← Ohio driving laws›Front License Plate

Ohio Front License Plate Laws (2026)

Permitted: Ohio requires only a rear plate: the front-plate requirement was eliminated effective July 1, 2020 (ORC 4503.21).

PermittedVerified Jun 19, 2026

Vehicle rules change at the state line — and in your state.Track them in the free LawLert iPhone app: it alerts you when you cross into a state where they differ, and when they change in your state. No account.Get the app

Official source: codes.ohio.gov →

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

Front License Plate in states bordering Ohio

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

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 →
KentuckyPermitted
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).
Verified Jul 20, 2026 · Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
MichiganPermitted
Michigan requires only a rear plate: the plate is attached to the rear. Only truck tractors and road tractors display their plate on the front (MCL 257.225(1)).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: legislature.mi.gov · Full Michigan rule →
PennsylvaniaPermitted
Pennsylvania requires only a rear plate: a single plate is issued and displayed on the rear. The state has not required a front plate since 1952 (75 Pa.C.S. 1332).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: pa.gov · Full Pennsylvania 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 →

Don't get caught off guardCross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account.Get the free app

Track this law — get alerted when it changes

We watch the official sources behind Ohio vehicle rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.