Some states require vehicles to have both front and rear license plates. Violating license plate rules can result in a fine and other consequences. You might wonder: Is a front license plate required in North Carolina? Do you have an option to add a front license plate? What does the state require?
North Carolina generally does not require a front license plate, but there are exceptions. We dive further into these details below.
Why Some States Require Front License Plates
States that require front license plates often do so for the following reasons:
- Ease of identification: It is often easier for people to identify a front license plate when it is traveling in their direction. Suppose a driver of a motor vehicle hit and ran after a car accident. The driver of the other vehicle may have seen a portion of their plates before the collision and can report this information to police. Police can also better spot a front license plate, aiding in their investigations of crimes.
- Glare: Sometimes, the glare on the back license plate obscures the characters, making the license plate more difficult to read on cameras.
- Tolls: Front license plates can also result in more readable photographs, allowing states to collect tolls and parking fees more easily.
While some states require front license plates, they are in the minority.
North Carolina License Plate Requirements
North Carolina is not one of the states that currently requires front license plates. State law once required front and back license plates, but the law was later changed to only require one plate.
Some additional rules regarding license plates in North Carolina include:
Information Required
North Carolina law requires that every license plate include the following information:
- The registration number
- The name or abbreviation of the state of North Carolina
- The year for which the plate was issued or the date of expiration
For commercial vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds, the license plate must also say “commercial” unless it is a special registration plate, is a trailer, or is licensed for 6,000 pounds or less.
For commercial vehicles weighing between 7,000 and 26,000 pounds, the license plate must include the word “weighted” unless it is a special registration plate.
When a Replacement Is Required
If the DMV Commissioner finds that a registration plate has become illegible or that the numbers cannot be readily distinguished, they can require the vehicle owner to surrender the plates and obtain new ones.
Expired License Plate Laws
It is a Class 3 misdemeanor to willfully display an expired registration plate.
When a Front License Plate Can Be Used
If the DMV provides two plates, one must be attached to the rear and the other to the front. Registration plates for truck-tractors must be attached to the front. If the motor vehicle is transporting a substance that may adhere to the license plate, which could cover or discolor it, or if the motor vehicle has a mechanical loading device that could damage the plate, the license plate can be attached to the front.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer for Legal Advice
While many states require vehicles to display both front and rear license plates for reasons such as ease of identification, reducing glare issues, and facilitating toll collection, North Carolina is not currently one of them. Although the state once mandated front and rear plates, North Carolina law now requires only a rear plate for most vehicles, subject to certain exceptions.
If you were injured in a car accident or even just have questions about North Carolina license plate laws, an experienced personal injury lawyer can explain your legal rights and options for pursuing financial compensation. Contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers today to get started with a free case review.
For more information, please contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in North Carolina today. We have five convenient locations in North Carolina, including Greenville, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Kinston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem & Garner.
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Greenville Office
300 E Arlington Blvd Suite 2A #110, Greenville, NC 27858
252-397-7400
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Raleigh Office
4600 Marriott Dr STE 500, Raleigh, NC 27612
919-459-7855
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Goldsboro Office
601 N Spence Ave, Goldsboro, NC 27534
919-759-6963
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Jacksonville Office
3391 Henderson Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546
910-910-1860
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Kinston Office
807 N Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501
252-397-0134
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Charlotte Office
1914 J N Pease Pl Suite 142, Charlotte, NC 28262
704-781-7980
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Greensboro Office
7B Corporate Center Ct Suite 15, Greensboro, NC 27408
336-395-5349
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Durham Office
100 E Parrish St STE 200, Durham, NC 27701
919-925-6039
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Fayetteville Office
2517 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28305
910-387-0861
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Wilmington Office
1608 Queen St Suite 12, Wilmington, NC 28401
910-889-3926
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Winston-Salem Office
102 W 3rd St, Ste 1007, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336-396-6310
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Garner Office
500 Benson Rd Suite 111, Garner, NC 27529