In Idaho, whether you need a front license plate depends on the type of vehicle you drive.
The state generally requires two license plates—one for the front and one for the back—but there are some exceptions. Knowing the rules can help you avoid tickets and clear up confusion when you’re shopping for a new car or replacing your front plate holder—and a car accident lawyer can also help if a missing or damaged plate leads to legal trouble after a crash.
Idaho’s Front License Plate Requirement
Idaho law requires most vehicles to display both a front and rear license plate.
This requirement applies to:
- Passenger cars
- Pickup trucks
- SUVs
- Vans
- Most commercial vehicles
According to Idaho law, two plates are issued unless the vehicle falls into a specific exempt category. That means if your car came with a front license plate bracket, you’re expected to use it.
Failing to display a front plate when one is required is a traffic infraction that can lead to a citation, especially during traffic stops.
Vehicles Exempt from Idaho’s Front License Plate Rules
There are a few notable exceptions under Idaho law:
- Motorcycles, all-terrain or utility-type vehicles, and trailers: This category only requires a rear plate.
- Classic and antique vehicles: Cars registered as “classic” (over 30 years old and not used for general transportation) may be issued a single plate.
- Vehicles not manufactured for front plates: If your vehicle was not designed to be equipped with a front plate bracket, you may qualify for an exemption. However, this designation must be requested and noted at registration.
There may be other exceptions, but if there is any uncertainty, it is important to clarify these rules with your local DMV or registration office. You can’t just leave the front license plate off because the front of your car looks cleaner without it.
Why Front License Plates Matter in Idaho
Front license plates serve a few practical and legal functions:
- Law enforcement visibility: Officers can identify your vehicle from either direction.
- Traffic cameras: Automated systems rely on front plates to detect red light or toll violations.
- Accident investigations: Plates on both ends can help identify vehicles involved in collisions or hit-and-run accidents.
In Idaho, skipping the front plate when it’s required can give police a valid reason to pull you over, even if you’re not doing anything else wrong.
Can You Be Pulled Over for No Front License Plate?
Yes. Not displaying a required front plate is a citable offense in Idaho. Even if your vehicle is otherwise legal and you obey traffic laws, a missing front plate can lead to a stop and a fine.
Some drivers remove front plates for aesthetic reasons, especially on sports cars. While understandable, this is not a legal justification. In fact, some law enforcement officers may specifically look for plate violations as a pretext to investigate other issues.
Tips for Staying Compliant with Front License Plate Laws
To avoid unnecessary tickets or registration problems:
- Check if your car is required to have two plates.
- If your car lacks a front plate holder, install one. Aftermarket brackets are available even for vehicles without mounting holes.
- If eligible, apply for single plate status at registration. Don’t assume it’s automatically applied.
- Don’t remove your front plate without authorization. Even if you were previously exempt, rules may change when you sell or re-register the vehicle.
If your vehicle was manufactured without a front plate holder and you’re unsure what to do, ask your local DMV or registration office for guidance before making assumptions.
Avoid Fines Related to Idaho Front Plate Requirements
In Idaho, two plates are the default requirement for many vehicles—one on the front and one on the back.
Unless you qualify for an exemption and have registered your vehicle accordingly, driving without a front plate could result in a fine. It’s important to make sure to stay up to date on local laws and changes.
Contact the Car Accident Lawyers at Parker & McConkie Today
For more information, please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have 5 convenient locations in Utah, including Midvale, Salt Lake City, Ogden & Provo, UT. Clients can also visit our offices in Idaho Falls, ID & Rock Springs, WY.
We proudly serve Weber County, Utah County, Salt Lake County in Utah, Bonneville County in Idaho, Sweetwater County in Wyoming, and their surrounding areas:
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Salt Lake City Office
466 S. 500 E., Suite 100,
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
(801) 851-1202
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Midvale Office
7090 Union Park Ave, #160,
Midvale, UT 84047
(801) 845-0440
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Ogden Office
2510 S Washington Blvd, Suite 160,
Ogden, UT 84401
(385) 402-8187
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Provo Office
37 E Center St, Suite 300,
Provo, UT 84606
(801) 876-4107
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Rock Springs Office
531 N Front St,
Rock Springs, WY 82901
(307) 205-7400
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Idaho Falls Office
2235 East 25th St. Suite #280,
Idaho Falls, ID 83404
(208) 418-0633
Hours: 24/7
