What states need front license plates

There are a couple of states that are in the midst of deciding if they want to continue requiring two plates. Right now, these states do not require two license plates on passenger vehicles.

States have laws that say how license plates must be mounted. These laws don't actually specify if you can or can't place the plate in your windshield. However, it is specified that they are securely fastened, so they don't swing; they must be clear and visible, upright, and so many feet above the ground. If an officer pulls you over, you may get a fix-it ticket saying you must mount your license plate correctly to the bumper or grill.

Besides that, a license plate in your windshield can cause a great deal of harm if you're ever in an accident. It is sharp metal and can become a flying projectile, harming either you or your passengers. Whether a ticket or verbal warning is issued depends upon each situation," says Trooper Weerden. Get Quotes. Written by: Kathryn Pomroy Reviewed by: Michelle Megna Michelle is a writer, editor and expert on car insurance and personal finance.

Compare Auto Insurance Quotes Please enter valid zip. I am married. I own my home. If the vehicle is fleeing a crime or accident scene it could become difficult to read the plates to relay the important information to law enforcement.

When only one plate is required, it makes it more difficult for the authorities and witnesses to correctly identify the plate of the vehicle involved especially in a traumatic situation. Vanity plates are issued in every state, including the District of Columbia.

Vanity plates are customized plates that allow vehicle owners to express their individuality through their license plates. The DMV has regulations on what can be on a customized plate, disallowing anything offensive, vulgar, or misleading.

Vanity plates have an additional charge for customization, and actually, improve law enforcement's ability to read your plate. Vanity plates can be dangerous to an extent, with some drivers choosing to boast about their level of income through their vanity plate; leaving them more susceptible to thieves.

The DMV does its best to limit what is presented on driver's license plates, but some drivers find ways to trick the system. Most states have a license plate database that allows you to see if your vanity plate idea has already been taken by someone else in your state. When individuals have the same idea for a custom plate, variations of the plate surface. Vermont recently proposed legislation that would allow drivers to choose from one of six emojis to add to their vanity plates in addition to the normal numbers and letters.

Similar to the front license plate debate, lawmakers and drivers alike are split on their approval of adding emojis to license plates. License plate laws regarding both plates are generally straightforward.

Plates need to be valid and fully visible. They need to be properly mounted on the car in the designated space without obstruction. All numbers, letters, stickers, and other identification on the plate should be fully visible. Plates should not be muddy or marred with debris, and some states even ban plastic covers due to the glare they cause.

Drivers are not allowed to customize their plates by cutting them or filing down the edges, they have to remain stock as sent to them by the department of motor vehicles DMV. Car manufacturers and dealers are not allowed to distribute passenger vehicles with only one plate in states that require two plates. Occasionally license plate laws come up for debate in state governments. In , several states attempted to introduce bills to amend license plate requirements in the two-plate states.

Chelsea Platz Professional. How do I put a front license plate without drilling the bumper? Expose the tow hook mounting point by removing the cap. Attach the no-hole adapter bolt to the tow hook by inserting the bolt and using the included wrench to tighten it in place.

Attach the license plate bracket to the bolt, then use the lock washer to tighten the bracket in place. Alizia Reichelson Explainer. How many states require front plates? Jinane Pless Explainer. Are you required to have a front license plate in California? Passenger vehicles display two license plates -- one plate on the front of the car and one plate on the back of the car.

Kirby Mullerheim Explainer. Are front license plates required in Colorado? Colorado laws require most cars to carry two license plates , one on the front end and one on the rear end of the car.

Motorcycles and trailers are excluded from this regulation and are only required to display one license plate at the rear of the car. During this period, you are required to obtain plates for your car.

Selim Guizan Pundit. What state has a yellow license plate? Sharell Gocke Pundit. How much is a ticket for no front license plate in California? Haiyong Persaud Pundit. You have no items in your shopping cart. Comments 0. Have you been wondering why some cars only have rear license plates or what states require one or two license plates?