Drive across the country and you’ll notice huge variations in license plates. It’s one of the country’s quirks and allows states to assert their pride. With the U.S. Department of Transportation reporting more than 278 million registered vehicles, you’ll spot significant differences in license plates.
Interestingly, a license plate varies heavily depending on where you are. Beautiful Public Data found that there are more than 8,331 different license plates nationwide. However, license plate laws vary regarding where they are on your car. All states require rear license plates, but not all require frontal ones.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the 22 states that only require a single license plate and the wisdom behind these laws. And if you’re ever involved in a crash related to plate visibility or identification, you can contact an experienced Austin car accident lawyer for guidance.
Key Takeaways
- Twenty-eight states require that all in-state drivers have front and rear license plates when driving on public roads, covering most motor vehicles in the country.
- Twenty-two states only require drivers to have a single license plate on the rear of their vehicles to be road legal.
- Every state has a list of vehicles exempt from the law, with exemptions for vehicles like motorcycles, EVs, antique/classic cars, and trailers. Note that exemptions only apply if you obtain one. They don’t apply automatically.
- The penalties for non-compliance with frontal license plate rules include fines, failed vehicle inspections, and, in extreme circumstances, a black mark on your driving record, which could push up your premiums.
- States choose not to have front plate laws because it reduces administrative costs, the load on their DMV offices, design considerations, and due to the political philosophy of applying limited vehicle regulation.
- More and more states are moving away from front plate laws, recognizing that the disadvantages far outweigh the benefits, particularly in the face of public opinion.
- If you’ve been pulled over and ticketed unfairly because of violating front plate laws, or you were involved in a car accident with a driver with no plates, speak to a qualified traffic attorney for a free consultation and more information on your next steps.
Overview of Front License Plate Laws in the United States
Front license plate laws in the U.S. are determined by individual states, meaning the requirements of each state's own motor vehicle regulations aren't the same nationwide. Where you live will decide whether you need one or two plates.
As of 2025, 28 states require front and rear license plates for practically all passenger vehicles. The reasoning behind this is to improve visibility for traffic officers and traffic cameras. The Columbus Dispatch also found that the extra license plate helps deter theft and with the recovery of stolen vehicles.
Non-compliance can typically lead to fines and failing your scheduled vehicle inspection. The exact punishments depend on the state.
States Mandating Front License Plates
Approximately 28 U.S. states have double license plate laws, requiring drivers to have a valid license plate on either the front or back of their vehicle.
Here’s a comprehensive list of these states:
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Utah used to be a part of the above states, but the Utah Legislature passed the License Plate Revisions Bill, removing the requirement for frontal plates from January 2025.
Variations in Front Plate Regulations Among States
The law is the same in all 28 states that still have front plate regulations – you must have a front license plate or you’re breaking the law. However, state exemptions vary, as do placement requirements.
For example, states like Texas grant exemptions based on a front license plate being impractical, such as on motorcycles, road tractors, and trailers. Likewise, many states provide exemptions for classic and antique cars. You can request a single-plate exemption in some states, such as New Hampshire and Nevada. If approved, you can show this exemption to an officer to avoid receiving a ticket.
Don’t forget that your state might have specific placement requirements. For example, if it isn’t securely mounted or you’ve mounted it on the dashboard, you could still receive a ticket.
Exemptions and Special Cases in Front License Plate Laws
Most of the 28 states have exemptions to their front plate laws for certain vehicles and under special conditions. These include vehicle type, vehicle age, and limited-use vehicles.
If you qualify for an exemption, don’t assume it applies automatically. If you can’t supply proof that you’ve obtained an exemption via your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles, you can still be ticketed regardless.
Types of Vehicles Commonly Exempt from Front Plate Requirements
Practically all two-plate states have exemptions for vehicles. Obtaining one of these exemptions enables you to drive on public roads with just a rear plate.
So, what types of vehicles usually have these exemptions in place?
- Motorcycles – Motorbikes are universally exempt due to their design.
- Trailers/Semi-Trailers – These only require rear identification because the towing vehicle is considered sufficient as identification.
- Scooters/Mopeds – Many jurisdictions classify scooters and mopeds like motorcycles, allowing them to be ridden without a front license plate.
- Certain Commercial Vehicles – Specific commercial vehicles receive exemptions when they have unique front ends. Your commercial vehicle may receive an exemption for technical and safety reasons.
- Transport Vehicles – Some transport vehicles carrying temporary plates may also be exempt from wearing two license plates while in transit.
Note that many vehicles weren’t designed to hold double plates in the first place (usually for aerodynamic reasons). You can get an exemption if your car has no front bracket and never came with one.
For example, the Chevrolet Corvette C7 and C8 models cannot hold a front license plate and are therefore eligible for exemptions.
Special Conditions for Classic and Vintage Cars
In most states, classic and vintage cars don’t have to come with front license plates. These vehicles must be registered and considered classic, vintage, or antique. In other words, they must be at least 25 years old.
For example, California takes the view that historic or classic cars can use year-of-manufacture plates as a substitute. In contrast, states like Texas require and acknowledge exemptions if the vehicle in question is being used in a parade or exhibition. New Hampshire will only allow it if the vehicle wasn’t manufactured with a front bracket, regardless of age.
States That Do Not Require Front License Plates
Approximately 22 states enable drivers to use only a rear license plate on standard passenger vehicles. Although this is the law, many still choose to attach front plates regardless of theft prevention reasons or pure stylistic purposes.
Note that some states that do not require front plates may also have exemptions requiring some vehicles to have front plates regardless. Generally, when we refer to these laws, we’re talking about a standard passenger vehicle, rather than special vehicle types.
List of States Allowing Rear-Only License Plates
Since Utah joined this list of states, there are now 22 states that allow drivers to use a single license plate only. Here’s the complete list of states falling into this category:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Utah
- West Virginia
Reasons Behind the Absence of Front Plate Laws
The reasons why some states choose to remove the requirement for a front plate are both practical and political. We can split the reasoning into four categories:
- Saving Money – Issuing only a single license plate reduces production costs and the number of needed trips to the state DMV. Utah cited this in its bill to remove the front license plate requirement.
- Aesthetics – Many drivers prefer a clean look for their vehicles, which is why it’s not uncommon for sports and luxury models to come without a front bracket in the first place. For example, the Tesla Model 3 doesn’t have a place to mount a front plate.
- Simplified Design – Performance vehicle manufacturers find that they save money and enhance how their vehicles operate by not having front plate holders. There's no airflow disruption without brackets or extra drilling to comply with the law, allowing them to perform to their full potential.
- Political Philosophy – Many states are designed by their legislative philosophies, with some legislating based on prioritizing personal freedoms. These states often prefer to limit vehicle regulation, with the extra plate viewed as unnecessary and unpopular.
Impact of Front License Plate Requirements on Vehicle Design
Car manufacturers must consider front license plate requirements in their designs. In the past, this usually meant having separate model variations or temporary additions, like removable brackets, to allow drivers in front plate states to comply. However, since most states have exemptions for vehicles that never had front brackets, this has supported the automotive industry.
Unfortunately, front plate requirements aren’t just an aesthetic issue but also impact performance. Bumper structure, aerodynamics, airflow, and model standardization are all issues engineers must consider.
In some cases, it’s resulted in dealers within two-plate states having to retrofit vehicles with unsightly and damaging brackets/drilling.
How Front Plate Laws Influence Car Aesthetics
Aesthetics are one of the leading reasons why drivers oppose the requirement for front license plates. So many vehicles are iconic because of the car’s face, and having to install a license plate compromises that.
The visual disruption breaks up sleek style, obstructs branding, and compromises the symmetry and detail many modern vehicles have. The license plate causes an imbalance and takes the look away from what the manufacturer originally intended.
It leaves manufacturers in a quandary because they must balance consumer desires and branding with regulatory compliance. Within the luxury vehicle market, especially for supercars, it causes real problems, which is why so many states have exemptions for these types of vehicles.
Design Innovations for Vehicles Without Front Plates
Rear-only plate states give vehicle owners and auto manufacturers more flexibility in how vehicles are designed and prevented. One might say that these states allow the auto industry to achieve a higher level of visual purity while offering enhanced performance.
So, how have engineers dealt with the issue?
- Tow hook-mounted brackets
- Magnetic mounts
- Adhesive mounts
- Removable brackets
- Retractable brackets
- Flush-mount plate holders
All these options remove the need for drilling and provide drivers with designs that mitigate the performance degradation caused by the need to mount a front plate. None of them are perfect, but they strike a balance between full compliance and driver demand.
Of course, none of these options compares with the creative freedom auto manufacturers have in rear-only plate states. That’s why it’s not uncommon to spot special editions of prestige vehicles, including open-face bumpers, no-badge faces, and aerodynamic grilles.
Consequences of Non-Compliance With Front License Plate Laws
Non-compliance with front license plate laws is usually classified as a low-class misdemeanor. In other words, you’re not going to go to jail, and you’re not going to suffer significant legal consequences. Most states choose to issue fines and fix-it tickets to deal with the issue.
Penalties will always vary between states, but they’re nearly always handled at the local level. It’s also worth mentioning that although enforcement might be lax in some states, driving without a front license plate when required only encourages officers to pull you over, which could result in other issues during the inspection.
Note that enforcement is improving nationwide, as more states begin using red-light cameras and automated plate readers.
Common Penalties for Failing to Display a Front License Plate
Penalties for failing to display a front license plate usually result in a fine. For example, the Texas Transportation Code Section 504.943 allows for fines of up to $200 for not having a front plate or not securing it correctly.
Each state will handle its regulations differently, but you can also be penalized in Texas if your front plate isn’t mounted and displayed correctly. The law states that all license plates must be:
- Securely fastened
- Unobstructed
- Positioned at least 12 inches off the ground
Note that not mounting your plate correctly can also be classified as not having a plate at all. However, most traffic officers usually take a more lenient view if you’ve got one but haven’t mounted it correctly.
So, what are the implications of breaking these laws?
- Fines
- Fix-it ticket
- Vehicle inspection failure
- Extra police attention
Repeat offenders may even see insurance implications. Even though this is quite rare, regular offenders may even see violations placed on their driving records, increasing their insurance premiums.
What to Expect During a Traffic Stop for License Plate Violations
Routine traffic stops are the norm, with the Stanford Open Policing Project reporting 50,000 traffic stops daily, making up 40% of all law enforcement interactions. Not having a license plate increases your chances of being selected for a traffic stop, especially in states where enforcement is stricter.
Here’s what happens step-by-step:
- The police officer will request that you pull over.
- You will be asked for your license, registration, and proof of valid auto insurance.
- The officer must inform you of why they pulled you over.
- The officer will ask you why and then determine how they will treat the situation.
Always be polite about the issue and be honest. The officer might treat the issue leniently if you’ve got an exemption, recently bought the vehicle, or got a plate but haven’t mounted it.
You may be issued a warning, which is most common for first-time offenders or out-of-state drivers, a fix-it ticket, or a citation. What’s the difference between a citation and a fix-it ticket?
A fix-it ticket allows you to rectify the issue and show proof before a deadline to dismiss the fine. A citation is designed for repeat offenders or flagrant breaches of traffic law and doesn’t come with the option to have the fine dismissed.
Practical Guidance on Front License Plate Installation and Maintenance
Compliance with front plate laws requires you not just to have a plate, but a correctly installed plate. Some drivers have tried putting one in their front window, but this will still get you pulled over and fined unless you’ve got a good reason for doing so.
With automated systems being increasingly used by states to police minor traffic violations, hoping you get lucky and don’t run into a cop isn’t a viable strategy.
Best Practices for Mounting Front License Plates
Mounting your front license plate begins by familiarizing yourself with your state’s rules on where it should be placed. Don’t assume it’s the same across every state, as this could get you into trouble.
For example, although we’ve mentioned not placing it inside the windshield or on the dash, a small number of two-plate states do allow this as a valid display of a front license plate.
So, what are the best practices for mounting your license plate?
- Use Approved Locations – Position your plate in the center of your front bumper or on the driver's side of the bumper. Ensure that it’s far enough off the ground. In Texas, this is 12 inches.
- Use the Correct Brackets – Always use pre-drilled holes or manufacturer-approved brackets wherever possible. You may also want to consider non-invasive mounts, such as adhesive brackets, to avoid hurting your resale value. If you must drill, install rubber washers to reduce the risk of rust.
- Ensure Visibility – Double-check that your newly mounted plate complies with your state’s visibility requirements. Likewise, it shouldn’t be tilted, and any other part of the vehicle shouldn't obscure your license plate number, vehicle registration, or registration sticker.
Tips for Securing License Plates Appropriately
Securing your license plate isn’t just about the law but about preventing plate theft. Stealing someone else’s license plate allows criminals to avoid detection and commit crimes in someone else’s name.
According to stats from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), license plate thefts have spiked by 45% between 2019 and 2022, adding up to about 40,000 known plate thefts annually.
Install your plates with anti-theft hardware, like locking bolts and security screws. These can be found in most auto parts stores, and your local mechanic should also have them. It’s also recommended that you install a plate frame or backing to preserve the integrity of your plate over time.
Beware of using any creative solutions for mounting and securing your plate. In the past, drivers have used suction cups and zip-ties as a temporary measure, but these may violate the law as they aren’t considered secure.
Future Trends in Front License Plate Legislation
Front license plate legislation has been a running battle for some years. The trend among states has been to either remove or loosen requirements by adding more exemptions.
Utah was the latest state to abolish front license plate legislation in January 2025. Before Utah, Ohio removed the need for a front license plate in July 2020. Moreover, Connecticut has also introduced a bill into the legislative process in 2025 that, if passed, would remove the front plate requirement.
Other states have refused to opt for complete abolition but have demonstrated a willingness to loosen the rules. For example, New York has proposed legislation that would provide exemptions for all electric vehicles, with the reasoning that requiring front plates would pose unnecessary EV-specific design challenges.
The Shift Towards Eliminating Front License Plates Nationwide
Why are states moving away from mandatory front license plates?
The biggest reason cited is the millions that could be saved by reducing the number of mandatory plates and clearing backlogs within state DMVs, thus achieving massive cost savings. Plus, removing the requirement would reduce administrative considerations and expenses.
It’s also true that many vehicles face insurmountable mounting challenges, as they were never originally designed with mounts on the front. That’s why states have increased their lists of exemptions over the last decade.
And from a political standpoint, the public has made it clear that they don’t support front plate requirements. According to Ride-CT, a survey in Connecticut showed that 82% of state residents approved of abolishing these requirements.
Potential Benefits of Going Plate-Free in the Future
Eliminating the legal requirement for equipping your vehicle with a front license plate offers multiple advantages, such as:
- Better vehicle aesthetics.
- Improved performance via better aerodynamics.
- Environmental benefits through reducing the quantity of production of license plates.
- Simplified compliance, particularly for EV owners.
The arguments for these benefits are growing stronger as automated traffic enforcement capabilities improve, thus mitigating the need for the extra license plate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Front License Plates
How do you handle moving between states with different license plate laws?
Moving from state to state means you must comply with your new state’s plate laws. Typically, you must do this within 30-90 days to be road legal. This process will be managed as part of registering your vehicle with your new state’s DMV.
Can I be ticketed in a two-plate state if I’m from a one-plate state?
No, states honor other states' laws when drivers pass through. Your out-of-state license plates will be enough to prove that you’re from another state where two-plate laws aren’t in place.
What happens if my license plate is stolen?
Report your stolen plate to local law enforcement and apply for replacement license plates with your DMV. You’ll receive documentation, such as a police report or a DMV receipt, that you should always carry with you in case you get pulled over while waiting for your new plate.
