Do You Have to Have a Front License Plate in Texas? Texas License Plate Laws

Michael S. Callahan | | Car Accident
front license plate in texas a requirement

Do you have to have a front license plate in Texas? The answer to this question is not as easy as it seems. There are many types of vehicles you’ll find on the Texas roads, from motorcycles to semi-trailers. Do those vehicles fall under the mandatory front license plate requirements?

Failing to follow the front license plate requirements can cost drivers up to $200 in fines. To avoid this, here is an overview of the Texas DMV license plate laws.

Understanding The Requirement: Is a Front License Plate Necessary in Texas?

According to the Texas Transportation Code, Section 504.943 requires all passenger cars and light trucks to carry two license plates. There must be one license plate at the front of the car and one at the back at all times.

Why does every vehicle require a license plate? Law enforcement officials must be able to easily identify vehicles. Visibility is easier when there are license plates at the front and rear of the vehicle.

In addition to visibility, front license plates must be clearly legible and properly secured. Hanging a license plate on your dashboard or near the corner of your windshield is not acceptable.

Complying with Texas DMV license plate laws helps law enforcement officials and yourself. How? Let’s find out.

Reasons For Front License Plate Rule: Safety, Identification, and Compliance

Texas front license plate laws promote the safety of all motorists. Police officers can easily identify a car at a criminal investigation or a traffic stop by the front license plate. This allows them to run the license plate numbers and prevent a tragic situation from happening.

Being able to quickly identify a car is crucial, especially when the car is stolen or involved in a hit-and-run accident. You don’t want to make it harder to find your car due to something as simple as a missing front license plate.

Abiding by the front license plate laws also makes sure that you are complying with the state. Every driver has a duty of care to other motorists and pedestrians. Carrying two license plates ensures that you are maintaining order while operating your vehicle. Police officers don’t have to spend additional time trying to find your identity.

When you don’t carry your front license plate, you may be required to pay a fine of up to $200. If your license plate is also covering up any other information such as the word “Texas”, you may also be penalized.

Exceptions To The Rule: Understanding Circumstances Where Front Plates Are Not Required

However, with all rules, there are exceptions. Not every vehicle is required to carry a front license plate in Texas.

Vehicles that are exempt from the front license plate laws include:

  • Motorcycles
  • Road tractors
  • Semi Trailers
  • Trailers
  • Antique vehicles
  • Former military vehicles

With vehicles like motorcycles, road tractors, and trailers, it is difficult to place a front license plate at the front of the vehicle. If these vehicles have a visible rear license plate, they should be fine.

Front license plate laws also become confusing when the cars involved are classic cars or specialized cars like Teslas. Texas defines classic cars as cars that are at least 25 years old. If you have a classic car, you don’t have to carry a front license plate, but you can apply for an antique rear license plate.

When it comes to Teslas, the answer is more complicated. Some models are designed without a front license plate holder. However, Tesla drivers are still required to abide by the Texas front license plate laws.

Navigating Additional License Plate Laws in Texas: Key Considerations

Having a mandatory front license plate is not the only license plate law that Texas drivers must follow. Some other laws to keep in mind when it comes to Texas DMV license plates include:

  • Legibility. All information on your license plate needs to be as readable as possible. Any coverings or materials that affect the readability of the information on the license plate are prohibited.
  • Registration stickers. Your registration sticker is another marker that must be clearly visible. All information on the sticker must be legible for police officers to see and up to date.
  • Accuracy. All information on your license plate should be correct. If there is a different registration period on your license, or your license is registered under another vehicle, your car could be categorized as a car without a license plate.

FAQ

Can you just have your front license plate on your dashboard in Texas?

Texas law requires drivers to have a visible, securely fastened front license plate on their car. You are not allowed to have your front license plate on your dashboard. Your front license plate must be noticeable to a police officer. They won’t be able to run your license plate numbers if your license plate is in the left-hand or right-hand corner of your dashboard.

Can you drive without a front license plate in Texas?

It depends on the type of car that you are driving. If you are driving a motorcycle, road tractor, semitrailer, or trailer, you are not required to carry a front license plate. Instead, you must have a visible, legible rear end license plate. If you are driving a standard car, you cannot drive without a front license plate in Texas. You are required to carry a front license plate.

Why don’t Teslas have front license plates in Texas?

Due to the designs of some models, Teslas do not have front license plates. However, there are ways that Tesla owners can obtain front license plates at their convenience. There are companies that can install easily removable front license plate holders for any type of Tesla model.

Does Texas require two license plates?

Yes. Texas is a two-plate state. With the exception of some vehicles, all Texas drivers are required to carry a front and rear license plate. These mandatory laws make compliance, identification, and safety easier for police officers and the general public.