Repair Lane

License Plate Light Replacement

Replace burned-out license plate lights — a tiny fix that's one of the most common reasons for tickets and failed inspections.

Difficulty: easy~0.20.4 hrs15–30 minutes
Estimated total
$30–110
Parts$5–40
Labor$25–70
Labor time0.20.4 hrs
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What's involved

What this repair actually is.

We replace the small bulbs (or sealed LED units) that light your rear plate and make sure they work. It's a quick job, but a dark plate is an easy excuse for a traffic stop and an automatic NY inspection failure.

Symptoms

How you can tell.

  • Rear license plate is dark at night
  • Pulled over or warned for an unlit plate
  • Failed NY inspection for plate lights
If you delay

An unlit plate is a common reason for traffic stops and will fail your next NY inspection.

Educational estimate. Real pricing depends on your vehicle, the inspection, parts availability, taxes, and shop rates. Use this as a guide while you shop quotes.
Related

Often done together.