Do You Need a Front License Plate in Texas?

Texas drivers often wonder whether the law still requires a front license plate. With recent legislative changes and varying enforcement across the state, confusion is understandable. However, the Texas Transportation Code remains clear on the matter: most vehicles in Texas are legally required to display both a front and rear license plate. Failure to comply can lead to fines, failed inspections, and even police stops. Here’s what Texas drivers need to know about front license plate requirements in 2026.

What the Law Says About Front License Plates in Texas

The primary statute governing license plate requirements in Texas is Texas Transportation Code § 504.943. This section mandates that:

“A person commits an offense if the person operates on a public highway during a registration period a passenger car or commercial motor vehicle that does not display two license plates, at the front and rear of the vehicle.”

Vehicles That Must Have Two Plates

Under the current law, the following vehicle types must have both front and rear license plates:

• Passenger vehicles (most cars, SUVs, and trucks)
• Commercial vehicles
• Motor homes
• Pickup trucks with a gross weight under 10,000 pounds

Vehicles That May Be Exempt

Some vehicles are legally allowed to operate with only a rear license plate:

• Motorcycles and trailers
• Antique or classic vehicles with qualifying status and special plates
• Certain sports cars or custom-built cars where a front plate would obscure airflow or design, but only if they qualify under specific exemption criteria

If your vehicle doesn’t fall under a legal exemption, you are required to mount and display a front license plate.

What Happens If You Don’t Have a Front License Plate in Texas?

Driving without a front license plate in Texas is considered a traffic violation. The consequences can include:

1. Traffic Stop or Citation

Law enforcement officers can pull you over and issue a citation if your vehicle is missing a front plate. It’s a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $200 under the Transportation Code.

2. Vehicle Inspection Failure

Your car must pass a state inspection annually (or biennially in some counties). Vehicles lacking a front license plate may fail inspection, especially in stricter counties like Travis, Harris, and Dallas. Inspectors are trained to verify that all required safety and legal features, including license plates, are in place.

3. Possible Insurance Implications

While rare, a citation for noncompliance could become part of your driving record and potentially influence your insurance premiums, particularly if it’s not your first offense.

4. Complications in Criminal Investigations

From a public safety standpoint, front license plates assist in identifying vehicles in cases of traffic violations, hit-and-runs, or Amber Alerts. Some law enforcement agencies use automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) that rely on front plate visibility. Lack of a front plate could result in missed identification during important investigations.

Can You Get Pulled Over Just for a Missing Front Plate?

Yes. Under Texas law, driving without a front plate constitutes a primary offense, meaning an officer does not need another reason to initiate a traffic stop. While some departments may not strictly enforce it, others—especially in major metro areas—do.

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How to Mount Your Front Plate Correctly

Texas law requires that the front plate must be:

• Securely fastened in a horizontal position
• Clearly visible and unobstructed
• Mounted to the front bumper or a bracket attached to the front of the vehicle

Windshield mounting is not compliant. Some drivers try to display the plate in the dashboard or front windshield, but this does not meet legal requirements under Transportation Code § 504.945.

What If Your Car Was Not Manufactured With a Front Plate Mount?

This is common with certain high-end sports cars like Ferraris, Corvettes, or Teslas. Unfortunately, Texas law does not provide an exemption for cars that weren’t built with a front plate bracket.

Solutions include:

• Purchasing an aftermarket mounting bracket
• Using a no-drill adhesive mount (common with Teslas and other EVs)
• Employing a removable tow hook plate bracket

Regardless of your vehicle’s design, compliance is mandatory unless you qualify under one of the narrow exemptions mentioned above.

Enforcement Trends: Urban vs. Rural Texas

Enforcement of front license plate laws varies by region:

• Urban areas like Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio often enforce the law strictly—especially during vehicle stops or inspections.
• Rural counties may have more relaxed enforcement, but that does not eliminate your legal obligation.

Anecdotally, drivers report inconsistent enforcement, but the statute applies equally across the state.

Is There Any Movement Toward Eliminating the Front Plate Requirement?

Efforts have been made over the years, usually citing:

• Improved vehicle aesthetics
• Lack of a mounting location
• Reduced manufacturing costs
• Other states’ success with one-plate systems (e.g., Florida, Arizona)

As of 2026, however, Texas continues to uphold the two-plate requirement, and no active bills are pending in the current legislative session to repeal it. Any future changes would require an amendment to the Texas Transportation Code and approval by the Texas Legislature.

Key Takeaways for Texas Drivers

• Yes, front license plates are required for most vehicles registered in Texas.
• The law is enforced under Texas Transportation Code § 504.943.
• Failure to comply may result in a $200 fine, inspection failure, or a traffic stop.
  Displaying the plate on the dashboard or inside the windshield does not meet legal standards.
• Even if your car wasn’t designed for a front plate, compliance is still required unless you have an official exemption.

Consult Dang Law Group for Traffic and Vehicle Law Advice

If you’ve received a citation for a missing front license plate, failed a vehicle inspection, or have questions about compliance with Texas vehicle laws, Dang Law Group can help. Our experienced Austin attorneys understand the nuances of Texas traffic and transportation laws. We can advise you on how to resolve violations, challenge citations, and protect your driving record.

Information verified by lawyer Loc Dang

Loc Dang is a founder and member of our legal team. In this blog, Attorney Dang shares his expertise to guide accident victims.