number plate lights and pull off the covers.
2. Remove any rubber gaskets attached to the number plate lights to make them easier to remove.
3. Rotate the bases of the lights until they come loose before pulling them out.
4. Gently remove the light bulbs. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you might have to press down on metal tabs holding them in place to set the bulbs loose.
5. Install your replacement number plate light bulbs. Make sure you’re wearing soft gloves to avoid damaging or smudging during installation. Push the bulbs into each base until they click securely.
6. Test your number plate lights by starting your vehicle. Turn on the headlights and check to see if the number plate lights are working properly.
7. When the lights work as they should, reattach the covers and gaskets before securing them with the screws.

Signs You Need to Change Your Number Plate Light

The biggest indicators that it’s time to change your vehicle’s number plate lights include flickering light bulbs, foggy lights, dim lights, and light bulbs that fail to activate. If you spot these signs, inspect your lights. It might be time to change them.

Flickering Light Bulb

Number plate lights aren’t supposed to flicker. They’re supposed to stay lit when the headlights are on to give people an easier time seeing your vehicle. If the light bulb flickers on and off, there’s likely something wrong with the wiring that powers the bulb.

It’s important to address this problem as soon as possible because the flickering lights can distract other drivers, increasing the risk of getting into an accident.

Foggy Lights

If the number plate lights are foggy, condensation or water is likely trapped inside the lens cap. This typically happens when water leaks from the trunk lid into the light lens, seeping through cracks and gaps. This makes the light foggy and less effective.

Replacing the light lens and number plate light bulb will solve this issue. Don’t forget to clean the covers and ensure they’re free of moisture.

Dim Lights

Another sign it’s time to change the number plate light is if the light has gone dim, typically due to signal bulb failure. Inspect the bulbs to see if they’re misaligned or if they’re damaged and due for a replacement.

Lights Fail to Activate

Usually, number plate lights activate when the headlights come on. If your license plate lights fail to light up when you turn on the headlights, check them for damage or misalignment.

This problem is typically caused by loose connections, burnt-out lights, and damaged components. If it can’t be fixed by fiddling with the lights and realigning the circuitry, there’s a good chance you’ll need to replace the bulbs.

What Happens If You Don’t Replace Bad Number Plate Lights?

Failing to replace bad number plate light bulbs or neglecting to correct misaligned bulbs and wire connections can lead to many problems for you and your vehicle. After all, it’s dangerous to drive with inoperative lights, no matter how small.

Drivers and law enforcers both use number plate lights to see you and your vehicle better. Because of their location, these lights make it easier for other drivers to avoid you, lowering the risk of road accidents.