Mayfield Law, LLC | February 19, 2025 | Georgia Law
If you’ve ever driven through different states, you’ve probably noticed that some cars have license plates on both the front and back, whereas others only have one. That’s because not every state requires drivers to have front car plates. If you’re from Georgia or planning to register a car in the state, you might be wondering whether you need to have a front plate.
The short answer is no, but there’s a little more to it than that. Here’s a breakdown of what state law says about license plates and what that means for drivers in Brunswick.
Georgia’s License Plate Laws
Unlike some states, which mandate both front and rear plates, Georgia only requires a back plate. Georgia law says all vehicles must display a valid rear plate, and it has to be clearly visible.
There are a few exceptions, though. If you drive a commercial truck or a certain specialty vehicle, you might have to follow other plate requirements. But a single plate on the rear is all that’s needed for standard passenger cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks.
What If You’re Driving In Another State?
Things can get a little tricky when you’re driving in a different state. If you take a trip to one that mandates both plates, you might be concerned whether you’ll get pulled over for not having one.
The good news is that most states honor the plate requirements of the car’s registered state. So if yours is registered in Georgia, you won’t get a ticket elsewhere, such as in Maryland or Texas, just for missing your front plate.
However, this doesn’t mean you’re immune to all plate-related issues. Some police officers might still pull you over if they think the missing front plate means the car is unregistered or improperly registered. It’s not likely, but it never hurts to carry your registration information just in case.
Can You Put A Front Plate On Your Car?
The state might not require front plates, but some drivers still decide to install one. It’s especially common for those who move into the area from states where front plates were needed or who simply like the look of a front license plate holder.
If you do choose to mount a plate on the front of your car, you can do so as long as it doesn’t interfere with your vehicle’s safety features. Some newer cars have front-facing cameras or sensors that could be blocked by an improperly placed plate. If you’re not sure, check your car’s manual or talk to a mechanic.
Are There Benefits To Having A Front Plate?
Required or not, front license plates do have practical purposes. If your car is involved in an accident or theft, a front plate makes it easier to identify it. And since some parking lots and toll roads use front-facing cameras, a front plate can help you avoid registration problems in those areas.
Typically, though, most drivers put a front plate on their cars simply because they like the way it looks. Some vehicles even come with a built-in plate holder to make it easy to install one. On the flip side, some feel a front plate disrupts the car’s design or that drilling holes into the bumper isn’t worth it. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
What This Means For Drivers
Georgia keeps it simple when it comes to license plates. As long as you have one on the back, you’re good to go. Most people put one on purely for aesthetic reasons, and you generally won’t encounter problems if you drive out of state. So whether you leave your front bumper as-is or add a plate, you’re free to choose.
Contact the Brunswick Car Accident Lawyers of Mayfield Law, LLC for Help Today
For more information, contact Mayfield Law, LLC to schedule a free consultation with our experienced car accident lawyers. We proudly serve clients in Brunswick, GA, Nahunta, GA, as well as Glynn County and Brantley County. We’re here to offer trusted, compassionate legal guidance. Let us help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.
Mayfield Law, LLC Brunswick
1611 Union St
Brunswick, GA 31520
(912) 457-8557
Mayfield Law, LLC Nahunta
13903 E Cleveland St
Nahunta, GA 31553
(912) 457-8557