← Virginia driving laws›Front License Plate

Virginia Front License Plate Laws (2026)

Info: Virginia requires two plates: one on the front and one on the rear.

InfoVerified 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

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).

Official source: law.lis.virginia.gov →

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

Front License Plate in states bordering Virginia

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

District of ColumbiaInfo
The District of Columbia requires two plates: a vehicle must display two identification tags, one on the front and one on the rear (DCMR 18-422).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: dcrules.elaws.us · Full District of Columbia 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 →
MarylandInfo
Maryland requires two plates: passenger cars must display one on the front and one on the rear. See Md. Transp. 13-411.
Verified Jul 23, 2026 · Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · Full Maryland 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 →
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 →
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 Virginia vehicle rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.