NJ Supreme Court puts limits on stops for obscured license plates Published: August 2, 2021 The Supreme Court ruled that tickets for obscured license plates can be issued if phrases are obscured, but not if they remain legible. The photo shows a real license plate, but the picture has been altered to protect the identity. (Townsquare Media NJ) TRENTON – Traffic stops for obstructed license plates are legitimate only if entire phrases, such as Garden State, are rendered illegible, the state Supreme Court ruled in a unanimous decision issued Monday. In recent years, well over 100,000 drivers a year have been ticketed for having a license plate frame that conceals or obscures at least part of the print on the plate. But the court said it would be absurd to allow tickets any time a marking on a license plate is slightly covered.