Most people give license plates little or no thought before purchasing and registering a vehicle. However, they serve several purposes, including helping identify vehicles involved in accidents or crimes and making it easier for police to enforce traffic laws.

License plates can also cause some real headaches if you get them wrong. For instance, the rules regarding front license plates vary quite a bit between states — some require them, while others don’t. Nevada has its own particular set of regulations.

The Law On Front Plates In Nevada 

Nevada law requires front license plates on most vehicles, though there are some exceptions. NRS 482.275 states that if your vehicle was designed for a front plate, it must have one. 

This applies to most cars, trucks, and SUVs on the road, as they typically come with either a front license plate holder or an add-on bracket or other frame for displaying the plate.

Other key highlights of Nevada’s front license plate law include:

  • Passenger vehicles need both front and rear plates.
  • Motorcycles only need a rear plate.
  • Some specialty vehicles, like trailers, have different rules.
  • There are exceptions for certain classic cars.

The Nevada DMV outlines in fine detail the specifics of displaying front car plates, the application process and how to go about getting custom plates. 

Front License Plate Holders

If your car needs a front plate but doesn’t have a built-in holder, you’ll need to get one. You have a few options here, including:

  • Bracket mounts that attach to existing holes in your bumper
  • No-drill mounts that use strong adhesive
  • Custom mounts designed for specific car models

The important thing is to make sure the plate is securely attached and clearly visible. A loose or obscured plate can get you a ticket.

Why Front Car Plates Matter

You might wonder why Nevada bothers requiring front plates at all, especially given that many other states don’t. There are several good reasons.

Easy Identification

Front car plates make it easier to identify vehicles from all angles. This is important for everything from parking enforcement to tracking down hit-and-run drivers.

Automated Parking Systems

The presence of a front car plate helps automated systems like toll cameras and parking garage sensors work more effectively.

Traffic Law Compliance

Front car plates give police officers an additional way to spot expired registrations or other violations.

The Consequences Of Not Having A Front Plate

If you’re required by law to have a front plate in Nevada and don’t, you could face certain consequences, such as:

  • Getting pulled over
  • Receiving a fine
  • Failing your vehicle registration inspection

While this generally isn’t considered a serious offense, it’s the kind of thing that can lead to more scrutiny if you’re pulled over for something else.

What If I’m From Out Of State?

If you’re just visiting Nevada, you don’t need to worry about getting a front plate for your car. The law only applies to vehicles registered in Nevada.

However, if you move to Nevada, you’ll need to comply with the front plate law. The DMV will give you two plates when you register, and you’ll need to display both.

The Bottom Line On Front License Plates In Nevada

Front license plates are one of those small details of car ownership that’s easy to overlook, but in Nevada, they’re a requirement for most vehicles. If you’re registering a car in Nevada, make sure you put on both plates. It’s a simple step that can spare you some hassle down the road.

Contact the Las Vegas Car Accident Attorneys at Battle Born Injury Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one were injured in an accident in Las Vegas and you need legal assistance, contact our car accident attorneys at Battle Born Injury Lawyers and schedule a free consultation with our legal team.

Battle Born Injury Lawyers
400 S 4th St Suite 290,
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 357-4868

Battle Born Injury Lawyers – Las Vegas Office
10789 W Twain Ave #100
Las Vegas, NV 89135
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Reno, NV 89509, USA
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Henderson, NV 89123
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