April 28, 2025 | Texas Law

Front License Plates: Which US States Require Them?

Many states require vehicles to have both rear and front license plates. However, the laws vary depending on the state. Some states have exceptions allowing specific vehicles not to have front license plates. Keep reading to find out if you live in a state with front license plate laws in 2025.

States That Require a Front License Plate

Do you have a front license plate? If you live in one of these states, your state has laws that require a front license plate on motor vehicles:

Drivers should refer to their local Department of Motor Vehicles for their state’s most current laws and regulations. For example, the Texas DMV provides the current registration requirements for vehicles in Texas. Failing to abide by the laws in your state for registration and licensing of motor vehicles could result in fines and other penalties.

States That Do Not Require a Front License Plate

Your vehicle may have a front license plate mount in these states, but you are not required to have an official front license plate. Instead, you could have a decorative plate, such as a plate that identifies your favorite college football team or organization.

While the above states might not require a front license plate as of the date of this blog, laws can change. It is essential to verify the laws in your state to ensure you comply with the most current requirements. Otherwise, you could be fined if the laws change and you fail to comply.

Why Is There No National Law for Front License Plates in the United States?

Each state has the authority to enact laws governing the vehicles registered within the state. Various factors impact a state’s decision on whether to require front license plates for motor vehicles. Cost may be one of the primary reasons for varying laws.

The vehicle owner and the state incur extra costs requiring front license plates. The costs for managing and producing license plates vary. Some states do not see the advantage of front license plates being worth the cost of requiring the plates.

Other states may view front license plates as essential for identification purposes. It may be easier for law enforcement to identify vehicles when they have front license plates. States that utilize traffic cameras may require front license plates to help with identification for traffic violations.

Changes in leadership within the government could result in changes in state laws. The changes in public opinion could also result in changes to the law.

Exceptions and Exemptions to Requirements for Front License Plates

States requiring front license plates may exempt some vehicles from the requirement. Vehicle owners should check with their state to determine available exemptions because the laws vary from state to state.

For example, Texas Transportation Code §504.943 requires that light trucks and passenger vehicles have both front and rear license plates. A driver may be fined up to $200 for failing to have both license plates on their vehicle. A primary reason for front license plates in Texas is to aid in identification by law enforcement officers.

However, Texas makes exceptions to the front license plate law for some vehicles. Motorcycles, road tractors, semi-trailers, and travel trailers are exempt. These vehicles only require a rear license plate. As discussed above, the laws for front and rear license plates may change, so owners should always check for the most recent laws to ensure compliance.A front license plate can also help identify drivers in hit-and-run accidents. Car accidents can cause severe injuries and financial losses for victims. Contact a Dallas car accident lawyer if you or your family members are injured in a car accident in Texas. You may be able to recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages.

Contact The Dallas Car Accident Law Firm of Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Dallas, TX, contact us for more information, please contact the experienced Dallas car accident lawyers at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers today. We offer free consultations.

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