Tennessee Front License Plate Laws (2026)

Front License Plate in states bordering Tennessee

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

• AlabamaPermitted

  Alabama requires only a rear plate: a single license plate must be displayed and plainly visible on the rear, and no front plate is required. See Ala. Code §32-6-51. A violation is a misdemeanor carrying a fine of up to $500 plus a driving prohibition of 60 days to 6 months.

  Verified Jul 26, 2026 · Source: alison.legislature.state.al.us · Full Alabama rule →

• ArkansasPermitted

  In practice, most Arkansas drivers display a rear plate only, because the state issues just one plate for most passenger vehicles and a single plate goes on the rear. By statute, though, a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle must display one plate on the front and one on the rear, and if two plates were issued both must be displayed (A.C.A. 27-14-716(a)(1)).

  Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: ardot.gov · Full Arkansas rule →

• 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 →

• 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 →

• MississippiPermitted

  Mississippi requires only a rear plate: one tag is furnished and fastened at the rear of the vehicle. See Miss. Code 27-19-31.

  Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: billstatus.ls.state.ms.us · Full Mississippi 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 →

• North CarolinaPermitted

  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).

  Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: ncleg.gov · Full North Carolina 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 →