Do you need a front license plate in Idaho?

Yes. For most passenger vehicles registered in Idaho, it is illegal to drive without a front license plate; Idaho Code §49-428 requires both a front and a rear plate. Limited exceptions exist (for example, motorcycles, trailers, and truck-tractors), but standard cars and light trucks must display two plates or risk a traffic infraction.

Contents

What Idaho law requires
Vehicles that do not need a front plate
Penalties and enforcement
How to comply if your vehicle lacks a factory front bracket
Bottom line

What Idaho law requires

Idaho Code §49-428 (Display of Plates) directs that vehicles assigned two plates must mount one on the front and one on the rear, with the registration decal displayed on the rear plate. Plates must be securely fastened, clearly visible, and kept free of mud, snow, covers, or frames that obscure numbers, letters, the state name, or registration stickers. In practice, that means a front plate is mandatory on most everyday cars and pickups.

Vehicles that do not need a front plate

Idaho law includes specific categories of vehicles that are issued only one plate or are otherwise exempt from the two-plate rule. The following list outlines common exceptions recognized under Idaho’s vehicle code.

Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles: issued and required to display a single rear plate.

Trailers and semitrailers: issued and required to display a single rear plate.

Truck-tractors (semi-tractors): typically display a single plate on the front.

Vehicles operating on valid temporary permits: paper permits are displayed as directed (generally at the rear) until permanent plates are issued.

Other special-purpose vehicles expressly covered elsewhere in Title 49 (for example, certain implements of husbandry or vehicles legally exempt from plate display under specific programs).

If your vehicle falls into one of these categories or is issued only a single plate by the Idaho Transportation Department, a front plate is not required. Otherwise, you should expect to display both plates.

Penalties and enforcement

Driving a standard passenger vehicle in Idaho without a required front plate is a traffic infraction. Law enforcement can stop a vehicle for a missing or obscured plate, and fines are assessed according to Idaho’s infraction schedule and local court costs. Some officers may issue a correctable (fix-it) citation at their discretion, but you should not rely on that outcome. Keeping plates clean, legible, and unobstructed helps avoid stops and citations.

How to comply if your vehicle lacks a factory front bracket

Many modern vehicles are sold without a pre-installed front plate bracket. If you live in Idaho and your vehicle requires two plates, here are practical ways to mount the front plate without damaging the car or blocking sensors.

Ask the dealer or manufacturer for the OEM bracket designed for your bumper; it typically fits cleanly and securely.

Use no-drill solutions such as tow-hook receiver mounts or adhesive-backed brackets designed for curved bumpers.

Ensure the plate remains fully visible and not covered by frames, tints, or protective covers that obscure characters or stickers.

Avoid mounting locations that interfere with radar sensors, cameras, or active grille shutters; choose a position the plate is clearly visible from the front.

Check that fasteners hold the plate firmly to prevent it from swinging or becoming illegible due to vibration or debris.

These approaches let you comply with Idaho law while protecting vehicle components and maintaining plate visibility.

Bottom line

In Idaho, most passenger vehicles must display both front and rear plates. If your vehicle is one that the state issues only a single plate for—such as a motorcycle, trailer, or truck-tractor—then a front plate is not required. Otherwise, failing to mount a front plate can result in a traffic infraction. For the exact statutory language, see Idaho Code §49-428 and related provisions in Title 49.

Summary

It is generally illegal to not have a front license plate in Idaho on standard cars and light trucks. Idaho Code §49-428 mandates two plates—front and rear—unless your vehicle is in a category that legally uses a single plate (e.g., motorcycles, trailers, truck-tractors, or vehicles on temporary permits). Plates must be securely mounted, fully visible, and unobstructed to avoid an infraction.

What are the rules for license plates in Idaho?

In Idaho, two plates are the default requirement for many vehicles—one on the front and one on the back. Unless you qualify for an exemption and have registered your vehicle accordingly, driving without a front plate could result in a fine. It’s important to make sure to stay up to date on local laws and changes.