Where to Put a Bumper Sticker or Car Magnet

Where to Put a Bumper Sticker or Car Magnet (and Where Not To)

The short answer: put a car magnet on a flat metal area such as the trunk lid, tailgate or a door, and a bumper sticker on a clean, smooth area of the bumper or trunk. Keep both clear of your license plate, lights, reflectors, windows, handles and any sensors or cameras. Rules differ by state, so check your local regulations if you are unsure.

This is general information, not legal advice.

The best spots at a glance

Spot	Magnet	Sticker	Notes
Trunk lid or tailgate	Great (if metal)	Great	Flat and easy to see from behind
Rear bumper	Only if it is metal	Good	Many bumpers are plastic, so test first
Doors	Good (if metal)	Possible	Avoid handles and edges
Rear window	No	Possible, check your state	Do not block your view
Curved or dented areas	No	Not ideal	Needs a flat surface to hold

Keep these areas clear

License plate. It must stay fully visible.
Lights and reflectors. Never cover brake lights, turn signals or reflectors.
Windows and mirrors. Keep your view unobstructed.
Sensors and cameras. Parking sensors, backup cameras and other driver-assist parts can be affected, so leave them uncovered.
Door handles, fuel door and seams. They need to open and close, and edges make magnets lift.

How to choose the spot for a car magnet

Test it. Hold a fridge magnet on the spot. If it sticks firmly, a car magnet will too.
Check the surface. It should be flat, clean and in good condition.
Clean and dry it. Wipe the panel and the back of the magnet before placing it.
Place it flat. Lay it down from one edge to the other so no air or dirt is trapped.

For care tips see our guide on using a car magnet safely.

How to choose the spot for a bumper sticker

Wash and dry the area so the adhesive can bond.
Pick the spot carefully. A sticker is designed to stay, so decide before you peel.
Line it up with a straight edge, like a seam or the bumper line.
Press from the center outwards to push out air bubbles.

If you ever want to remove it, read how to remove a bumper sticker without damaging paint.

Basic rules to check

Laws about vehicle decorations differ by state and country. Common things to check:

Visibility. Nothing should block your view or your license plate.
Lights and reflectors. Covering them is generally not allowed.
Content. Some places restrict offensive language, so check your local rules.
Rental, leased and company cars. Check the agreement. A removable magnet is usually the safer choice.

Is it readable?

A bumper sticker should be readable from a few car lengths away. Our magnets are 10 inches wide by 3 inches tall and our stickers are 11 inches wide by 3 inches tall, a long, short shape that suits the trunk lid. Choose bold text and high contrast. Our guide to designing a custom sticker or magnet has tips.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place for a bumper sticker?

A clean, flat area of the rear bumper or trunk lid, clear of the license plate, lights and sensors.

Can I put a magnet on a plastic bumper?

No. A car magnet only sticks to metal, so use a metal panel such as the trunk lid, or choose a bumper sticker for a plastic bumper.

Are bumper stickers legal?

In general, yes, as long as they do not cover your license plate, lights or windows. Rules vary by state, so check your local regulations if you are unsure.