# Do You Need a Front License Plate in Texas? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Does Texas Require a Front License Plate? 2. Why Have Front and Back License Plates? 3. Penalties For Driving Without a Front License Plate in Texas 4. Exceptions To Texas Front License Plate Requirements 5. License Plates and Auto Accidents in Texas 6. Contact a Houston Car Accident Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim There is much confusion concerning license plate requirements around the U.S. One of the most important of these that several states, including [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/), enforce for their drivers is the appearance of a front license plate. ## Does Texas Require a Front License Plate? The short and simple answer here is yes. Texas law [requires drivers to have license plates](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.504.htm) in both the back and the front of their vehicles. But in order to have both of these in the Lone Star State, [registration](https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/register-your-vehicle#:~:text=To%20get%20your%20Texas%20license,title%20from%20your%20previous%20state.) is mandatory. You must visit the local county tax assessor’s or collector’s office with certain documentation, including proof of insurance and vehicle ownership, such as your title or registration from a previous state. You must also provide [evidence](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/understanding-evidence-in-a-personal-injury-case/) of a passed [vehicle inspection](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/car-inspection-laws-in-texas/). ### Texas Front License Plate Law Along with having both front and back license plates, Texas law denotes other requirements for vehicles, such as: - Registration Sticker: The registration sticker, which indicates when a vehicle’s license plate expires, must be affixed to the inside of its windshield.  - Visible License Plates: Both front and back license plates must be visible at all times, unobstructed by any frame, cover, or other object. Understanding Texas [license plate laws](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/do-you-need-a-front-license-plate-in-texas/)can help ensure you remain compliant and avoid unnecessary penalties. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Why Have Front and Back License Plates? Having to get two license plates may seem like an inconvenience, but they serve important functions. Two plates help maintain order on hectic [Texas roads and safety](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/10-safety-tips-for-driving-on-slippery-texas-roads/) in the community.  Additionally, having license plates on both sides of a vehicle makes it easier for law enforcement officers, who must often identify cars with their license plate numbers during [traffic violations](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/what-you-should-know-about-traffic-violations-in-texas/) and criminal investigations. With two license plates, cops can more easily obtain and run plate numbers. ## Penalties For Driving Without a Front License Plate in Texas Having valid license plates in the front and the back of your vehicle is critical in Texas, as riding without one or either plate can result in a $200 fine. In addition, you may also face penalties if your license plate has a frame around it that covers the word “Texas” or any other plate information.  However, you may have your fine dismissed if you provide proof of prompt plate installation and pay a minimal reimbursement fee. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Exceptions To Texas Front License Plate Requirements While all cars must have both front and back license plates, there are some exceptions in Texas. Certain vehicles, including motorcycles and [commercial vehicles](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/commercial-vehicle-accident-lawyer/), like semi-trailers, are not required to have license plates on both sides and must only display a rear license plate instead. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## License Plates and Auto Accidents in Texas Lastly, having two license plates on either side of a vehicle is helpful under several circumstances, including in the event of an accident. If you’re involved in a car crash, you can identify the other vehicle easily, regardless of whether the vehicle crash is a [rear-end](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/rear-end-collision/) or [head-on](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/head-on-collision/). [Hit-and-run accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/what-steps-to-take-after-a-hit-and-run/) are an issue in Texas as well. And unfortunately, when a vehicle only has one license plate in front, it can be more difficult to get a plate number to provide to law enforcement as the [car speeds](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/speeding/) off.  ## Contact a Houston Car Accident Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim In the event that you end up in a crash, consult a skilled [Houston car accident attorney](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/). They can obtain pertinent details about the other vehicle, thoroughly investigate the details of your accident, and assist in pursuing the most favorable case result. Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrianWhiteLawFirm%2F/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fattorneybrianwhite%2F%3Fhl%3Den&is_from_rle/) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston) / Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Car Accidents Blog Posts: [![Houston Texas Lawyer](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Police-car-on-the-street-900894072_1258x838-300x200.jpeg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/admissibility-of-police-officers-opinions-in-a-crash-report/) [Admissibility of Police Officers' Opinions in a Crash Report](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/admissibility-of-police-officers-opinions-in-a-crash-report/) It can be confusing and frustrating when a crash report states that the other driver caused the car accident, but the [![Overcoming the Fear of Driving After a Car Crash in Houston, TX](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Overcoming-the-Fear-of-Driving-After-a-Car-Crash-in-Houston-TX-300x199.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/overcoming-the-fear-of-driving-after-a-car-crash/) [Overcoming the Fear of Driving After a Car Crash](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/overcoming-the-fear-of-driving-after-a-car-crash/) Feeling fear and anxiety after a car accident is a natural reaction. Your brain uses these reactions to protect you [![Waymo Self-Driving Cars in Houston, TX: What Happens if There’s an Accident?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Waymo-Self-Driving-Cars-in-Houston-TX-What-Happens-if-Theres-an-Accident-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/waymo-self-driving-cars-in-houston-tx-what-happens-if-theres-an-accident/) [Waymo Self-Driving Cars in Houston, TX: What Happens if There’s an Accident?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/waymo-self-driving-cars-in-houston-tx-what-happens-if-theres-an-accident/) With Waymo Houston operations bringing more driverless vehicles to the area, there is a greater likelihood for Houston [![The Most Dangerous Intersections in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/The-Most-Dangerous-Intersections-in-Houston-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-most-dangerous-intersections-in-houston/) [The Most Dangerous Intersections in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-most-dangerous-intersections-in-houston/) A recent project completed by a group of University of Houston students and faculty shows which intersections in --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/do-you-need-a-front-license-plate-in-texas/