Meredythe Heaton Wilkinson | November 6, 2025 | Car Accidents
If you drive a car or truck in Austin, you might have wondered if you need a license plate on the front of your vehicle. It can be confusing because you see many cars without one. Plus, some states only require a plate in the back. However, Texas is a “two-plate state,” which means the law has a clear answer for most drivers.
Knowing the rules can help you avoid a traffic ticket and potential legal trouble if you are ever in an accident. Continue reading to learn what Texas law says about your license plates.
Texas’s Laws Regarding License Plates
Texas law, as outlined in the Texas Transportation Code, is clear: most motor vehicles registered in the state are required to have two license plates—one on the exterior front and one on the exterior rear.
Texas requires that license plates be:
- Securely fastened to the outside of your car using screws or bolts to attach them firmly
- Clearly visible and easy to read, meaning you cannot cover them with tinted plastic or a frame that blocks the letters or numbers
- Mounted horizontally (straight across)
- Placed at least 12 inches above the ground, measured from the bottom of the plate
The front plate must be on the exterior of the vehicle. Placing it on your dashboard or inside the front window does not meet the legal requirement.
If you don’t have a front license plate when the law requires it, a police officer can pull you over. This is a misdemeanor offense that can result in a fine of up to $200.
Are There Any Exceptions to Texas’s Front License Plate Rules?
While the two-plate rule generally applies to most cars, trucks, and SUVs, there are exceptions for certain types of vehicles.
These vehicles only need to display a single license plate on the rear:
- Motorcycles
- Trailers and semi-trailers
- Road tractors (like the trucks that pull large semi-trailers)
Some antique or classic cars may also have different rules, but for the average passenger vehicle on Austin roads, the law requires both a front and a rear plate. Simply not having a bracket on your car or preferring the look without a front plate is not a valid legal excuse for breaking this rule.
Why Do Some States Require Front License Plates?
States that require both front and rear plates, like Texas, do so for important reasons related to safety and law enforcement. One major goal is to make it easier to identify vehicles in a variety of circumstances:
Law Enforcement
Having a plate on the front and back makes it simpler for police officers to quickly identify a car, whether they are approaching it from the front or the rear. This is helpful for traffic stops, tracking stolen cars, or when searching for a vehicle involved in a crime, such as a kidnapping or bank robbery.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
If a car is involved in a hit-and-run crash, a witness may only get a clear view of the front of the vehicle as it drives away from them. A front license plate can be a crucial piece of evidence in helping victims and police identify the responsible driver.
Toll Roads and Traffic Cameras
Many toll roads in Texas and throughout the country use cameras to take pictures of license plates to charge drivers. Having a front plate increases the likelihood that the system will capture a clear image, which aids in collecting tolls and enforcing traffic laws.
Contact Our Austin Car Accident Lawyers at Heaton McLean Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Following the law and having a front license plate is a simple way to protect yourself from unnecessary fines and traffic stops. While a missing front plate won’t make you at fault for an accident, any interaction with law enforcement can become complicated, especially if you have been in a crash.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash involving a car that broke traffic rules, or if you have other legal questions following an accident, we are here to help. The experienced Austin car accident lawyers at Heaton McLean Personal Injury Lawyers offer clear, straightforward advice and will fight to protect your rights.
Call us to schedule a free consultation today so we can review your case and explain your legal options.
Contact us today at (512) 503-4878 or visit our Austin law office for a free consultation with an Austin personal injury lawyer.
Heaton McLean Personal Injury Lawyers Austin
3933 Steck Avenue, Suite B-115, Austin, TX 78759
(512) 503-4878