In what orientation should a license plate be mounted on a vehicle?

A license plate should be mounted horizontally on a vehicle. This orientation is the standard requirement in most states, including Maine, as it allows for easy visibility and recognition of the plate numbers and letters by law enforcement and other drivers. The horizontal placement aligns with the design of license plates, which are typically longer than they are tall, ensuring that the characters are displayed clearly and are easily readable from a distance.

Mounting the plate horizontally also helps maintain consistency across vehicles, which assists in quick identification and helps facilitate the lawful monitoring of vehicle registration. Adhering to this orientation is important for compliance with state laws and regulations, which dictate how license plates are to be displayed.