Does your state require a front license plate?
More than half of states require that you have a license plate on the front of your car in addition to the one on the back. That means the odds are good that your state does.
It's essential to check with your state to ensure you are complying with all license plate regulations, including placement and cleanliness requirements.
Tip: Even in a state where a front plate is optional, you may choose to add one for increased security and visibility.
Which states require a front license plate and which states don't?
There are 29 states that require a front license plate, while the rest don't. Take a look at the map below to see if your state requires you to have a front plate.
| State |
|---|
| Alaska |
| 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 |
| Utah |
| Vermont |
| Virginia |
| Washington |
| Wisconsin |
| Wyoming |
Why do some states require front license plates?
There are a number of reasons that states require front license plates:
- To identify stolen vehicles. License plate readers (LPRs) use a high-speed camera to photograph passing cars, identify the license plate number, and check it against a "hot list" of violators and stolen vehicles. "Having two plates (front and back) makes it easier to locate stolen cars. This is especially true with police departments that use license plate reader systems," says Steve Albrecht, a retired San Diego police officer.
- To increase a car’s visibility to oncoming traffic. The reflective nature of a front plate makes the car easier to spot at night, helping avoid collisions.
- To make violators easier to catch. Front license plates help red light and speeding cameras catch violators.
- To catch criminals. "A big advantage to having both plates is that witnesses and victims have a better chance of seeing the license plate of suspicious vehicles involved in crimes regardless of which way they're driving," says Trooper Tyler Weerden of the Connecticut State Police.
Many people consider them downright unsightly, especially owners of exotic or classic cars. Still, it's hard to deny that law-enforcement capabilities and public safety are improved by the ability to identify a car from either end.
Legalities and penalties: Front license plate requirements
If you live in a state that requires a front license plate, you could be pulled over. Depending on the state and the officer's judgment, you may face:
- A verbal warning without a ticket
- A "fix-it" ticket that will be removed once you add the front plate and have it verified
- A ticket and a fine
"It's not uncommon for troopers to stop vehicles for license plate violations. Whether a ticket or verbal warning is issued depends upon each situation," says Trooper Weerden.
A front-plate ticket won't affect your car insurance rates, since it's not considered a moving violation.
How to legally mount a front license plate
Vehicle codes differ from state to state, so not all requirements are the same for mounting your front license plate. In general, your plate must be:
- Clearly visible
- Securely fastened
- Unable to swing when mounted
- Mounted right side up
- No more than 60 inches off the ground
- Uncovered
- Intact, with its original reflective coating
FAQ: License plates
How many states require a front license plate?
Twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia have laws requiring front license plates.
What is a valid license plate?
All 50 states, the District of Columbia, Native American tribes and five U.S. territories all have specifications for the appearance of license plates and what makes them valid.
Plates usually require current tags to be valid. In some states, new tags are required every year, while others renew them every two or more years.
Can I put my license plate in the front windshield of my car?
No, you can't put a place in the front windshield. Not only will it not meet the state's requirements for proper placement, it impedes your view of the road and can become a projectile in an accident.
Helpful auto insurance tools and calculators
