Texas is a well-known state in the United States. Driving across Texas feels like freedom. Long roads, open skies, and the kind of space that makes a person breathe easier. But that sense of freedom still comes with rules. One of them is surprisingly easy to overlook—your front license plate.
Texas does not leave this detail open for interpretation. Whether you are heading through Austin traffic or parked on a quiet street in Lubbock, your vehicle needs to display two license plates. If you are thinking, “Do you need to have a front license plate in Texas?” The answer is yes.
And for drivers involved in an accident, that missing plate can lead to more than a warning. It can affect evidence, insurance claims, and even legal outcomes. Car accident attorneys deal with these situations all the time, and they know how much this one detail can matter.
What the Law Requires in Texas
The state’s requirement is written in Texas Transportation Code Section 504.943. It says that most vehicles need both a front and a rear plate. This law applies to the cars people drive every day—trucks, sedans, SUVs, and more. Motorcycles and trailers are excluded, but nearly every other personal vehicle must comply.
If your car did not come with a front bracket, the law still applies. The plate must be mounted to the front of the vehicle and must remain clearly visible at all times. Placing it inside the windshield does not meet the requirement. The goal is to ensure that vehicles can be identified from both directions on the road.
The Consequences of Noncompliance
Failing to display a front plate in Texas can lead to a fine of up to $200. While that number might seem manageable, it is not the financial penalty that causes the most concern. The larger issue appears when someone is involved in a crash or criminal investigation.
A missing front plate can slow down police efforts to identify a vehicle. It can mean there is no photo or footage to help find the driver in a hit-and-run accident. These delays can hurt victims and complicate the claims process. Insurance companies review every available detail after a crash. Note that missing information can lead to delays or denied claims.
Car accident attorneys pay attention to every element of a case. Something as simple as a front plate can become an important piece of evidence. They often reference these details to support timelines and confirm witness accounts.
Limited Exceptions to the Rule
Texas does allow exemptions for a very small group of drivers. Antique and custom vehicles may be eligible if they meet specific criteria. The owner must apply for this status, and approval is not guaranteed.
Why Car Accident Attorneys Care
The details become everything after a crash. Attorneys examine evidence, statements, and photos to build their case. It can slow the process or weaken the argument when one of those details is missing. A visible front plate can help prove fault, confirm the vehicles involved, or even support the location and angle of impact.
When attorneys work to protect their clients, they want every available fact. The absence of a front plate takes away one more opportunity to establish the truth. For clients trying to recover after an accident, this missing piece can become a serious obstacle.
Final Thoughts
The front license plate might seem like a small part of your vehicle, but in Texas, it serves a much larger purpose. It is part of the law. It helps law enforcement. It protects drivers.
And it supports attorneys as they fight for fair outcomes after accidents.Following the front plate law is more than a way to avoid a ticket. It is a way to protect yourself, your case, and the people you share the road with.
