Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis | April 17, 2025 | Personal Injury

Front license plates are not required for car owners in Ohio. Thanks to a change in Ohio’s license plate law on July 1, 2020, drivers of standard vehicles in Ohio only need a license plate on the rear of their vehicle. This is important to know for anyone living in Ohio or planning to move to the state. 

Eliminating the requirement for front license plates in Ohio has its pros and cons. Front license plates can help law enforcement identify drivers when needed, and can have other important uses. After a car accident or emergency, front license plates can help identify all vehicles involved. Convenience, cost savings, appearances, and other factors favor the change in requirements. Here, we’ll look more at why you do not need a front license plate in Ohio. 

What Are the Requirements for a License Plate in Ohio? 

Beginning in 1908, Ohio required license plates for both the front and rear of vehicles registered in the state. This changed in 2020, when the front license plate requirement was eliminated. Why the change? Activists for dropping the front license plate requirement cited some of the following reasons: 

  • Cost: Production and manufacturing of front license plates for all vehicles registered in Ohio cost the state an estimated $1.4 million annually, according to estimates. Many viewed this as an expense Ohio could do without. 
  • Looks: Designer cars and collectible vehicles simply look better without a front license plate, according to many advocates. Both car owners and car dealers argued that front plates can take away from the visual appeal of certain vehicles. Most vehicles are designed with aesthetic appeal and safety in mind, without considering accommodations for a front license plate. 
  • Similarity to neighboring states: Abandonment of front license plates puts Ohio in alignment with its neighboring states. Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia do not require front license plates. The change in law joined Ohio with its neighboring states with regard to license plate requirements. Every state is free to set its own requirements for vehicle registration, including the placement of license plates. Ohio has chosen to follow the lead of its neighbors in this regard. 

Ohio law only requires one distinctive license plate at the rear of the vehicle, according to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The license plate must be properly displayed and identifiable to other vehicles, including law enforcement. 

Drawbacks to the Elimination of Front License Plates in Ohio 

Opponents of the switch argue that front license plates serve important functions for law enforcement and public safety. Vehicles are easier to identify when they have front plates, and front license plates can be viewed on surveillance camera systems. 

In the event of an accident, it also helps to be able to identify a vehicle from the front as well as the rear. In the event of a hit and run car accident in Ohio, a witness might only see the vehicle from its front end, for example. Having a license plate in the front and rear of a vehicle helps with accident investigation. 

Understanding Ohio’s Front License Plate Law

Ohio does not require front license plates on vehicles registered in the state. Whether you’re a longtime resident, a new driver, or someone planning to relocate to Ohio, it’s important to stay informed about the state’s vehicle laws. While the elimination of the front license plate requirement offers benefits like lower costs and improved aesthetics, it also introduces potential challenges when it comes to vehicle identification and public safety. 
If you have questions about the law or your legal rights, or were injured in a car accident in Lima, Ohio, an experienced Ohio car accident lawyer can help.

Contact the Lima Personal Injury Lawyer of the Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis for Help Today

If you were injured in an accident in Lima, and need legal help, contact our personal injury lawyer at the Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis to schedule a free case review today.

We proudly serve Allen County and the surrounding areas.

Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis Lima
540 W Market St
Lima, OH 45801
(419) 404-4444