Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers | June 12, 2025 | Ohio Law
If you’ve ever driven through different states, you may have noticed that some cars have two license plates, while others have only one. Each state has its own rules, and if you’re driving in Ohio, you may wonder whether you need a front license plate. Knowing the laws can help you avoid fines and make sure your vehicle is legal on the road.
Continue reading to learn more about Ohio’s license plate law, including what it means for drivers, what exceptions exist, and how license plate laws might affect your case if you get into a car accident.
Ohio’s Laws Regarding License Plates
As of a few years ago, Ohio no longer requires most drivers to have a front license plate. The change in law means that vehicles only need to display a license plate on the rear, and the rule generally applies to passenger cars, trucks, and vans.
However, there are still some exceptions. Commercial tractors must still have a front plate. Drivers who drive older vehicles or vehicles manufactured with a front plate bracket might still choose to have two plates.
In addition to keeping a rear license plate on your vehicle, it’s also a good idea to make sure that plate is clearly visible and not blocked or dirty. Drivers should also regularly check the plate’s condition and keep up with registration requirements (e.g., stickers to be displayed on license plates) to avoid problems.
Penalties for License Plate Rule Violations
Now that Ohio only requires one plate, you typically won’t get in trouble for not having one on the front. But if you choose to add one anyway, it should not be misleading or fake because that could lead to a fine or other legal issues.
If your rear plate is missing, covered, or unreadable, a police officer could stop you and issue a ticket. That could lead to penalties or even play a role in a traffic case if an accident happens. Repeat violations might even raise your insurance rates.
Why License Plate Rules Could Matter After an Accident
If you’re in a car accident, license plates can help identify the vehicles involved. Police and insurance companies use license plate numbers in their reports. Having your plate properly displayed and easy to read can help avoid confusion and speed up the claim process.
In hit-and-run cases, a missing or hard-to-see plate can make it harder to catch the person responsible. If your plate was missing or damaged before the accident, it could even become part of the investigation.
Officers and insurers might consider whether this contributed to the event or made things more complicated to resolve. Keeping your plate in good condition is a small step that can protect you in bigger legal matters.
Contact the Car Accident Law Firm of Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced lawyer at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Columbus, OH, and Charleston, WV.
Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers – Columbus, OH Office
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Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers – Charleston, WV Office
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