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Kentucky Front License Plate Laws (2026)

Permitted: Kentucky requires only a rear plate: one plate is displayed on the rear.

PermittedVerified Jul 20, 2026

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Kentucky requires only a rear plate: one plate is displayed on the rear. Semitrailer-tractors are the exception — they display their plate on the front (KRS 186.170).

Official source: apps.legislature.ky.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Front License Plate in states bordering Kentucky

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

IllinoisInfo
Illinois requires two plates: passenger cars must display one on the front and one on the rear (625 ILCS 5/3-413).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: ilga.gov · Full Illinois rule →
IndianaPermitted
Indiana requires only a rear plate: passenger vehicles display a single plate on the rear, and no front plate is required (IC 9-18.1-4-4).
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: iga.in.gov · Full Indiana rule →
MissouriInfo
Missouri requires two plates: passenger cars display one on the front and one on the rear. Antique vehicles are an exception, as are vehicles with no front bracket (RSMo 301.130).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: revisor.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →
OhioPermitted
Ohio requires only a rear plate: the front-plate requirement was eliminated effective July 1, 2020 (ORC 4503.21).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: codes.ohio.gov · Full Ohio rule →
TennesseePermitted
Tennessee requires only a rear plate: the passenger-vehicle plate is attached to the rear, and no front plate is required (TCA 55-4-110).
Verified Aug 3, 2026 · Source: law.justia.com · Full Tennessee rule →
VirginiaInfo
Virginia requires two plates: one on the front and one on the rear. This is still current as of 2026 — repeal efforts have failed (Va. Code 46.2-715).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →
West VirginiaPermitted
West Virginia requires only a rear plate: the plate is attached to the rear. Only truck tractors and road tractors mount their plate on the front (WV Code 17A-3-15).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: code.wvlegislature.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

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