Cameron Miranda
Iowa is one of 31 US states that require vehicles to display license plates on both the front and back of the car. When registering a vehicle in Iowa, two license plates are automatically provided. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, antique vehicles, or vehicles that do not have a front bumper, such as motorcycles, are exempt from displaying a front license plate. In addition, Senate File 419 prohibits law enforcement officers from stopping or detaining a person if their vehicle is required to display two license plates but only has one on the rear.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of license plates required | Two |
| Positioning | Front and back |
| Exceptions | Motorcycles, autocycles, motorized bicycles, truck tractors, and historical vehicles (model years 1948 and older) |
| Fine for non-compliance | $30 |
| Enforcement | Citations or tickets issued by officers; may be sent via mail |
| Cost of license plates | $35 for new plates, $10 for renewals |
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What You'll Learn
Penalties for not following the law
Iowa law requires vehicles registered in the state to display both front and rear license plates. However, there are exemptions for certain types of vehicles, such as historic cars from 1948 or earlier, autocycles, motorcycles, and truck tractors.
Regarding penalties for not following the law, there have been differing opinions. Some sources indicate that while you can be pulled over for not displaying a front license plate, it is not a primary offence, and an officer cannot legally stop or detain a person solely for this reason. Senate File 419, which aimed to address this issue, was passed in the Iowa Senate in March 2021 but did not pass in the Iowa House.
However, other sources suggest that failing to display a front license plate is a violation of Iowa Code 321.37 and can result in a citation with a fine of around $120. Additionally, if you are involved in an accident and do not have a front license plate, you may be penalized.
It is worth noting that the laws regarding front license plates in Iowa have been a subject of controversy and discussion, with some bills, like Senate File 419, aiming to increase the number of vehicles exempt from displaying a front license plate.
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Exceptions to the law
In Iowa, Senate File 419 states that a peace officer cannot stop or detain a person whose vehicle is required to display a license plate on both the front and rear but only has a license plate on the rear. This means that not having a front plate cannot be the primary reason for pulling someone over, though it can be given as an accessory ticket. However, Senate File 419 failed to become law, so there is no active law prohibiting law enforcement from pulling people over for not having a front plate.
There are exceptions to the front license plate law in Iowa, though the specifics are unclear. One exception seems to be for semi-tractors, which usually only require a front plate because the rear would be obscured by a trailer. This exception may also apply to farm pickups with fifth wheels, depending on their GVWR or tow rating. Additionally, out-of-state vehicles may not be subject to the same front license plate requirements as Iowa residents. For example, Kansas only issues one license plate, so a Kansas resident driving in Iowa may not be pulled over for not having an Iowa front license plate.
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Reasons for the law
Iowa is one of 31 US states that require vehicles to display license plates on both the front and back of the car. When you register a vehicle in Iowa, you are automatically given two license plates, which must be mounted on the front and rear of the vehicle. The only exceptions are for vehicles that are small or don't have a front bumper, such as motorcycles, autocycles, motorized bicycles, and truck tractors. Historical vehicles from 1948 or earlier are also exempt from displaying a front license plate.
There are several reasons for this law. Firstly, front license plates aid law enforcement officers in identifying and tracking vehicles, especially when a vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction. This helps in locating stolen vehicles and can assist in criminal investigations. Capt. Scott Gaarde of the Iowa City Police Department explained that front license plates make it easier for officers to identify cars without having to turn around or follow a vehicle. This also applies to license plate reader cameras attached to some police vehicles.
Secondly, the Iowa Department of Public Safety collects revenue from the sale and renewal of license plates. The money collected is used to provide subsidies to charitable groups supporting the families and colleagues of law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty.
While some people may consider front license plates unattractive or a nuisance, the law in Iowa currently requires them for most vehicles. However, there have been efforts to change this law. In 2021, Iowa Senate Bill 419 proposed making the absence of a front license plate a secondary penalty, rather than a primary reason for being pulled over. This bill passed the Senate but did not pass in the House. Similarly, House File 540 sought to repeal the requirement for all vehicles to carry both front and back license plates, but legislators ultimately agreed to exempt only classic or sports cars. These discussions and proposals reflect the ongoing debate and efforts to amend the front license plate law in Iowa.
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Attempts to change the law
Iowa law requires state-issued license plates to be attached to the front and back of most vehicles. Antique cars from 1948 or older are exempt from this rule. However, there have been attempts to change this law, particularly regarding the requirement for a front license plate.
Senate File 419, or Senate Bill 419, proposed that law enforcement officers would no longer be able to pull drivers over solely for not displaying a front license plate. Instead, failure to display a front plate would be considered a secondary offense. The bill also aimed to expand the number of vehicles exempt from displaying front license plates, including antique vehicles (defined as 25 years old or older) and vehicles that require modifications to secure a plate.
The bill was sponsored by Republican Senator Dan Zumbach, who argued that it would not require the removal of front plates from all cars but only from antique cars and vehicles without a suitable place to mount a plate. He also addressed law enforcement concerns, stating that the impact of the bill on their ability to do their job would be minimal.
Senate File 419 passed the Iowa Senate on March 9, 2021, with a vote of 29-17. However, it faced opposition from several law enforcement agencies, who argued that front license plates are crucial for identifying criminals. After passing the Senate, the bill was sent to the Iowa House for consideration.
As of October 2021, Iowa law still requires state-issued license plates to be mounted on the front and back of most vehicles. It is unclear if Senate File 419 was passed into law or if it underwent further amendments.
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Cost of license plates
In Iowa, all vehicles must be registered to be legally driven. The annual registration fees are determined by Iowa Code sections 321.109 and 321.115 through 321.124 and are paid to the county treasurer's office in the county of residence. The fees vary depending on the type of vehicle, its weight, and its list price. For instance, the registration fee for low-speed vehicles, 1993 and newer multipurpose vehicles, and 2010 and newer model-year trucks (10k or less) is calculated as $0.40 per hundred pounds of vehicle weight, plus a percentage of the vehicle's list price.
Additionally, an extra registration fee is imposed on battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The formula for calculating this fee is $0.40 per hundred pounds of vehicle weight, plus a percentage of the vehicle's list price (reduced for older models), plus the supplemental registration fee. This extra fee aims to compensate for the lack of fuel tax generated by these vehicles, which is used to fund Iowa's roads.
For certain vehicles, such as multipurpose vehicles equipped for assisting individuals with disabilities, the annual registration fee is a flat rate of $60. Similarly, trailers over 2,000 lbs are charged a $30 fee, while those under 2,000 lbs are charged $20.
If a license plate is lost or damaged, a replacement set of plates can be obtained from the County Treasurer's Office for a fee of $5. A replacement title can also be issued for a fee of $35.
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Frequently asked questions
The only exceptions to the law are vehicles that are small or don't have a front bumper, such as motorcycles, autocycles, motorized bicycles, and truck tractors. Historical vehicles from 1948 and older are also exempt.
If you are stopped for neglecting to display a front license plate, you could face a fine ranging from $30 to $200.
Front license plates help law enforcement officers identify cars coming from the opposite direction, without having to turn around. This helps with tracking stolen vehicles and relocating them.
