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South Dakota Front License Plate Laws (2026)

Info: South Dakota requires two plates: one displayed on the front and one on the rear, each conspicuous, upright, and kept clear.

InfoVerified Jul 26, 2026

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South Dakota requires two plates: one displayed on the front and one on the rear, each conspicuous, upright, and kept clear. A motorcycle displays one plate (SDCL 32-5-98). A violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Official source: sdlegislature.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Front License Plate in states bordering South Dakota

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

IowaInfo
Iowa requires two plates: one on the front and one on the rear. Motorcycles, truck tractors, and vehicles from before 1949 are exceptions (Iowa Code 321.37).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: legis.iowa.gov · Full Iowa rule →
MinnesotaInfo
Minnesota requires two plates: one on the front and one on the rear. The only exceptions are collector vehicles, farm vehicles, and motorcycles (Minn. Stat. 169.79).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: revisor.mn.gov · Full Minnesota rule →
MontanaInfo
Montana requires two plates: motor vehicles must display one on the front and one on the rear (MCA 61-3-301).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: mca.legmt.gov · Full Montana rule →
NebraskaInfo
Nebraska requires two plates: most vehicles display one on the front and one on the rear. See Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-399. A law moving to a single rear plate has passed but is not yet in effect.
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: nebraskalegislature.gov · Full Nebraska rule →
North DakotaInfo
North Dakota requires two plates: one on the front and one on the rear, conspicuously displayed (N.D.C.C. 39-04-11).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: ndlegis.gov · Full North Dakota rule →
WyomingInfo
Wyoming requires two plates: one on the front of the vehicle and one on the rear. See Wyo. Stat. 31-2-205.
Verified Jul 22, 2026 · Source: wyoleg.gov · Full Wyoming rule →

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