Do You Need a Front License Plate in Pennsylvania?

Malcolm L. MacGregor | August 25, 2025 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

No, a front license plate is not required in Pennsylvania. However, recent legislation has been proposed that could change that. Although Pennsylvania does not require a front license plate today, the state does have some license plate rules that must be followed.

Dive into all the details below to learn more about the license plate requirements in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania License Plate Requirements

When registering a vehicle in Pennsylvania and operating it on the roadway, you must comply with the state’s license plate laws. Currently, only a single license plate is required for most vehicles.

This license plate should be attached to the rear of the vehicle, and it must be:

Clearly visible
In a horizontal position
At a height of no less than 12 inches from the ground, as measured from the bottom of the license plate
Securely fastened to prevent any swinging of the plate
Illuminated by the vehicle’s license plate lights when driving after dark

Pennsylvania law also dictates specific conditions to ensure plate visibility and proper functioning. Any covering that alters or obscures the plate’s numbers, letters, or reflective material is strictly prohibited. This includes tinted covers or any material that might reduce the plate’s readability.

Any modifications to the license plate itself, such as bending, cutting, or otherwise defacing it, are also considered violations.

Failure to adhere to these regulations may result in citations and fines.

Exceptions to the Single Rear License Plate Requirement in PA

In some situations, people may choose to have two license plates issued for their vehicle. If you opt to have two plates issued, you must attach one to the rear of the vehicle and the other to the front.

An exception to the general rule of requiring the license plate on the vehicle’s rear is for truck-tractors. They must have the license plate attached to the front of the vehicle. This is because a trailer typically hides the rear of the vehicle. After a truck accident, witnesses should look at the front of the truck for the license plate.

Another exception is if two “person with disability, disabled veteran or severely disabled veteran” registration plates are issued for a vehicle with a carrier attached to the back. The carrier must be for transporting a wheelchair or similar personal assistive device. In that situation, one plate must be attached to the rear of the vehicle, and the other must be attached to the rear of the carrier (not the front of the vehicle).

Benefits of Having a Front License Plate

One lawmaker in Pennsylvania has discussed new legislation that would require a front license plate. Some of Pennsylvania’s neighboring states already require front license plates.

There are many reasons why front license plates are beneficial, such as:

Easier identification of vehicles by law enforcement during traffic stops
Improved toll enforcement
Increased public safety, such as identifying the correct vehicle after a crime

Front license plates can also be very useful in the event of an accident. This is especially true in hit-and-run accidents where the driver of one vehicle decides to flee the scene.

Having a license plate on both the front and rear of the vehicle gives an accident victim or bystander a better chance of reading the license plate number that could be used to identify the car.

Penalties for Improper License Plates in Pennsylvania

In some situations, drivers may intentionally attempt to obscure or obstruct their license plates. This may be done to avoid tolls or specific law enforcement methods. However, blocking your license plate could result in serious legal consequences.

At a minimum, you may be guilty of a summary offense and subject to a $100 fine. To take things a step further, some drivers may remove a license plate or use an unauthorized one to conceal the vehicle’s or its owner’s identity. In those cases, fines could go as high as $500. You might even face up to 90 days in jail.

What Should I Do if I Am Hit by a Vehicle Without a Proper License Plate?

If you are involved in an accident with a vehicle that lacks proper license plates, follow these steps:

Get immediate medical treatment for your injuries.
Obtain as much identifying information about the other vehicle as possible (make, model, color).
Call the police.
Notify your insurance company.
Contact an experienced Scranton personal injury attorney.

A Scranton car accident lawyer can help you by investigating the accident, determining who was at fault, and identifying all the damages you may be entitled to.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Scranton Car Accident Lawyer at McDonald & MacGregor, LLC

While Pennsylvania law only requires a rear license plate, proposed legislation and public safety considerations could change that in the future. Understanding the current rules—and the penalties for failing to follow them—can help you avoid legal issues and protect yourself on the road.

If you were injured by a car without proper license plates or by a vehicle you cannot identify, getting compensation for your injuries without the help of a Scranton personal injury lawyer may be difficult. McDonald & MacGregor, LLC can help you navigate this complex process and explain your legal options in this situation.

McDonald & MacGregor, LLC
220 Penn Ave Suite 320, Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 209-7062