When it comes to understanding the rules of the road, every state in the U.S. has unique requirements, and Missouri is no exception. One question that often arises for Missouri drivers is: “Do you need a front license plate?” This question is not just a matter of compliance but also of avoiding potential legal entanglements, particularly concerning traffic violations or accidents. At Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers, we’re here to unravel the facts for you.
Understanding Missouri’s License Plate Requirements
Missouri law requires that most vehicles display a front and rear license plate. The number plates are to be securely fastened to the front and rear of the vehicle with all the fasteners reasonably necessary to prevent them from swinging. The statute specifies that these plates must always be kept clean and clearly visible.
Failure to display both plates can result in a traffic violation; violating this requirement can result in a fine. While these fines are typically minimal, they can add up alongside other traffic violations and complicate situations in the event of an accident.
Exemptions to the Rule
It’s crucial to note that there are exceptions to this rule. Certain types of vehicles only require one visible plate. Motorcycles, for example, are only required to display a rear license plate. Similarly, some specialized vehicles, including antique cars or those with historic registration, may be exempt from the dual plate requirement. However, drivers must ensure these vehicles are plated according to specific guidelines. For example, antique vehicles may have restrictions regarding their usage to qualify for a single plate.
Why Front Plates Matter
Having a license plate on the front of your car is more important than you might think. From a legal standpoint, having both front and rear plates helps make sure that vehicles can be easily identified. This becomes really important in situations like hit-and-run accidents or when someone breaks a traffic rule, and it’s captured on a surveillance camera. If you’re ever in a car accident, having clear evidence is crucial for proving who was at fault and ensuring that justice is served. A front license plate can be an essential piece of this puzzle, helping police officers and others involved to quickly identify the owner of a vehicle that may have caused the accident.
From a safety perspective, front plates are also useful because they work well with modern technology. For example, many law enforcement agencies use tools like automatic license plate readers (ALPRs). These systems scan plates on passing cars and can instantly check them against databases for stolen vehicles, outstanding tickets, or other legal issues. This technology is designed to improve public safety by helping police officers recover stolen cars and enforce the law more effectively. By making your car identifiable from more angles, having a front license plate plays a key role in keeping our roads safer for everyone.
The Debate About Front License Plates
People who oppose having a front plate often say that getting rid of it would make cars look better and could save the state some money. On the other hand, those who support the requirement argue that having two plates makes it easier for police to identify cars from different angles, which helps with law enforcement and safety. Listening to both sides of this debate helps explain why Missouri has chosen to stick with the current rules.
What Can Happen If You Don’t Follow the Front Plate Rule
Not following Missouri’s rule about having a front license plate can cause problems beyond just paying a fine. If you’re in a car accident, not having a front plate could work against you. Insurance companies or courts might view it as you not following the law properly, which could suggest that you were careless. This is why it’s really important for drivers in Missouri to know about these rules and follow them.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers Today
It’s important for every driver in Missouri to understand these road laws. By knowing and following the rules, you can avoid extra fines and help keep the roads safer for everyone. At Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers, we’re here to help explain these rules and guide you through any legal challenges you might face while driving in Missouri.
For more information, contact the attorneys at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers we proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County, and we have offices in St. Louis, Chesterfield, Clayton, and Creve Coeur.
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – St. Louis Office
1010 Market Street, Suite 1605
St. Louis, Missouri
(636) 519-0085
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Chesterfield Office
400 Chesterfield Center Suite 400
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(636) 999-9587
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
11628 Old Ballas Rd, Suite 320
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 557-2869
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Clayton Office
7733 Forsyth Blvd, Suite 1100
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 804-4569