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North Carolina Front License Plate Laws (2026)

Permitted: North Carolina requires only a rear plate: one plate is issued and attached to the rear.

PermittedVerified Jun 19, 2026

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North Carolina requires only a rear plate: one plate is issued and attached to the rear. On truck-tractors, that plate goes on the front instead (N.C.G.S. 20-63).

Official source: ncleg.gov →

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

Front License Plate in states bordering North Carolina

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

GeorgiaPermitted
Georgia requires only a rear plate: one plate is issued and fastened to the rear, and no front plate is required (O.C.G.A. §40-2-41).
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: gov.georgia.gov · Full Georgia rule →
South CarolinaPermitted
South Carolina requires only a rear plate: passenger cars display a single plate on the outside rear, and no front plate is required (SC Code 56-3-1240).
Verified Jul 22, 2026 · Source: scstatehouse.gov · Full South Carolina 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 →

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