This map shows which U.S. states require vehicles to display both front and rear license plates and which require only a rear plate. While every state issues a rear plate, requirements for a front plate vary widely, creating a patchwork of vehicle regulations across the country.
Today, 31 states require both front and rear license plates, while 19 states generally require only a rear plate for most passenger vehicles. States that require two plates often cite improved law enforcement, toll collection, parking enforcement, and traffic camera identification. States with rear-only requirements typically point to lower costs, reduced administrative expenses, and fewer mounting issues for modern vehicles.
License plate laws have evolved over more than a century of automobile ownership. As vehicles became more common in the early 1900s, states developed their own registration systems, resulting in the variety of rules that still exist today. Some states have even changed their requirements in recent years after weighing the costs and benefits of maintaining front plates.
One interesting detail is that several sports car manufacturers design vehicles without a dedicated front license plate mount. In states that require front plates, owners often install special brackets or aftermarket mounts to comply with the law while minimizing changes to the vehicle's appearance.