A license plate light illuminates your car's license plates so they can be seen at night or in difficult driving conditions. Most states have laws that require your plate be clearly visible from a distance of 50 feet. A non-illuminated plate can get you pulled over and ticketed, so it's a good idea to periodically make sure the license plate light works. If you get pulled over for such an infraction, law enforcement and court authorities are frequently lenient to those who can prove they've fixed the problem. So replace your bulb as soon as you discover it's out. Replacing the license plate bulb on a Ford Focus is simple.
Turn off the car's ignition and make sure the headlight switch is in the "Off" position.
The bulb is located behind a lens, which is located above the license plate and held in place by two screws. Using a screwdriver, remove the screws and carefully pull the lens away from the lamp assembly.
The bulb pulls straight out from the lamp assembly. Do this gently to avoid breaking the bulb or damaging any of the assembly's parts.
Insert a new bulb by carefully pushing it into the lamp assembly. To ensure quality burn time and safety, be sure to use a bulb that is made or endorsed by Ford. Using an incorrect style could damage the wiring or assembly, or void your lamp's warranty. Following the above steps in reverse, reassemble the lens and screw it into place.
