The Definitive List: 29 US States That Still Require A Front License Plate In 2025 (Plus Recent Changes)
As of December 25, 2025, the debate over vehicle aesthetics versus public safety continues to divide the nation, with approximately 29 states and the District of Columbia still mandating the use of two license plates—one on the front and one on the rear of a vehicle. This requirement, often viewed as an outdated nuisance by car enthusiasts, remains a critical tool for law enforcement and modern infrastructure, including automated toll collection systems.
Staying informed about your state's specific vehicle code is crucial, as non-compliance is typically considered a non-moving violation that can result in significant fines. Furthermore, the landscape is constantly shifting: recent legislative changes in states like Utah and Nebraska demonstrate a growing trend to abolish the dual-plate requirement, making the current list of "two-plate states" a dynamic and ever-changing roster.
The Definitive List: 29 States That Require a Front License Plate (as of 2025)
The United States is almost evenly split on the issue, with 29 states plus the District of Columbia currently requiring two license plates, and 21 states requiring only a rear plate. This dual-plate mandate applies to most passenger vehicles, though there are often specific exemptions for motorcycles, historical vehicles, and certain commercial trucks.
The following states currently require both a front and rear license plate on most vehicles:
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio (Note: Ohio eliminated the requirement in 2020, but some sources still list it due to a historical split, though current law is single-plate. Always verify local law.)
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Utah (Note: Requirement abolished starting January 1, 2025)
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- District of Columbia (D.C.)
Single-Plate States (21 States):
The states that currently require only a single, rear license plate are: Alabama, Arizona, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wyoming. (Note: Some sources have minor discrepancies due to recent or pending changes, but this list represents the majority of single-plate states).
The Legislative Shift: Recent Changes in Utah and Nebraska
The movement to eliminate the front plate requirement is gaining significant legislative momentum, driven by constituents who prioritize vehicle aesthetics and lawmakers seeking to reduce government costs. The two most recent and significant changes highlight this trend:
Utah Abolishes the Front Plate (Effective January 1, 2025)
In a major victory for car enthusiasts and manufacturers, Utah officially abolished the requirement for a front license plate, with the new law taking effect on January 1, 2025. This legislative change makes Utah the latest state to transition to a single-plate system, citing reduced costs for plate production and a response to the public's desire to maintain the original design of their vehicles. This move immediately updates the list of two-plate states.
Nebraska's Future Change (Effective January 1, 2029)
Adding to the legislative buzz, Nebraska passed a law in April 2025 that will remove the requirement for front license plates, though the change will not take effect until January 1, 2029. This long-term phase-out provides a clear signal of the state's direction while giving law enforcement and infrastructure agencies time to adapt their systems, particularly those related to automated tolling and surveillance.
Why the Divide? Law Enforcement, Tolls, and Aesthetics
The core of the front license plate debate lies in a conflict between public safety/infrastructure needs and personal/aesthetic preferences. Understanding these competing interests provides clarity on why the law varies so much across state lines.
The Case For Two Plates: Law Enforcement and ALPR
The primary argument in favor of dual plates is public safety and ease of identification. A front plate allows law enforcement officers, witnesses, and automated systems to identify a vehicle regardless of its direction of travel.
- Identifying Fleeing Vehicles: If a vehicle is involved in a crime, a front plate is crucial for identification as the vehicle approaches or passes a police officer.
- Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR): Many cities and highways utilize sophisticated ALPR technology for surveillance, crime prevention, and tracking stolen vehicles. These cameras are often mounted on overpasses or police cars and rely on the front plate to capture data on oncoming traffic.
- Toll Collection: The proliferation of electronic tolling and express lanes (like EZ-Pass or TxTag) means that cameras are often positioned to photograph the front of the vehicle for billing purposes. Without a front plate, billing becomes more complex, often relying on less-reliable vehicle registration lookups.
The Case Against Two Plates: Aesthetics and Cost
Opponents of the dual-plate system—often car manufacturers and enthusiasts—argue that the front plate ruins the vehicle’s design, especially on sports cars where the bumper is engineered for aerodynamics and visual appeal. Furthermore, the cost of manufacturing and distributing millions of additional plates is a significant expense that could be eliminated. States like Ohio, which removed the requirement in 2020, cited cost savings as a major factor.
What's the Penalty for Non-Compliance? Fines and Consequences
Ignoring the two-plate requirement in a mandated state can be a costly mistake. The penalty for not having a front license plate is typically classified as a non-moving violation, similar to a parking ticket, but the fines can be substantial.
- Texas: In Texas, driving without a front plate can result in a fine of up to $200, often classified as a Class C misdemeanor.
- Colorado: In Colorado, the violation is classified as a Class B traffic infraction, with fines ranging from $15 to $100.
- General Range: Across most two-plate states, fines for non-compliance generally range from $50 to $200.
- Additional Penalties: In some jurisdictions, repeated violations or failure to correct the issue can lead to more severe penalties, including vehicle registration suspension.
It is important to note that many modern luxury and electric vehicles are not designed with a dedicated front plate bracket. In these cases, drivers in two-plate states must use specialized mounting hardware, such as tow-hook mounts or adhesive brackets, to comply with the law and avoid a ticket.
The Future of License Plate Requirements
The trend is clear: more states are considering eliminating the front license plate requirement. As technology advances, the reliance on a physical front plate for tolling may decrease, though law enforcement's need for visual identification remains a strong counter-argument.
For now, drivers must remain vigilant. If you are planning a road trip or moving to a new state, always check the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website. The recent changes in Utah and the planned change in Nebraska serve as a reminder that the list of two-plate states is continually shrinking, making this a hot topic in state legislatures nationwide.
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