Many California drivers question if a front license plate is truly needed, especially when getting a new car or changing their vehicle’s look. The rules can seem complicated, and not understanding them can lead to fines or other legal issues. This guide explains California’s front license plate laws.
Legal Requirement for Front Plates
California law dictates how license plates must be displayed. Vehicle Code section 5200 states that if the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues two license plates for a vehicle, one must be on the front and the other on the rear.1California Legislative Information. California Vehicle Code Section 5200 (2025) This means a front license plate is required for most passenger vehicles like cars, trucks, and SUVs.
The two-plate system helps ensure vehicles are identifiable from both directions, aiding law enforcement and public safety. If the DMV issues only one plate for a specific vehicle type, it must be attached to the rear, unless other rules apply for that vehicle.
Exceptions for Certain Vehicles
While the mandate for both front and rear license plates is broadly applicable, state law recognizes specific circumstances and vehicle types not subject to this dual-plate requirement.
Motorcycles
Motorcycles are a notable exception. The DMV issues only one license plate for motorcycles, which must be attached to the rear.2California DMV. California Motorcyclist Safety Program Handbook (DL 665) This rule considers the practical design of motorcycles, where a front plate could be impractical or unsafe.
Specialty Vehicles
Other vehicles, often called specialty vehicles due to their design or purpose, are also issued only a single license plate by the DMV, which is displayed on the rear.
Trailers and special equipment (SE) vehicles, such as street sweepers and well-boring rigs, are in this category. However, truck tractors are an exception: California Vehicle Code section 4850.5 requires their single plate to be displayed on the front.3California Legislative Information. California Vehicle Code Section 4850.5 (2025)
Old-Style Vehicles Lacking Mounting
Owners of older vehicles, particularly those made without a front license plate mount, often ask about exemptions. California law, however, does not grant a general exemption based on a vehicle’s age or its original lack of a front mounting bracket. If the DMV issues two plates for such a vehicle, both must be displayed.
The Year of Manufacture (YOM) plate program, under California Vehicle Code section 5004.1, allows using vintage plates.4California DMV. Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual – Year of Manufacture (YOM) License Plates Even with YOM plates, if two plates were originally required for that vehicle’s model year, two YOM plates must be displayed. The number of plates issued by the DMV for that specific vehicle registration is the deciding factor.
Enforcement and Penalties
Law enforcement officers in California enforce the front license plate requirement. An officer can stop and cite a vehicle solely for a missing front plate, though this violation is often noted during stops for other offenses.
Failing to display a required front license plate is an infraction. This is handled as a correctable violation, known as a fix-it ticket. If the owner attaches the plate and provides proof of correction within the set timeframe (around 30 days), the fine is reduced to a compliance fee, about $10 to $25, plus administrative charges.5Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. Proof Of Corrections
If the issue isn’t corrected and proven in time, the driver faces the full fine for the infraction. The base fine for this violation is approximately $197, and court costs can increase this total.6Judicial Council of California. Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedules (2025) This violation does not add points to a driver’s DMV record, but failing to address the citation or pay the fine can lead to late fees and a possible hold on vehicle registration renewal.
Plate Placement Guidelines
California Vehicle Code section 5201 provides instructions for affixing license plates.7California Legislative Information. California Vehicle Code Section 5201 (2025) Plates, including temporary ones, must be securely fastened to prevent swinging, using bolts, screws, or similar fasteners. They must be mounted in a clearly visible position with characters upright and reading left to right.
The front license plate must be mounted no more than 60 inches from the ground. The rear plate must be between 12 and 60 inches from the ground. Exceptions to these rear plate height rules exist for certain commercial vehicles, allowing higher mounting, including:
- Tow trucks
- Tank vehicles hauling hazardous waste or asphalt
- Truck tractors
- Vehicles designed for garbage collection
Plates must be kept clearly legible, free from obstructions like dirt or damage. Covers over license plates, including clear or tinted ones, are prohibited as they can impair readability.8California Legislative Information. California Vehicle Code Section 5201.1 License plate frames are allowed if they do not obscure any characters, the state name (such as California), or registration tabs.
Registration tabs indicating expiration must be displayed on the rear license plate, as per California Vehicle Code section 5204.9California Legislative Information. California Vehicle Code Section 5204 (2025) Standard motor vehicle license plates are 12 inches long and six inches wide.10California Legislative Information. California Vehicle Code Section 4852 (2025)