Why many American cars display only a rear license plate

In the United States, license plate rules are set by each state, not the federal government, and roughly 20 states issue only a rear plate for most passenger vehicles while about 30 states plus Washington, D.C., require both front and rear plates. That’s why you’ll see plenty of American cars with only a back plate: they’re registered in states that don’t require one up front. The policy trade-offs include cost savings and aesthetics versus law-enforcement and camera-readability benefits.

Who decides—and what the rules look like across the U.S.

License plate requirements are a state-by-state decision. The result is a patchwork: some states mandate two plates, others issue only one, and a few offer limited exceptions or optional single-plate programs for specific vehicles or plate types. This variation is the main reason American roads feature both one-plate and two-plate cars side by side.

To give a sense of the landscape, here are examples of states that currently issue only a rear plate for most passenger vehicles, contrasted with jurisdictions that require both. This is illustrative rather than exhaustive, because legislatures update these rules periodically.

• Rear-only examples: Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Arizona, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Alabama
• Front-and-rear examples: California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Illinois, Texas, Ohio (until mid-2020; now rear-only)

The big picture: many populous states still require two plates, but a significant minority—especially in parts of the South, Midwest, and Southwest—stick with rear-only policies. Always verify current rules with your state DMV, as there are exceptions and occasional legislative changes.

Why some states choose rear-only plates

States that issue only a rear plate frequently cite budgetary, practical, and consumer-preference reasons. The considerations below typically appear in legislative debates and fiscal analyses.

• Cost savings: Printing and distributing one plate per vehicle cuts metal, manufacturing, mailing, and inventory costs at scale.
• Vehicle design and aesthetics: Many modern vehicles lack factory-drilled front mounting points; owners and automakers often prefer a cleaner front fascia.
• Constituent preference and politics: Lawmakers in some regions hear consistent feedback from drivers and dealers opposing front plates.
• Administrative simplicity: One plate streamlines issuance and replacement logistics, especially for temporary tags and specialty plate programs.

Together, these factors can sway legislatures toward single-plate regimes, particularly when budget pressures are acute and law-enforcement stakeholders do not strongly oppose the change.

Why many states keep front-and-rear plates

Supporters of two-plate rules argue the second plate materially aids public safety, enforcement, and automated systems. These points often surface when states consider dropping front plates.

• Law enforcement identification: Front plates let officers identify oncoming vehicles and assist in pursuits, BOLOs, and roadside checks.
• Camera readability: Tolling gantries, red-light and speed cameras, and parking systems can capture a plate whether a vehicle is approaching or departing.
• ALPR effectiveness: Automated license-plate readers perform better when they can scan both directions and get more angles, improving hit rates in AMBER alerts, stolen-vehicle, and warrant searches.
• Urban and nighttime visibility: In dense traffic or at night, a front plate can be the only readable view before a vehicle passes.

For these reasons, many states—and nearly all large cities with camera-driven tolling or parking enforcement—continue to favor two plates.

Common misconceptions

Because drivers encounter mixed practices nationwide, a few myths persist about plate placement. Here are clarifications that help avoid tickets and confusion.

• There’s no federal rule: The U.S. government doesn’t mandate front plates for passenger vehicles; states do.
• Traveling with one plate can be legal: If your car is legally registered in a rear-only state, other states generally honor that when you’re visiting.
• Dealers aren’t always at fault: Some vehicles ship without a front bracket; in two-plate states, owners need a bracket installed to comply.
• Novelty plates aren’t substitutes: In two-plate states, a decorative front plate does not meet legal requirements and can draw a citation.

Understanding these points helps drivers stay compliant at home and avoid issues on road trips.

Recent changes and trends

The map shifts periodically as legislatures balance costs and enforcement needs. For example, Ohio moved from two plates to rear-only in mid-2020, citing cost and consumer preference. Some states have examined optional single-plate programs (sometimes with an added fee), while others have debated strengthening two-plate rules due to tolling and ALPR deployment. The overall trend has been gradual rather than sweeping: modest movement toward rear-only in some regions, with many high-population states maintaining two plates.

What it means for drivers

Depending on where your vehicle is registered, the practical implications vary. Consider the scenarios below to avoid surprises.

• If your state requires two plates: Install the front bracket and display both; failing to do so can lead to fix-it tickets or fines.
• If your state is rear-only: You’re generally fine without a front plate, but expect that some camera-based systems outside your state may be less likely to read your car when approaching.
• Crossing state lines: Most states honor the registration requirements of your home state, so a rear-only vehicle is typically lawful when traveling elsewhere.
• Special vehicles and exceptions: Motorcycles, trailers, truck tractors, and some specialty plate programs often have distinct rules—check your DMV’s guidance.

In short, compliance hinges on your state of registration, and being prepared for variations will save time and potential penalties.

Bottom line

American cars don’t “only” have rear plates—rather, plate placement is a state decision. Many states require both front and rear plates, while a significant minority issue only a rear plate. The split reflects trade-offs between cost and aesthetics on one side, and enforcement and camera-readability on the other.

Summary

Many U.S. cars display only a back license plate because their home states issue a single rear plate for most passenger vehicles. Other states require both front and rear plates, citing public safety and technology benefits. Since the rules are set by each state and change occasionally, drivers should follow their DMV’s current requirements and understand that reciprocity generally protects them when traveling out of state.

Why do some cars only have a back plate?

It’s a thing that’s regulated by state. A lot of them don’t require a front plate but all require a rear plate.

What state allows no front plate?

A total of 21 states free drivers from having to mount a plate on their front bumper: Alabama, Arizona, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

Why do people not put on the front license plate?

Because people do not want to drill holes into their cars. If you have to damage your car to install it then people wont do it. Car mfgs do not make cars to have a front license plate. Having two license plates on a car is just welfare for the license plate manufactures. Other states are fine with just 1 plate.

Why don’t Teslas have front license plates?

Teslas don’t have front license plates on them because the requirement is determined by the state, not the manufacturer, and owners often choose not to install them for aesthetic reasons or to avoid drilling into their vehicle’s bumper. While Teslas are not exempt from state laws requiring a front plate, owners may receive an add-on kit for the plate from the dealership and choose to keep it in the trunk, or they might opt to install a temporary mount or “sticker” plate to avoid permanent modifications. 
Reasons for the lack of front plates

• Aesthetics: Many Tesla owners are car enthusiasts who are concerned about the appearance of their vehicle and believe a front license plate detracts from the car’s sleek design. 
• Damage to vehicle: Installing a front license plate often requires drilling into the vehicle’s bumper, which can cause damage to the paint or paint protection film. 
• Inconvenience of installation: Tesla provides a front plate mount, but it must be affixed by the owner, either by drilling or by using adhesives. 
• State-specific requirements: The need for a front license plate varies by state. In states that do not require a front plate, the need for one is eliminated. 

What to do if your state requires a front plate

• Use the provided mount: Tesla vehicles are equipped with a front plate mounting kit, which can be found in the trunk at the time of delivery. 
• Consider temporary or adhesive solutions: To avoid damaging the car, some owners use adhesive mounts or “sticker” plates to attach the front license plate without drilling. 
• Risk the ticket: Some owners choose to accept the risk of being ticketed for not having a front plate, especially if the chance of getting caught is low in their area.