Keith Mack
Missouri law requires passenger vehicles to display both front and rear license plates. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Missouri's law, Subsection 3 of statute 301.130, states that property-carrying commercial motor vehicles registered at a gross weight of over 12,000 lbs shall be issued only one license plate. Other exceptions include motorcycles, vehicles with historic registrations, and vehicles registered at a weight of over 18,000 lbs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of license plates required | 2 (front and rear) |
| Exceptions | Motorcycles, vehicles with historic Year of Manufacture registrations, commercial vehicles registered for 18,000 lbs or greater |
| Penalty for non-compliance | Pulled over by police |
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What You'll Learn
Missouri is a two-plate state
The Missouri Department of Revenue states:
> Each such plate shall be securely fastened to the motor vehicle or trailer in a manner so that all parts thereof shall be plainly visible and reasonably clean so that the reflective qualities thereof are not impaired. Each such plate may be encased in a transparent cover so long as the plate is plainly visible and its reflective qualities are not impaired.
In other words, both plates need to be securely fastened to your motor vehicle, and an officer needs to be able to see the numbers clearly. If you are pulled over for a missing plate, you will usually be given a warning and told to fix the problem.
There are some exceptions to the two-plate rule in Missouri. These include motorcycles, vehicles with historic Year of Manufacture registrations, and commercial vehicles registered for 18,000 lbs or greater. In the case of commercial vehicles, applicants are given the option of obtaining two license plates.
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Exceptions include motorcycles
In Missouri, most motor vehicles are required to display two license plates, one on the front and one on the rear of the vehicle. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, including motorcycles, which are only required to display a single license plate.
Missouri law states that motorcycles, along with certain other types of vehicles, are exempt from the requirement to display two license plates. This exception is outlined in the Missouri Revised Statutes, which specify the licensing requirements for various types of vehicles.
The relevant statute, Section 301.130, states that "all property-carrying commercial motor vehicles to be registered at a gross weight in excess of twelve thousand pounds, all passenger-carrying commercial motor vehicles, local transit buses, school buses, trailers, semitrailers, motorcycles, motortricycles, autocycles, motorscooters, and driveaway vehicles shall be registered with the director of revenue... but only one license plate shall be issued for each such vehicle." This statute clearly indicates that motorcycles are among the vehicles that are only required to display a single license plate.
It is important to note that while motorcycles are exempt from displaying two license plates, they are still subject to other licensing requirements. Motorcycle owners must ensure that their license plate is securely fastened to the vehicle and clearly visible to law enforcement. Additionally, the license plate must be reasonably clean and free of obstructions, as outlined in the Missouri Department of Revenue regulations.
In summary, while most motor vehicles in Missouri are required to display two license plates, motorcycles are among the exceptions and are only required to display a single license plate. Motorcycle owners should ensure that they comply with all relevant licensing requirements to avoid penalties or fines.
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Commercial vehicles over 12,000 lbs need only one plate
Missouri law requires passenger vehicles to display two license plates, one on the front and one on the rear of the vehicle. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
Commercial vehicles registered for over 12,000 lbs or 18,000 lbs (depending on the source) are only required to display one license plate. This includes property-carrying commercial vehicles and local transit buses, school buses, trailers, semi-trailers, motorcycles, motor-tricycles, autocycles, motor-scooters, and driveaway vehicles.
The relevant Missouri statute, Subsection 3 of 301.130, RSMo, states: "All property-carrying commercial motor vehicles to be registered at a gross weight in excess of twelve thousand pounds...shall be registered with the director of revenue...or with the state highways and transportation commission...but only one license plate shall be issued for each such vehicle."
It is important to note that while Missouri law only requires one plate for these larger commercial vehicles, applicants do have the option to request and obtain two plates if desired. If a vehicle is issued two plates, both must be displayed in accordance with Missouri law.
While Missouri is a two-plate state, it is not uncommon to see vehicles on the road with only one license plate, no plates at all, or plates that are obscured or decorated. However, failure to display both plates (where required) is a primary violation, and law enforcement officers can pull drivers over and issue a warning or citation for this offense.
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Police will pull you over for a missing plate
Missouri law requires vehicles to display two license plates, one on the front and one on the rear of the vehicle. The exceptions to this rule include motorcycles, vehicles with historic Year of Manufacture registrations, and commercial vehicles weighing 18,000 lbs or more. In the case of commercial vehicles, drivers are given the option to obtain two license plates.
Despite this law, many vehicles on Missouri roads have been observed with only one license plate, or no plates at all. The Missouri State Highway Patrol has the authority to pull over drivers who are not following the two-plate rule. Sergeant Michael McClure of the Missouri State Highway Patrol has stated that drivers are usually unaware of the requirement to display two license plates and will often claim that they were only given one.
If you are pulled over for a missing license plate, the patrol will typically give you a warning and instruct you to fix the problem. If your vehicle does not have holes in the front bumper for a license plate, you may need to drill holes and install a bracket to attach the second plate. These brackets can be purchased at auto parts stores for a small fee.
It is important to note that the requirement to display two license plates does not apply to all types of vehicles in Missouri. As mentioned earlier, motorcycles and certain commercial vehicles may be exempt from this requirement. Additionally, heavy-duty trucks, such as a 12,000-pound farm truck, may not need a rear license plate.
To avoid any confusion or potential legal consequences, it is advisable for Missouri drivers to familiarize themselves with the state's license plate laws and ensure that their vehicles are properly registered and displayed. By complying with the relevant laws, drivers can avoid being pulled over and ensure that their vehicles are in accordance with Missouri regulations.
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Vehicles from one-plate states may need to drill holes
Missouri is a two-plate state, meaning that vehicles are required to display both front and rear license plates. However, there are exceptions for motorcycles, vehicles with historic Year of Manufacture registrations, and commercial vehicles registered for 18,000 lbs or greater. In the case of commercial vehicles, while two plates can be obtained, only one plate is required by law.
For vehicles registered in states that only require one license plate, there may be challenges when driving or relocating to a two-plate state like Missouri. One common issue is the lack of holes in the front bumper for mounting the second license plate. In such cases, drilling holes in the bumper may be necessary to install the front license plate.
Some people may be reluctant to drill holes in their vehicle's bumper, especially if it is expensive or in good condition. There are alternative options available, such as using a bracket that mounts to the bottom side of the fascia, leaving no visible holes. Another option is to use VHB (very high bond) tape to secure the license plate bracket without drilling.
It is important to note that the laws and regulations regarding license plates can vary from state to state. While Missouri requires two license plates, other states like Arkansas and California have different requirements. It is always essential to follow the specific laws and guidelines of the state where the vehicle is registered or operated.
To comply with Missouri law, vehicles from one-plate states may need to drill holes in their front bumper to install the second license plate. However, it is recommended to consult with a local auto parts store or mechanic to explore all available options and ensure compliance with the law.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes. Missouri is a two-plate state, meaning the law requires all passenger vehicles to have a front and rear license plate.
The exceptions include motorcycles, vehicles with historic Year of Manufacture registrations, and commercial vehicles registered for 18,000 lbs or greater.
Not having both plates is a primary violation, meaning the police will pull you over for it. Typically, the patrol will give you a warning and tell you to fix the problem.
Your car probably came from a one-plate state. You will need to drill holes in your front bumper for the bracket. A local auto parts store should sell a plate bracket for around $6.
