If you’ve been wondering whether you still need that front license plate on your car in Utah, the answer is finally clear—and it’s good news for many drivers. As of January 1, 2025, Utah no longer requires most passenger vehicles to display a front license plate.
That’s right: you can officially ditch the double-plate look and ride with just a rear plate. New license plates in Utah will also come with a pre-printed registration decal. The registration decal for the following year can be applied on top of the pre-printed one.
Here’s everything else you need to know about this change, which vehicles still need to follow the old rules, and what it means for you.
Who Still Needs a Front License Plate in Utah?
While this is a welcome change for most drivers, some vehicles may still be required to display both front and rear plates. Commercial vehicles, like delivery trucks or fleet vehicles, and apportioned vehicles involved in interstate commerce might still require front and rear license plates.
Additionally, some vehicles were already exempt from front plate requirements, such as:
- Motorcycles
- Trailers
- Antique and historical vehicles
The new law doesn’t change anything for these types of vehicles; they still use just a rear plate.
What Are Utah’s Other License Plate Requirements?
Even though the front plate is optional for many, the rear plate still has to follow specific rules:
- The plate must be clearly visible, mounted horizontally, and readable from at least 100 feet away.
- Frames and covers that obscure characters or decals are not allowed.
- Registration decals now go directly on the face of the plate.
You should also ensure that the rear plate is mounted properly, meaning no zip ties, weird angles, or half-covered tags. Violations of these rules are considered infractions under Utah law. While infractions won’t typically result in jail time, you could be fined up to $750 for committing one.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Rear-Only License Plate Rules
Utah joins 21 other states that require only a rear license plate for most passenger vehicles. This rule comes with advantages and disadvantages.
Proponents of the rear-only plate rule commonly cite aesthetics as an advantage since the design of some classic vehicles or sports cars may not easily accommodate a front plate. Aftermarket bracketing systems exist, but they add an extra hassle for the drivers who need them. Some argue that these front license plate holders can ruin a luxury car’s appearance.
A major disadvantage of not requiring front car plates is the need for identification during a traffic violation, like speeding, or after a hit-and-run accident. Front plates can provide a second opportunity for witnesses or surveillance cameras to identify a vehicle. This argument can also apply to municipalities that collect toll road payments via license plate readers.
To try to counter this disadvantage, Utah license plates were also redesigned to be more legible from farther away. The new law also prohibits accessories like plate covers and frames that obscure the rear plate.
Contact Our Utah Car Accident Attorneys at McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’re a Utah driver with a standard personal vehicle, you likely no longer need a front license plate as of January 1, 2025. You can remove it today and enjoy a cleaner front end. Just be sure your rear plate is up to code.
If you get into a wreck while driving in the Beehive State, contact your nearest McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in Austin, TX and Salt Lake City, UT.
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Austin, TX Office
502 W 14th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-0222
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Salt Lake City, UT Office
650 S 500 W Suite 290, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
(385) 462-7630
