The United States is a mess if we talk about front license plates. There is no agreement on whether they are mandatory or not, and it literally divides the country in two, 29 states and Washington D.C. require them both on the front and the back of the vehicle, while the rest (21 states) are fine with just the rear one. But why does a detail that seems tiny generate so much debate? Because of money, aesthetics, they also say sustainability and above all, safety. Behind the decision there is money, aesthetics, sustainability and safety at stake.
We tell you below what has made many states eliminate the front plate and why it concerns you as a driver.
Money as the main argument
The first reason is economic, as always. Issuing a single plate instead of two reduces costs for everyone: both for the states and for the drivers. In World War II, for example, Pennsylvania adopted this system to save metal and has never changed it since, this way, making fewer plates means spending less on production, distribution and replacement when they are lost or damaged, and drivers can save a lot.
For aesthetics
Yes, another key point is design. Many manufacturers and owners do not like how a front plate looks, especially on sports cars or luxury cars where the front is part of the model’s identity, and it seems they lose magic if they carry a plate… In addition, avoiding the front plate saves having to drill bumpers or add supports that break the line of the car (a drama for many).
An environmental argument
It is not the most important here, but it also counts. Making half the plates reduces the consumption of metals and energy in manufacturing. No, it will not solve the climate crisis, but reducing each one’s carbon footprint a bit seems enough if we take into account that we live in a purely capitalist system.
The side of safety and technology
Of course there are people who are not in favor of cars carrying only one plate because it is much easier to identify them in case of accidents, crimes or checkpoints. They are also key for automatic systems such as toll readers, speed radars or traffic cameras… With only one plate, those technologies lose effectiveness and could end up failing.
Technology…
It is also necessary to take into account driver assistance sensors. Systems like automatic braking or adaptive cruise control need free space in the front. Some experts believe that eliminating the front plate helps these sensors work better and avoids repairs if they get damaged.
Will the future be digital?
In states like Arizona, California, Michigan and Texas digital plates are already being tested, although only on the rear part. If this technology spreads, the front one could become obsolete.
Which states require two plates:
- California
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Which states require only one:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- West Virginia
The discussion about front license plates in the U.S. remains open. For some, they are essential for safety and road control. For others, they are an unnecessary expense that ruins the car’s design and does not fit well with modern technology. Half the country drives without a front plate, and the other with two. What do you think about it? Let us know!