Do You Need a Front License Plate in Texas?
Yes, Texas requires two license plates. Under Texas Transportation Code § 504.943, you must display a license plate on both the front and rear of your vehicle. Driving without a front plate is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $200, and it gives police probable cause to stop you at any time.
That said, if you drive anywhere in Texas, you’ll see countless vehicles without front plates passing right by officers without getting stopped. Many vehicle manufacturers don’t include front plate brackets, and cars purchased from states like Oklahoma or Louisiana (which only require rear plates) arrive without them.
So should you install one? The legal answer is yes. The practical answer depends on your circumstances.
What Are the Risks of Not Having a Front License Plate?
The biggest risk isn’t the $200 fine. It’s the probable cause.
Without a front plate, an officer can legally pull you over at any time, for any reason. If you’re driving through a high-crime neighborhood or heading home after having a drink, that missing plate gives police an easy justification to stop you. What starts as a simple traffic violation can escalate quickly if an officer claims to smell marijuana, leading to a search, potential arrest, and serious charges.
At Varghese Summersett, we’ve represented clients whose DWI arrests began with exactly this scenario. A missing front plate turned a routine drive home into a life-altering criminal case. If there’s any chance you, a passenger, or your vehicle shouldn’t be searched, get the front plate installed.
On the other hand, if you drive a collector car that only sees Sunday mornings on empty roads, you might decide the aesthetic trade-off isn’t worth it. Just understand the risk you’re accepting.
What Does Texas Law Say About License Plate Display?
Texas Transportation Code Section 504.943 makes it a misdemeanor offense to operate a motor vehicle on a public highway without displaying two license plates. The fine can reach $200.
The Texas Department of Public Safety sets the specific placement rules. Under Title 43 Texas Administrative Code Rule 217.27, both plates must be mounted horizontally on the exterior of the vehicle (front and rear), at least 12 inches from the ground, and securely fastened. Placing your front plate inside the windshield does not satisfy this requirement.
You can also be stopped under Transportation Code Section 546.322 if your plate isn’t clearly visible from 50 feet at night. Dirty, damaged, or obstructed plates give officers another reason to pull you over.
Why Did Texas Briefly Stop Enforcing the Two-Plate Rule?
Between January 2012 and September 2013, Texas technically required two plates but had no penalty for violating the rule. When the legislature reorganized the Transportation Code in 2012, they accidentally removed the enforcement provision. During those 20 months, officers couldn’t issue valid citations for missing front plates, and traffic stops made solely for this reason could be challenged in court.
The legislature fixed this oversight effective September 1, 2013. Today, the law has teeth again, and a missing front plate is a citable offense.
Why Does Texas Require Two License Plates?
A 2012 study by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute examined this question. Their conclusion: front plates make automated enforcement possible. Red-light cameras, toll readers, and automatic plate readers all work better when they can photograph vehicles from multiple angles. Two plates also help law enforcement track stolen vehicles and identify hit-and-run suspects.
Texas joins 30 other states and Washington, D.C. in requiring front and rear plates. Notably, every state bordering Texas (Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Louisiana) requires only a rear plate. This creates practical complications for Texans who buy vehicles across state lines.
Which States Require Two License Plates?
Thirty-one states require both front and rear plates. Nineteen states require only rear plates. Here’s the complete breakdown:
Can I Put My License Plate in the Front Windshield?
No. Texas law requires the front plate to be mounted on the exterior front of the vehicle, not inside the windshield or dashboard. Under Title 43 Texas Administrative Code Rule 217.27, the plate must be securely fastened in a horizontal position at least 12 inches above the ground.
A plate propped on your dashboard or taped to your windshield doesn’t satisfy Texas requirements. If you’re stopped, you can still be cited for improper display.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas License Plates
Is Texas a two-plate state?
Yes. Texas requires license plates on both the front and rear of your vehicle under Transportation Code § 504.943.
What is the fine for no front license plate in Texas?
Up to $200. The offense is classified as a misdemeanor.
Can police pull me over just for a missing front plate?
Yes. A missing front plate gives officers probable cause to initiate a traffic stop at any time.
Do all Texas vehicles need front plates?
Most do. Motorcycles, trailers, and certain other vehicle types have different requirements. Standard passenger vehicles must display both plates.
What if I bought my car in Oklahoma or another one-plate state?
You still need to install a front plate once you register the vehicle in Texas. The DMV will issue two plates when you register.
Arrested After a Traffic Stop? We Can Help.
What begins as a stop for a missing license plate can quickly become something far more serious. If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime following a traffic violation in Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, or anywhere in Texas, Varghese Summersett can help.
Our team of over 70 attorneys and staff includes former prosecutors and board-certified criminal defense specialists. We’ve handled thousands of cases that started with routine traffic stops. Call us at (817) 203-2220 for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and build a defense strategy tailored to your situation.
