Many Texas drivers wonder whether they must place front license plates on their vehicles, especially if their car lacks a designated front plate holder or they prefer a cleaner aesthetic. So, does Texas require a front license plate? What are the legal requirements, exemptions, and consequences of not having one? Here’s everything you need to know.
Texas License Plate Laws: Do You Need Two Plates?
Under Texas Transportation Code Section 504.943, all vehicles registered in Texas and operated on public roads must display two license plates: one on the rear and one on the front.
Even if a vehicle comes from the manufacturer without a front plate bracket, owners of Texas-registered vehicles must install an aftermarket bracket to comply with state law.
Drivers must also ensure both plates remain visible and unobstructed. Texas law prohibits covering or obscuring any part of the plate with frames, covers, or other objects. Additionally, vehicles in Houston and throughout Texas must display a registration sticker on the inside of the windshield to indicate plate expiration.
Penalties for Violating Texas License Plate Laws
Failure to comply with Texas license plate laws can result in a citation and a fine of up to $200. However, if a driver corrects the issue before their court date and pays a compliance fee, the court may dismiss the citation.
Why Front License Plates Matter in Texas
Front license plates serve important safety and enforcement purposes:
- Easier identification for law enforcement – Officers can verify a vehicle’s registration from either direction.
- Better traffic enforcement – Red-light cameras and toll booths use front plates to track vehicles more accurately.
- Improved security – Crash victims and eyewitnesses can more easily identify vehicles involved in accidents or crimes.
Motorists who drive without a front license plate risk getting pulled over, as law enforcement officers can use the missing plate as probable cause for a traffic stop.
Which Vehicles Are Exempt from Texas’ Front Plate Requirement?
Certain vehicles do not require a front license plate in Texas, including:
- Motorcycles
- Road tractors
- Certain commercial vehicles, such as semi-trailers
- Dealer-operated vehicles (e.g., test drive vehicles)
If your vehicle falls into one of these categories, you are legally allowed to drive without a front plate.
How to Get a Front License Plate in Texas
When registering a vehicle in Texas, the vehicle’s owner should receive both a front and rear license plate from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, unless their vehicle does not require two plates. If a vehicle’s front plate falls off, the owner can contact the DMV to request replacement plates. Owners must pay the required fees for replacement plates and surrender the vehicle’s back plate.
License Plates and Auto Accidents in Texas
When registering a vehicle, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues two plates unless the vehicle qualifies for an exemption. If a front plate is missing or lost, vehicle owners should request a replacement from the DMV and pay the required fees.
Texas law requires drivers to replace lost, stolen, or damaged plates immediately to remain in compliance.
How Missing License Plates Impact Car Accidents in Texas
Having a front plate can make identifying vehicles involved in car accidents easier, especially in hit-and-run or rear-end collisions. After a crash, always write down the following information:
- License plate numbers (front and rear)
- Make, model, and color of all vehicles
- Contact information of involved drivers and witnesses
Injured in a Car Accident? Contact a Houston Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Houston, having legal representation can help you recover the compensation you deserve. The experienced attorneys at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs can guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights.
Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation and find out how we can help you.
