Which States Require Front License Plates?

While having a plate on the front of a motor vehicle may be more convenient for law enforcement, it is an extra plate to mount, and nobody needs that unless it’s required.

Let’s delve deeper into front license plate laws and requirements.

States That Require a Front License Plate

Currently, twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia require you to have a front license plate attached to your vehicle. In 2020, Ohio removed its front plate requirement.

Here’s the list of states that currently require front license plates:

California	Missouri	South Dakota
Colorado	Montana	Texas
Connecticut	Nebraska	Utah
Hawaii	Nevada	Vermont
Idaho	New Hampshire	Virginia
Illinois	New Jersey	Washington
Iowa	New York	Wisconsin
Maryland	North Dakota	Wyoming
Massachusetts	Oregon
Minnesota	Rhode Island

State-by-state plate laws can vary significantly. For example, some states require you to remove a license plate when you sell your car, while others tell you to leave it on. Some states have 7 characters on their license plates, while others have six.

Good thing we’re here to sort it all out for you.

Front Plate Laws

While license plate laws will vary by state, there are plenty of general laws that will apply to all two plate states. So, whether you’re applying for new plates in California or Maine, these common threads will help you navigate the realm of license plate requirements.

Visibility

Every state requires that your license plate be visible. The main difference between front and rear license plates is that rear license plates must be illuminated at night.

License plates must be visible at all times. Any brackets, covers, or frames that obscure license plate numbers, registration stickers, or state information are prohibited.

If your plate is scratched, dented, or damaged, you will have to apply for a replacement license plate.

Location

There are regulations regarding license plate placement. The height at which plates must be mounted is the most common example. Most places have a maximum and minimum height for license plate mounting. For instance, license plates in Alaska need to be mounted not less than 12 inches from the ground, measured from the bottom of the plate.

You might get a ticket if you mount your plate too high or too low. Even though it is common practice in some areas, mounting the plate in your front or rear window is often a punishable offense.

It is also illegal to drive without a license plate when one is required. Temporary license plates are an exception. They are often paper tags that can be taped to the inside of your windshield.

Mounting

License plates should be securely fastened to a strong part of the passenger vehicle. Zip ties and duct tape are useful for some things, but attaching a license plate with one of those methods could result in a fine.

Some vehicles do not come with a front license plate mounting location, but you can often get aftermarket or OEM brackets that attach to your front bumper. Many people buy license plate brackets that screw into the front tow hook location if their vehicle has one.

Read our complete guide to attaching a license plate for more.

Most Common Penalties for License Plate Non Compliance

Failure to comply with license plate regulations can get you in trouble.

Fines are the most common punishment for license plate violations. In some cases, fines may begin relatively low but can escalate for repeated violations.
Failure to comply with license plate regulations may result in a traffic citation or ticket. These citations frequently carry additional fines in addition to the initial penalty for driving without a front plate. Multiple citations can result in more severe penalties, such as increased fines, license suspension, or even mandatory court appearances.
In some states, failure to comply with license plate regulations can get your vehicle registration suspended. This means you won’t be able to legally drive the vehicle until the registration is reinstated, which usually entails paying any outstanding fines, correcting the license plate violation, and possibly providing proof of compliance.
In more serious cases of license plate noncompliance, authorities may impound your vehicle. This happens when a violation is deemed significant or repeated, posing a risk to public safety. You will most likely be required to pay impound fees, provide proof of compliance, and settle any outstanding fines in order to retrieve the impounded vehicle.
License plate violations can result in points being added to your driving record. These points can result in higher insurance premiums and, if accumulated to a certain threshold, can result in your driver’s license being suspended or revoked.

To avoid these penalties, it is important to become familiar with your state’s regulations and ensure that your license plates are fully compliant.

Pros and Cons of Having a Front License Plate

Front-mounted license plates draw both praise and criticism from drivers. While some complaints are valid, there are notable advantages to having license plates on the front of a vehicle. However, it’s important to acknowledge that there are also disadvantages.

Pros

Front license plates are made to be reflective. This makes them easier to see at night or during the dusk hours as the sun sets.
Having a front plate helps law enforcement officials identify stolen vehicles quickly. Visible front plates can also help regular citizens identify offenders in hit-and-runs, kidnappings, and other crimes. Plates that are easily visible can assist onlookers in effectively providing details about specific vehicles involved.
Having a license plate that can be read from the front and back of any vehicle makes it easier for agencies that use license plate reading technology to spot at toll booths and during traffic enforcement.
States that do not have front license plate laws risk losing out on revenue that can be easily generated at toll booths. If a license plate reader is unable to read a plate, the driver will not be charged. It is as simple as that.

Cons

One of the most common complaints about front license plates is that they detract from the overall appearance of a vehicle. Folks want their cars to be clean, presentable, and uncluttered.
Front license plates may impair sensors—lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian detection—that are on the front of a vehicle.
A front plate is more susceptible to damage from rocks, debris or other objects on the road.

Wondering how to mount a front license plate with no holes? Our guide will tell you.

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Front Plates FAQ

How do I mount my new license plates?

The process of attaching a license plate to a car is relatively simple and can be done in a few minutes once you have the right mounting hardware and tools.

Before attaching a license plate, make sure that the plate bracket is properly secured to the vehicle.

The license plate bracket should be placed so that the bottom edge of the license plate is level with the bottom of the car’s bumper. Once the license plate bracket is in place, line up the mounting hole on the license plate with the mounting hole in the bracket.
Be sure to use any bolts or screws that came with the license plate bracket.
After all screws or bolts are tightened, double-check that they are snug by giving the license plate a firm tug.
Once the plate is securely in place, you will need to apply the registration sticker from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or your state’s equivalent organization. This sticker must be placed on the rear license plate and renewed every year.
With the license plate now properly attached, your car will be legal to drive on public roads.
If your state requires a front plate, you will need to install it before you can legally drive your car.
In most cases, it is best to attach the front plate to the bumper and the rear plate to the trunk lid or tail light assembly.

If you’re wondering what to do with your old plates, one option is to simply send the old plates back to one of your state’s Department of Motor Vehicle office locations.

If you need more help, make sure you read our license plate mounting guide.

Which states require only rear license plates?

Here are states that don’t require a plate on the front of the vehicle:

Alaska	Kansas	Ohio
Arizona	Kentucky	Oklahoma
Alabama	Louisiana	Pennsylvania
Arkansas	Maine	South Carolina
Delaware	Michigan	Tennessee
Florida	Mississippi	West Virginia

What can I use instead of a front license plate in California?

You can use a license plate wrap. A license plate wrap (LPW) is a reflective vinyl front license plate that can be scanned with a license plate reader. It looks like a traditional metal plate but is made of vinyl.

Can I drive a car I just bought without plates in Illinois?

After purchasing a used car from a private seller in Illinois, you will have to get a temporary registration permit (TRP) before you can hit the road. TRP’s are issued by the Secretary of State to those who’ve completed the registration process. A TRP is valid for 90 days and it is used until you receive your standard or vanity plate. You must display the TRP in place of the license plate on the back of your vehicle.

What is a fix-it ticket in Utah?

A fix-it is a method of resolving a vehicle equipment safety violation. It requires you to fix the safety violation and then provide proof to the court that the violation has been fixed. After that, your charge may be dismissed if it meets the criteria for doing so.

Are classic cars exempt from having a front license plate?

While some states may make exceptions for classic cars—which are typically defined as vehicles that are a certain number of years old and still have their original design—it is critical to research and understand your state’s specific regulations. Some states may require classic vehicles, regardless of age or historical significance, to display a front license plate.

Consult your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the official documentation and regulations provided by your state’s transportation authority to determine if your classic car is exempt from having a front license plate. It’s always a good idea to be well-informed and in compliance with the laws that apply to your specific jurisdiction, ensuring a smooth and trouble-free ride for your prized classic car.

How much are penalties for violating license plate laws?

Penalties for violating license plate laws can vary depending on the specific violation and the state in which it occurs.

The exact amounts of fines or penalties can differ significantly from state to state.

1. Mild violations: minor infractions such as improperly displayed or destroyed license plates can result in fines ranging from around $25 to $100, depending on the state.
2. Moderate violations: more serious offenses, like driving without a license plate or displaying an expired or counterfeit plate, may lead to fines ranging from $100 to $200.
3. Severe violations: violations, like using stolen or fictitious license plates, can have more severe consequences. Fines for these offenses can range from $200 to $500 or more, depending on the state.

What are the most common types of insurance?

While there are numerous insurance types offered by insurance companies, here are some of the most common ones:

Car insurance
Homeowners insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Car insurance
Non-owner car insurance
Disability insurance
Motorcycle insurance
Liability insurance
Umbrella insurance
Renters insurance
Travel insurance

Wondering about car insurance requirements for used cars? Our complete used vehicle insurance guide should answer all your questions.

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Is it best to remove a license plate when selling a car?

Different states have different requirements for what happens with the license plates following a private vehicle sale.

Additional Reading

How much do license plates cost?

How long does it take to get license plates by mail?

What size are license plate screws?

Everything you need to know about cleaning license plates

What are digital plates?

What are passenger plates?

How do I find my plate number?

What do I do if my plates get stolen?

Dana Marchlowitz

Contributing Author

Dana is a seasoned executive with a strong background in startups and product management. Currently serving as the Chief Product Officer for PrivateAuto, Dana brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role….