Do You Need A Front License Plate in North Dakota?

When I was helping my dad get his registration sticker on his vehicle in Arizona, I was a bit puzzled. When I questioned why there was only one sticker, he said he only has one licence plate. I know every state in the nation requires at least one licence plate. According to autolist.com, it looks like 29 states require a front and back licence plate.

Here are the states that require 1 licence plate.

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• West Virginia

So, where does North Dakota land in all of this?

The state of North Dakota requires you to have a place on the front and back .ND Century Code 39-04-11 requires each motor vehicle have 2 plates. Both plates must be kept clear of mud, ice, or snow, and be clearly visible.  All number plates, markers, or evidence of registration or licensing, with the exception of the current year, must be removed from the vehicle.

What are the benefits of 2 licence plates?

• Law Enforcement - From a law enforcement perspective it is safer to have two plates. For instance: If an officer needs to get any vehicle information, they can get the plate information from the front or rear of the vehicle. It makes a suspect vehicle easier to identify if it is encountered from the front or the rear.
• Safety - Some license plates are reflective, As a result, they are a bit easier to notice at night or around dusk, when the sun is setting. Another justification for front license plates is the reflectivity of the plate. They are pretty substantial things and can provide a decent point of visibility, despite the fact that they appear little when attached on a vehicle.
• Money - Toll booths are not a thing in our area. Making money is one of the biggest things in any decision, consideration, or law. Having a license plate that is easily readable from the front and back of any vehicle makes it easier for agencies using license plate reading technology to spot at toll booths and during traffic enforcement.

Now you know. You need a front and back license plate in North Dakota, Montana, South Dakota, and Minnesota.

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