Front License Plate Haters Unite Over State’s New Proposal originally appeared on Autoblog.
A state senator argues the case for front license plates
A Pennsylvania senator has released a memo seeking support for a potential bill that would require the state’s drivers to display a front license plate in addition to the rear. Senator Katie Muth argues that a front license plate requirement would improve public safety, assist law enforcement in crime detection, and strengthen traffic law enforcement. In her memo, she expressed that data shows how a single rear license plate creates significant gaps in law enforcement’s ability to identify vehicles involved in criminal investigations, missing persons searches, and/or traffic violations, such as hit-and-run situations.
The senator added that many neighboring states of Pennsylvania, like Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio, have front and rear plate requirements. Pennsylvania law enforcement is known to use automatic license plate readers to scan a vehicle from both directions in instances such as tracking stolen vehicles, Amber Alerts, and locating wanted suspects. A dual-plate requirement naturally enhances visibility in these instances, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) notes that dual plates assist automated enforcement systems and are correlated with higher enforcement rates for dangerous driving behaviors, according to the senator.
Muth stated, “Successful vehicle identification can also decrease the number of police pursuits. According to the PA Police Pursuit Reporting System, 804 out of 2,958 police pursuits (around 27.2%) in Pennsylvania in 2023 ended in crashes, with 15 fatalities. These crashes involve the fleeing vehicle, the pursuing police vehicle, and uninvolved third parties.”
The state senator also explains how front plates can help officers approaching vehicles from the opposite direction to identify persons of interest without following cars. In 2020, Pennsylvania switched to All Electronic Tolling (AET), alternatively known as open-road tolling, and Muth argues that front and rear plates help enforce equitable toll collection and maintain projected revenue for initiatives such as infrastructure projects. Exemptions currently in place for antique cars and other vehicles in other states, which, based on design, cannot display a front license plate, would also exist. Additionally, first responders whose vehicles already display a front plate with department identification would be exempt. If passed, Pennsylvania’s front and rear license plate requirement would begin in January 2027, and the state would cover the cost of a second plate for any drivers who voluntarily apply.
Front license plate pushback from drivers isn’t easy to overcome
Front license plates remain controversial in the U.S. over concerns that they detract from a vehicle’s appearance, especially if the car wasn’t initially designed for a front plate, but can technically hold one. Others view accommodating a new front plate requirement as inconvenient, even if the state is covering costs for voluntary applicants. Axios polled over 1,400 people about whether they’d approve of a Pennsylvania front plate requirement, and nearly 82% of respondents answered no. Pennsylvania is one of 21 states that require only back license plates for most vehicles. Commercial trucks, state-owned vehicles, and press photographers currently hold exemptions requiring front and rear plates.
Final thoughts
While drivers understandably view a newfound front license plate requirement as an inconvenience in the short term, Muth effectively argues the long-term, cumulative benefits of the measure, while also adding opportunities for cost assistance and exemptions. Still, to get drivers to keep an open mind toward the change, Pennsylvania will need to make the law’s public assistance, exemption criteria, and benefits to drivers—not just law enforcement—abundantly clear.
Front License Plate Haters Unite Over State’s New Proposal first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 28, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
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