Matthew Mincone | January 13, 2025 | Florida Law
If you live in a state like New York, California, or Texas, you might notice something different about vehicles in Florida — they have no front license plate. Unlike car owners in these three and 26 other states, Floridians must only have a single license plate affixed to the rear of their vehicles. This has been the law in Florida since 1972.
The Number Of License Plates Is A State Issue
Twenty-nine states require passenger cars and most other vehicles to display a front and rear license plate. Drivers in the other 21 states do not have to attach a front license plate to their cars and trucks. This difference in practice exists because each state decides for its citizens how many license plates a vehicle should have if registered in that state.
This is a general rule applicable to private passenger cars and trucks. Some vehicles, like large commercial trucks and semi-trailers, may require more than one license plate.
Benefits Of Two License Plates
Having two license plates on a vehicle makes it easier for law enforcement and other state officials to identify it as it passes by. This can be advantageous when police are searching for a drunk driver or a suspect vehicle in an accident. Cameras on toll roads also have an easier time correctly identifying vehicles with a front license plate attached.
Cars with two license plates are also easier to identify after any type of car accident.
Why Does Florida Require Only One Plate?
There are several possible reasons why Florida requires drivers in the state to have only a single license plate on their private motor vehicles.
Avoiding Additional Costs For The State And Motorists
It costs the state additional money to produce enough license plates for every vehicle to have two. This also increases the cost for motorists, who must buy two plates for each vehicle they register. Requiring only a single license plate can be seen as a way to save taxpayers money.
Some Vehicles May Not Be Properly Equipped
While every passenger car has a place to mount a rear license plate, placing a plate on the front of some vehicles can prove more difficult. The curvature or shape of the vehicle’s front may not allow enough space for a full-sized license plate without modification. Other vehicles might have driver’s assist sensors in the front bumper that would be affected by a front license plate.
Aesthetics
Some people do not like how a front license plate looks on a vehicle. A clunky rectangular plate at the front of the car could disrupt the car’s design and visual appeal.
Complying With Florida’s License Plate Law
You must attach your Florida license plate to the rear of your car between 12 and 60 inches off the ground. The numbers on the plate, the word “Florida,” and the plate’s decal should all be plainly visible from at least 100 feet away. Your car must have a white light to illuminate the plate at night so it can be seen from 50 feet away.
Be careful about using license plate frames to display your tag. Any frame or other device that obscures any essential portion of the license plate is illegal.
Floridians Need Only One License Plate
Florida motorists with a private passenger car or truck will need only one license plate affixed to the rear for the vehicle to satisfy Florida’s law. This has been true since 1972, and it does not appear that Florida is poised to change its stance any time soon.
Nevertheless, motorists should familiarize themselves with Florida’s laws and ensure that the one license plate they must have is displayed correctly on their cars.
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