Harlene Labrum | August 16, 2024 | Tennessee Law
Do You Need A Front License Plate In Tennessee?
Buying a vehicle or registering an out-of-state car in Tennessee for the first time? In Tennessee, vehicles are registered through the local county clerk’s office. Once your vehicle is registered, you receive your license plate and registration decal.
You can choose between a standard blue license plate or one of more than 100 specialty license plates in Tennessee with the option for a personalized license plate. Of the 5.9 million registered plates in the state, about 16% are specialty plates.
In some states, you receive two license plates when you register your car: one for the front and one for the rear of your vehicle. In other states, you receive just one plate that must be installed on the rear of your car. Here is a look at Tennessee license plate laws and what you should expect.
Do You Need A Front License Plate In Tennessee?
Tennessee only requires a rear license plate for most passenger vehicles. A front license plate is not issued in Tennessee and is not required except for tractor-trailers or trucks with a rating greater than ¾ ton. According to Tennessee Code § 55-4-110, one rear plate is required for passenger vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles, trailers, and semi-trailers.
Tennessee is one of 20 states that require only one license plate. Neighboring “one-plate states” include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
What Is The Penalty For Driving Without A License Plate In Tennessee?
Tennessee law makes driving without a visible rear license plate a Class C misdemeanor. It is a primary offense, which means you can be pulled over for not having a license plate. This is the least serious type of misdemeanor and is considered a minor offense.
The offense is punishable by a fine of $10 for a first-time offense and $20 for subsequent offenses.
Other Tennessee License Plate Laws
Other important laws in Tennessee govern vehicle registration, license plates, and registration decals.
- License plates must be illuminated. If your vehicle is factory-equipped to do so, your license plate must be illuminated when your headlights are on.
- A valid registration decal must be displayed in the top right corner of your license plate. Tennessee now uses a combination decal with the month and the year.
- It’s illegal to intentionally remove a registration sticker to sell it, attach it to a different vehicle, or otherwise evade registration laws.
- License plates must be securely fastened to the rear of the vehicle, fastened horizontally no less than 12” from the ground, and clearly visible and legible.
- Tinted license plate covers are prohibited, even if the license plate remains legible.
In Tennessee, license plates can be surrendered or destroyed when you no longer want them, have moved or registered your vehicle in another state, or cancel your insurance. Because license plates follow owners, not vehicles, they can be transferred to another vehicle for a $1 fee.
In addition to these license plate laws, Tennessee requires motorists to have proof of current registration at all times. Driving without a current registration is a Class C misdemeanor. Always keep your registration in your vehicle or on your person while driving. A citation can still be issued even if you have valid registration but do not have proof when you are pulled over.
Note that your vehicle registration can be suspended if you fail to maintain minimum insurance coverage.
Follow the License Plate Laws in Tennessee to Keep Roads Safe and Avoid Citations
These laws are designed to improve public safety. They ensure negligent drivers can be identified after a car accident and have coverage to pay for damages they cause to car accident victims. By understanding Tennessee’s registration and license plate laws, you can avoid costly fees and marks on your driving record.
Contact our Nashville Car Accident Attorneys at Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers Today
For more information, please contact the Nashville personal injury law firm of Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Nashville, Brentwood, and its surrounding areas in Tennessee:
Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers – Nashville
315 Deaderick St, Suite 1525
Nashville, TN 37238
(615) 685-8546
Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers – Brentwood
320 Seven Springs Way, Suite 250
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 455-3384