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During teenage years, everyone dreams of driving a vehicle; also, people of all ages aspire to drive. Apart from wishes, it includes some social responsibilities too, like obtaining a legal driving license and keeping it while driving, having necessary documents while driving, and, importantly, driving the vehicle with a license plate. Some states have different rules about having license plates on vehicles.

Texas is the most populous state in the South Central region of the United States. It is also referred to as the “Lone Star State” with a large population. This Lone Star State is renowned for its iconic map, rich history, unique culture, diverse cities, and famous landmarks. Here the laws about license plates are very strict. The main question that arises among people about the driving license plate is, “Do I need a front license plate in Texas?”

It is a fair and common question; simply the answer is ‘Yes.’ When you are driving in cities like Austin or Dallas or out in rural West Texas, you must be well-informed about the Texas front license plate law. This can help you avoid getting ticketed or running into legal issues during inspections.

Many people in Texas are even unaware of the license plates and their consequences. Let’s understand the laws behind the front license plate and what’s required in the Lone Star State.

Table of contents

1 Why License Plate Rules Matter in Texas
2 Understanding the License Plate Requirements
3 How to Comply with License Plate Requirements in Texas
4 Key Takeaways

Why License Plate Rules Matter in Texas

Texas and the other 28 states are mandated to display both front and rear license plates. Failing to display a second license plate, which is the front one, can result in fines and affect future driving records. In the case of an accident or any issues, having both plates is essential for establishing liability and gathering evidence for legal claims.

The dual plate system matters and has many benefits, such as faster identification in emergencies and prominent vehicle tracking. It can lead to concerns about installation costs, vehicle aesthetics, and potential damage from plate mounting. If you’re driving a new car off the lot or registering a used vehicle from another state, understanding license plate requirements is part of staying legal.

Understanding the License Plate Requirements

What does the plate law say? The Texas Transportation Code, Sec. 504.943, clearly answers every question about the license plates.

Requires that every motor vehicle must mount two license plates, one on the front and one on the rear.
That plate should be securely fastened and clearly visible.
Requires vehicles to have a valid safety inspection certificate and be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Violations of these plate rules can lead to fines up to $200.

Apart from the requirements, there are some exceptions, but they are limited. For certain types of vehicles, Texas enables some exceptions. They are:

25-year-old or older vehicles that are used for exhibitions, road shows, and parades.
Motorcycles require only one plate.
For trailers, the rear plate is enough.
Some imported sports cars or exotics that were not manufactured with front plate mounts. That’s why they are into the exception.

Ensure your vehicle falls into the category with the Texas local DMV or county tax office; if it does, you can qualify for an exemption.

How to Comply with License Plate Requirements in Texas

Check your vehicle with the Texas local DMV or county tax office. Whether your vehicle may be an antique, motorcycle, trailer, or any sport or specialty vehicle, it may enter an exemption. If your vehicle does not fall into any of the above categories, it is mandatory to display both front and rear license plates.
Install the license plate; the plate must be mounted to the front bumper, not inside the windshield of the vehicle.
Mounting and placing the front license plate on the dashboard or under the windshield wipers is illegal. That must be visible in front of the vehicle.
Registration and renewal of the plate should be properly followed and updated. These conditions are suitable for both license plates. Keep your plates clean, undamaged, and readable.

Key Takeaways

Texas law requires front and rear license plates for most vehicles unless the vehicle is exempt.
Antique cars, motorcycles, and certain trailers are exceptions in Texas.
Improper license plate placement, like on the dashboard, is unacceptable and considered a violation.
Violation led to fines that can reach up to $200 for not displaying both plates.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil.

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