Which States Require A Front License Plate In The United States?

License plate laws differ from state to state. Some require both front and rear plates, while others are only concerned with a rear plate. That discrepancy often causes confusion among drivers, especially those who frequently travel between state lines.

The Basics Of License Plate Requirements

License plates are the easiest and quickest way to identify vehicles for law enforcement and regulatory purposes. Rear plates are generally required for most vehicles in all states.

As of 2025, the following 31 states require all (or most) vehicles to have both front and rear plates:

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

The remaining 19 states typically only require a rear plate. Their lack of requirement for a front license plate tends to line up with efforts to cut down on costs for drivers. It also makes it easier for people to work with vehicle designs that don’t include a front plate bracket, as they won’t have to worry about fines.

Reasons Behind Front License Plate Laws

States that require front license plates have such laws in place because they seem to offer several benefits, such as:

Ease of Identification for Law Enforcement: Having two plates lets police identify offenders’ vehicles more easily, especially when they’re parked or involved in traffic violations.
Improved Public Safety: In hit-and-run accidents or other crimes, witnesses are more likely to see a front plate, which increases the chance of identifying and finding a suspect vehicle.
Traffic Enforcement: Automated tools like red-light cameras and speed enforcement systems rely on front plates for accurate identification.

Despite these, states without front plate requirements often argue that such benefits are minimal compared to the potential cost savings and convenience of only needing a rear plate.

Texas And Front License Plates

Since Texas is a two-plate state, most cars on the road will need both plates displayed and maintained. As such, for Texas residents, the requirement for a front plate means they need to be mindful that they’re following the law.

The rule for two plates generally applies to both personal and commercial vehicles, including those used for special purposes like deliveries or transports. Some exceptions, though, include those that weren’t made with a front plate bracket. Road tractors, motorcycles, trailers, antique vehicles, and former military vehicles are also not required to have both plates.

Additionally, those driving through states that only require rear plates don’t have to worry about following Texas’ front plate rules. That’s particularly helpful for commercial drivers and long-term visitors who often travel across state lines. They won’t face temporary compliance measures or enforcement related to front plates in these areas.

If you’re not sure about your specific situation, it’s always best to check with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to avoid fines and other potential issues.

Stay Informed About License Plate Laws

All drivers should know the laws about front license plates, particularly if they live in or travel to other states with different requirements. Texas residents might not need front plates, but anyone headed to a state with stricter laws should look into the regulations to avoid surprise fines.

Contact the Dallas Personal Injury Law Firm of Bush Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers LLC Today For Help

For more information, please contact the Dallas personal injury law firm of Bush Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

Our office is conveniently located in Dallas, near the Dallas Downtown Historic District. We serve statewide throughout Texas.

Bush Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers LLC