Front Plate Global Requirement Reference

Countries That Require a Front License Plate Mount (By Region)

If you’re selling or buying a front license plate mount, one thing matters more than preference… the law.

In many places around the world, a front license plate is mandatory. In others, it depends on the state or province. Below is a clean regional breakdown so you know exactly where a front plate is required.


NORTH AMERICA

CANADA (Varies by Province)

Front license plate laws are set at the provincial level.

Provinces that require a front plate:

  • British Columbia
  • Manitoba
  • Ontario

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Varies by State)

In the U.S., front license plate requirements are decided at the state level.

States that require a front license plate:

  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Dakota
  • Oregon
  • Rhode Island
  • South Dakota
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Wyoming

All other U.S. states do not require a front plate for most passenger vehicles.


EUROPE

Most European countries require two license plates (front and rear) for standard passenger vehicles.

Countries that require a front plate include:

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom

ASIA

Countries that require a front plate include:

  • China
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Japan
  • Malaysia
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Thailand

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

Front license plates are mandatory in Australia and New Zealand


LATIN AMERICA

Most countries require front and rear plates, including:

  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Mexico
  • Peru

MIDDLE EAST

Front license plates are generally required in:

  • Israel
  • Kuwait
  • Oman
  • Qatar
  • Saudi Arabia
  • United Arab Emirates