Anderson Injury Lawyers | September 4, 2025 | Car Accidents
Texas is generally a two-plate state for vehicle license plates. Most vehicles registered in Texas are required to have two license plates. The law requires most passenger cars and light trucks to have a front and rear license plate. While exceptions exist, most vehicle owners in Texas must comply with the two-plate law.
When Does Texas Not Require a Front License Plate?
Several vehicles are exempt from the two-plate state requirements in Texas.
Vehicles that do not require a front license plate include:
- Motorcycles
- Semi-trailers
- Road tractors
- Trailers
Former military vehicles and antique vehicles may also be exempt. If you are unsure whether your vehicle requires one or two license plates, it is best to check with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) when registering your vehicle. Non-compliance with the law could result in penalties.
When Does Texas Not Require a Rear License Plate?
Furthermore, some vehicles may not be required to have a front or back plate if they are not operated on public roads or private roads that cross public roads. Those vehicles include golf carts, ATVs, and neighborhood electric vehicles. If these vehicles are operated on public roads or roads that intersect with public roads, they must have at least one license plate.
Requirements for License Plates on Vehicles Registered in Texas
If your vehicle requires a Lone Star State license plate, you must display it correctly.
The Texas Administrative Code states that the license plate must be:
- Attached to the vehicle at least 12 inches from the ground
- Clearly visible, legible, and readable
- Fastened securely in a horizontal, upright position
- Different from license plates on military and law enforcement vehicles
- Free of vulgar or objectionable words
A vehicle must not have plates registered to another vehicle or type of vehicle. Additionally, individuals are prohibited from adding materials or devices that can reflect or blur the plate, thereby reducing readability. Covers, frames, and other coatings that distort the plate’s visibility are also not allowed.
Penalties for Violating Texas Requirements for Two License Plates
Failing to have the required license plates in Texas can result in a misdemeanor charge and $200 fine. Even though a license plate fell off, it is the owner’s responsibility to replace it to comply with state law. You can often avoid the fine if you correct the problem before you go to court and pay a $10 reimbursement fee.
Why Does Texas Require Two License Plates on Most Vehicles?
A front and rear license plate can help law enforcement officials identify vehicles and help traffic cameras identify vehicles more effectively. However, two license plates have other benefits beyond being tracked by law enforcement.
For example, suppose you are involved in a hit-and-run accident. Witnesses and surveillance cameras have a better chance of seeing the license plate number when there are two plates. Identifying a hit-and-run driver could improve your chances of receiving compensation for your damages.
Can Violating the Texas License Plate Law Impact a Car Accident Claim?
In car accident claims, you generally must prove the elements of negligence to recover compensation. This includes proving that the other driver breached their duty of care and that the breach caused the crash and your injuries.
In some circumstances, a jury may find a driver liable for a crash without proof of negligence. Under negligence per se, the fact that the driver was violating the law during the collision can result in a rebuttable presumption of negligence. It usually only applies to violations of laws enacted for public safety, such as speeding and impaired driving.
Unfortunately, in the case of violating the license plate law, negligence per se would likely not apply. A missing license plate is unlikely to prove negligence, but it is a factor that you should tell your personal injury attorney if you are aware of the fact.
Contact Our Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Texas traffic laws are designed to reduce the risk of traffic accidents. Unfortunately, motor vehicle crashes are among the most common types of personal injury claims.
Contact Anderson Injury Lawyers for a free consultation if you’ve been injured in a car accident. Our Fort Worth car accident lawyers assist accident victims in seeking fair compensation for their injuries and damages.
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.
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