Anderson Injury Lawyers | September 30, 2024 | Texas Law
Most Texas drivers know that vehicles registered in the state must have a rear license plate. However, some confusion often arises regarding whether front plates are also required, especially seeing as more than half of the U.S. requires two license plates.
If you’re a Texan, here’s what you need to know about the state’s license plate laws, exceptions to the rules, and the penalties for breaking them.
An Overview of Texas License Plate Laws
The Texas Administrative Code states, with a few exceptions, that vehicles must have both a front and rear license plate.
Additionally, the license plates (including customized plates) must be:
- Clearly visible, readable, and legible
- Free of objectionable or vulgar words
- Easily distinguishable from those on law enforcement and military vehicles
- Securely fastened in an upright, horizontal position
- At least 12 inches from the ground
With these factors in mind, you cannot obstruct any part of the plate with a frame, license plate flipper, or any other object. If your plates or your registration sticker are damaged or stolen, you must apply for a replacement through your county tax assessor-collector’s office.
Vehicles Permitted To Skip the Second License Plate
Though most cars must display two Texas license plates, not all vehicles are bound by that requirement.
According to Texas Transportation Code Chapter 504, the following vehicle classes are exempt from the need for a front license plate:
- Road tractors
- Motorcycles
- Trailers
- Semi trailers
Nevertheless, these vehicles must still be registered with the state and adhere to the same list of qualities discussed above.
Why Texans Need a Front License Plate
As a Texas resident, you might feel as though it’s a hassle or a waste of money to have a front license plate. You may not like the way one looks on your car or fear that it may block cruise control and parking cameras and sensors. However, Texans need front license plates because they represent one of the primary ways the state maintains law and order on its roads.
When drivers have front license plates, law enforcement can more easily identify vehicles and their drivers. They can determine whether the plates are registered to the vehicle or know in advance if they’re dealing with a potential criminal.
Law enforcement officers aren’t the only ones benefiting from the state’s two-plate laws, though. If someone steals your car or your license plate, you’d want officers to have an easy way to catch the perpetrator. The same applies to someone who hurt you in a hit-and-run accident.
What Are the Penalties For Not Having Two Plates?
Not having two plates can result in a misdemeanor charge and a $200 fine. If you get into trouble, you can try to have the charge dismissed by obtaining and correctly installing a front license plate before you go to court and paying a $10 reimbursement fee.
The state’s hope is that the initial charge and fee are serious enough to deter you from driving without a front license plate again. It’s much less of a hassle to simply comply with the law, even if it interferes with the look of your vehicle.
Ensure That You Stay Safe and Compliant on Texas Roads
Texas drivers shoulder a lot of responsibility. From complying with license plate laws to driving safely, you must follow the rules to maintain the privilege of operating a motor vehicle on Texas roadways, and other drivers are obligated to do the same.
If you’re ever injured in a car accident or otherwise harmed because of someone else not following these rules, having someone on your side who is familiar with the law can make all the difference in helping you pursue a case and the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Texas
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth or Dallas and need legal help, contact our personal injury lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office
1310 W El Paso St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 294-1900
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office (Secondary)
6618 Fossil Bluff Dr # 108, Fort Worth, TX 76137
(817) 631-4113
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office
408 W Eighth St Suite 202, Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 327-8000
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office (Secondary)
6301 Gaston Ave suite 610, Dallas, TX 75214
(469) 457-4711
