What is the primary purpose of illuminating the rear license plate on a vehicle?

The primary purpose of illuminating the rear license plate on a vehicle is to ensure legibility. This means that the characters and numbers on the license plate are clearly visible, especially at night or in low-light conditions. Proper illumination allows law enforcement officers and other drivers to easily read the license plate, facilitating identification and legal compliance. This requirement is generally stipulated by transportation codes to promote safety and enable convenient vehicle identification in various situations.

While increasing visibility can be a related concern, the direct emphasis is on making sure that the license plate can be read clearly, which aligns specifically with ensuring legibility. Enhancing aesthetics and reducing theft are not fundamental reasons for the requirement of illuminating the license plate and, therefore, do not directly address its primary legal and functional necessity.