Jason Stephens | February 20, 2025 | Car Accidents
Many Texas drivers are surprised to learn they could face a ticket for how they display their license plates. Texas law requires most cars to have two license plates—one in front and one in back. According to Texas Transportation Code Section 504.943, if you don’t show both plates, you could pay a fine of up to $200. This rule applies to most cars, trucks, and SUVs in Texas.
The front plate must be outside your car’s front end. Putting it on your dashboard or behind the windshield isn’t enough. The plate needs to sit flat and be easy to see from at least 12 feet away.
Some drivers ask if the police really check for this. The answer is yes, they do. Police in Texas often give tickets for license plate problems. Failure to display two license plates is a misdemeanor and probable cause to make a traffic stop. This means the police can stop your car if they see you’re missing a front plate, which might lead them to find other problems.
If you have questions about Texas’s license plate requirements or how they might affect you, consulting a Fort Worth car accident attorney may be wise. A knowledgeable attorney can provide guidance specific to your situation, especially if you need legal assistance after an accident.
Texas Law on License Plates
In Texas, the law requires cars to have both front and back license plates. If you don’t have both plates, it is against the law, and you may have to pay a fine. This rule helps police officers quickly identify cars from the front and back, making the roads safer.
Exceptions in Texas to the Two-Plate Rule
While most cars need two plates, some vehicles don’t have to follow this rule. Here’s what you need to know about exceptions:
- Motorcycles and trailers only need one plate on the back because they don’t have a good spot to put a plate in front.
- Old cars listed as antiques might get permission from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to use just one plate.
- Cars built without a spot for a front plate might not need one, but owners must get special approval and papers first.
These rules have specific details that car owners must follow carefully.
Importance of Proper License Plate Display
License plates do more than identify your car. They help with safety and law enforcement in several ways, including:
- Police use plates to find cars involved in accidents, helping them gather facts and write reports quickly.
- Emergency teams get information from plates when they respond to problems, which helps them work faster.
- Toll roads and parking lots use cameras to read plates, so they need to see them clearly.
These advantages give insight into why Texas takes missing plates seriously.
Common License Plate Violations
Most drivers try to follow the rules, but sometimes they make mistakes. Here are the most common problems that lead to tickets:
- Dirty or covered plates that are hard to read because of mud, trash, or plastic covers.
- Loose or crooked plates that hang wrong or sit at odd angles.
- Old plates with peeling paint or rust make the numbers hard to read.
Checking your plates regularly can avoid these problems. Here’s how to keep your plates in good shape:
- Clean both plates with soap and water, but don’t use strong chemicals that could damage them.
- Check the screws and holders monthly to make sure the plates stay tight and straight.
- Look at your plates often for damage, especially after bad weather or minor accidents.
These simple steps help you stay within the law.
Consequences Of Non-Compliance
While it may not seem important, in Texas, failure to correctly display license plates is taken seriously. Not following license plate rules can cause several problems, including:
- You might pay up to $200 for each ticket; repeat tickets could cost more.
- If the police stop you for a plate problem, they might find other issues and give you more tickets.
- Your car insurance rates could increase if you get too many tickets.
These problems show why it’s important to display your plates correctly.
Legal Impacts on Car Accidents
Knowing the rules about license plates is important, especially in car accidents. If you’re in an accident, having a front license plate can be crucial evidence to help figure out what happened and who is at fault.
Having both plates makes gathering information needed in legal cases involving personal injury claims easier. Lawyers often need clear evidence to make strong arguments, so front plates can be very helpful.
What Should You Do?
If you’re driving in Texas, ensure your vehicle complies by having both front and rear license plates attached. This keeps you within the law and helps maintain safety and efficiency on the roads. Double-check your vehicle’s setup; if there isn’t space for a front plate, consult a professional to install one without damaging your car.
Contact Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney at Stephens Law, PLLC
If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident in Fort Worth, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you obtain a copy of your police report and navigate the claim process.
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 406
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
109 York Ave Suite #201
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 409-7000
