Meyers Personal Injury Law | June 12, 2025 | Tennessee Law
If you’re buying a car in Nashville, you might be wondering: do I need a front license plate in Tennessee? The answer is simple: no. Tennessee does not require a front license plate. The state issues only one plate per vehicle, which must be affixed to the rear.
This rule aligns Tennessee with a minority of U.S. states that follow a single-plate policy. While this can simplify compliance for drivers, there are still a few exceptions and enforcement considerations worth knowing, especially for those relocating from out of state or driving specialty vehicles.
Tennessee’s One-Plate Rule
Tennessee law mandates that every registered vehicle must display one license plate on the rear of the vehicle. This statute applies to most passenger cars, motorcycles, and trucks registered in the state.
Why Some States Require Front Plates
29 states currently require both front and rear license plates. States that enforce two-plate laws maintain that front plates:
- Improve visibility for law enforcement and traffic cameras
- Aid in identifying stolen or suspect vehicles
- Help witnesses recall license numbers in hit-and-run incidents
Tennessee, however, prioritizes simplicity and lower production costs over those benefits.
Exceptions and Special Cases
Though the rule is straightforward for most vehicles, some scenarios may involve different requirements or confusion:
- Out-of-state vehicles: Drivers visiting from a state that mandates two plates must keep both displayed while driving in Tennessee. Failing to do so may be a violation of their home state’s law, even if not enforced locally.
- Antique vehicles: Tennessee allows antique vehicles to be registered with vintage or antique tags.
Additionally, some commercial vehicles and government-owned vehicles may have specific identification or tagging requirements beyond the standard single plate.
Can You Be Pulled Over for No Front Plate?
In Tennessee, you cannot be stopped solely for not having a front license plate, because it’s not required. However, out-of-state drivers operating a vehicle that should have two plates based on their registration jurisdiction may face issues if stopped.
For example, a driver from Illinois (a two-plate state) who removes their front plate while in Nashville could be violating Illinois law, even though Tennessee doesn’t enforce it.
Mounting and Display Requirements Still Matter
Although Tennessee only requires one plate, there are certain requirements that must be met, including:
- Securely fastened to the rear of the vehicle
- Clearly visible and not obscured by dirt, covers, or frames
- Mounted at least 12 inches above the ground, depending on the vehicle’s design
Improper display of the rear plate can still result in citations under Tennessee law. Law enforcement officers can issue tickets for obstructed or unreadable plates, even if the vehicle is otherwise compliant.
What About Decorative or Fake Front Plates?
Some drivers add decorative plates to the front of their vehicles for aesthetic or brand purposes. Tennessee does not prohibit decorative front plates, but drivers should ensure that:
- The decorative plate does not mimic an official plate.
- It does not obstruct airflow or safety equipment.
- It does not contain offensive or misleading imagery.
Plates resembling law enforcement insignia or official tags can lead to legal trouble, even if they’re just for show.
Contact Our Nashville Law Firm Today at Meyers Personal Injury Law
If you have been in a car accident with a driver who does not have license plates or was improperly displaying their rear plate, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Navigating a crash with an unregistered or unidentified vehicle can be complex, but our Nashville car accident lawyers are here to help.
If you were injured in an accident in Nashville or Brentwood and need legal help, contact our Nashville personal injury lawyers at Meyers Personal Injury Law to schedule a free case review today.
Meyers Personal Injury Law Nashville
1308 Rosa L Parks Blvd Suite 101,
Nashville, TN 37208
(615) 258-9000
Meyers Personal Injury Law Brentwood
105 Continental Pl Suite 100,
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 258-9000
