License plates are the most critical method for identifying a vehicle. Although every vehicle has a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the police can’t see it, since it is usually printed on the inside of the door or the dash. Instead, we rely on license plates to identify cars. If the police stop you, they will also call in the license plate to identify you.
Texas has specific laws regarding license plates, including where you must place them. In Texas, you’ll need to put a license plate on the front of your vehicle and one on the back. Many people find this law annoying, perhaps because their vehicle got into a wreck, and they can’t place the plate in the front like they used to.
Does Texas Require Both Front and Rear License Plates?
Yes, Texas is a two-plate state. With the exceptions noted above, all vehicles are required to display both front and rear license plates. This requirement aids in vehicle identification and enhances safety for law enforcement and the public.
The Texas Administrative Code lays out the requirements for attaching a license plate to your vehicle. You must display two license plates which are clearly visible and legible. One goes on the “exterior front” and one on the “exterior rear.” The plates must be fastened securely at the front and back in an upright horizontal position.
Essentially, the plates cannot hang down because you only attached one corner. The plates need to sit level. Every vehicle today should already have holes drilled into the front and back bumpers and come with screws. You will get a temporary plate when you buy a car. You can then screw in your license plates.
Further, the plates must be at least a foot from the ground when you measure from the bottom. This prevents them from being too low. There are some exceptions when it comes to securing the rear license plate, but the exceptions won’t apply to most people.
Can You Put the Plate in Your Front Window?
No. The Administrative Code is clear that you must attach it to the “exterior” in the front and back. That means outside the vehicle. Placing the license plate in your window is not complying with the administrative code. You could get pulled over and face sanctions for not attaching the license plate properly.
Specialized License Plates
Texas offers many specialized plates. You might end up getting a plate for Veterans, or you can create your own. Plates cannot be vulgar or make direct reference to gangs or other threats. Texas is not obligated to give you whatever plate you want, and they can cancel an offensive plate.
Regardless of the type of plate, however, you need to securely attach it to the exterior of your vehicle, including one plate on the front exterior.
Consequences of Failing to Display a Front Plate
Some people think the front plate is optional, but that’s not the case. We have seen many vehicles with a front plate from the dealership. The driver never attaches the government-issued license plate to the front of the car. As explained above, you need to. Two plates are required.
If you fail to have a front plate properly fixed to the exterior front, the police can stop you. They might further investigate and find other criminal violations. The police can end up fining you and could possibly end up impounding the vehicle. It’s best to simply follow the law.
Unfortunately, some people get into accidents, and it’s expensive to fix their vehicle. The front could be damaged, which means it’s impossible to attach a front plate in the proper position. The good news is Texas drivers should have liability insurance. Whoever caused your accident should have property damage coverage, which should pay to get your vehicle fixed. The front is an essential part of any motor vehicle, so make sure you have quality body work done on your car following a crash.
Can You Use a License Plate Holder?
Some people like to use a holder for their license plates. The holder possibly has a message. It is not illegal to use one, so long as it does not obscure the license plate. Under the administrative code, your license plate must be “readable” and “legible.” That means that the holder cannot obscure any numbers or letters. Make sure to find a license plate holder that’s the right size.
Frequently Asked Questions with Texas License Plates
Texas is a long way from being the frontier state where people could do whatever they want. Instead, the state regulates almost all activity down to the tiniest detail. We receive some questions about license plates, so please make sure you know your obligations under the law.
Is driving without a license plate a type of negligence?
Not really. Negligence refers to a failure to use care. If you are involved in a crash, then we want to know whether a driver caused the accident for failing to drive carefully. It’s unlikely a missing license plate is the cause of an accident.
Why Some Teslas Do not Have Front License Plates in Texas?
Some Tesla models are designed without a front license plate bracket, leading some owners to forgo installing the front plate. Despite this design choice, Texas law requires all passenger vehicles, including Teslas, to display a front license plate. Owners can purchase aftermarket brackets or removable mounts to comply with the law.
Should I photograph the license plate after an accident?
Yes. Having the plate number is a good idea. And since you are taking pictures of the cars after an accident, go ahead and take a photo of the license plate. You can refer to the picture when trying to pull up the license plate number.
Should I tell the police if the license plate is missing?
You certainly want the license plate number for the vehicle. You can certainly tell the officer if the front or back plates are missing.
Speak with an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
The Stano Law Firm is an established personal injury firm serving Katy, Houston, and surrounding areas. We are happy to serve as a resource to the community—especially those members who are badly hurt in car accidents. We have fought (and won) millions of dollars for people hurt in all types of collisions, and we can help anyone hurt in a fender bender or multiple-vehicle pileup on the highway. Give us a call if you were hurt in a collision and need an experienced attorney’s help. You can schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our office.