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Texas Front License Plate Laws (2026)

Info: Texas requires two plates: a motor vehicle must display two license plates, one on the front and one on the rear under Department of Motor Vehicles placement rules.

InfoVerified Jul 24, 2026

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Texas requires two plates: a motor vehicle must display two license plates, one on the front and one on the rear under Department of Motor Vehicles placement rules. Motorcycles, trailers, and road tractors display one plate (Tex. Transp. Code § 504.943).

Official source: statutes.capitol.texas.gov →

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

Front License Plate in states bordering Texas

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

ArkansasPermitted
In practice, most Arkansas drivers display a rear plate only, because the state issues just one plate for most passenger vehicles and a single plate goes on the rear. By statute, though, a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle must display one plate on the front and one on the rear, and if two plates were issued both must be displayed (A.C.A. 27-14-716(a)(1)).
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: ardot.gov · Full Arkansas rule →
LouisianaPermitted
Louisiana requires only a rear plate: passenger vehicles display a single plate attached to the rear. See La. R.S. 32:53.
Verified Jul 23, 2026 · Source: legis.la.gov · Full Louisiana rule →
New MexicoPermitted
New Mexico requires only a rear plate: a single plate is issued and attached to the rear. On road tractors and truck tractors, that plate goes on the front instead (NMSA 66-3-18).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: mvd.newmexico.gov · Full New Mexico rule →
OklahomaPermitted
Oklahoma requires only a rear plate: the state issues one plate per registered vehicle and requires at least one plate to be properly installed. …
Verified Jul 29, 2026 · Source: oklahoma.gov · Full Oklahoma rule →

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