Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law | May 2, 2025 | Car Accident Lawyer Near Orlando Florida
Before buying a car, it is good to know whether you need a front license plate in Florida. Understanding the requirements for front license plates in Florida can save you time and money. In Florida, the law states that passenger vehicles are required to have only a single license plate, which is typically displayed on the rear of the vehicle. The requirement for a rear-only plate applies to most passenger vehicles.
When Is a Front License Plate Required?
In Florida, only certain vehicles must display both front and rear license plates. Most notably, these include Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more. These vehicles must display both front and rear plates. To learn if your particular vehicle needs one plate or two, reach out to an experienced lawyer.
License Plate Mounting Requirements
Florida law specifies how license plates should be displayed. The following requirements must be met:
- Height: Plates must be mounted between 12 and 60 inches off the ground.
- Position: Plates should be placed within 24 inches of the vehicle’s centerline.
- Fastening: Plates must be securely attached to prevent swinging.
- Visibility: All letters and numbers must be readable from 100 feet away and free from obstructions.
- Alignment: Plates should be aligned to read from left to right and parallel to the ground.
These mounting specifications are designed to ensure that license plates are easily visible, legible, and securely attached to vehicles. Proper placement and visibility are essential for a variety of reasons, including law enforcement identification, toll collection systems, and overall safety.
When Can You Be Fined for Not Having a Front License Plate?
If you own a vehicle that is required by Florida law to have a front license plate and fail to display it, you can be ticketed for the violation. The fine for not having a front license plate typically ranges, depending on the circumstances and the discretion of the officer. Not following license plate rules can also cause issues when you renew your vehicle registration. If you’re not sure if your vehicle qualifies for the exemption, check with the Florida DHSMV. You can also consult a traffic law attorney for help.
What Should You Do if You Are Fined?
If you have received a fine for not displaying a front license plate, the first step is to check whether your vehicle qualifies for any of the listed exemptions. If you believe the ticket was issued in error or if your vehicle is exempt, you may be able to contest the fine.
To dispute the fine, you can request a hearing with the court or submit an affidavit explaining why your vehicle should be exempt from the front plate requirement. If you are unsure about the steps to take or if you want to ensure that you’re handling the ticket correctly, it is a good idea to consult with a lawyer who specializes in traffic laws and car accidents.
Florida License Plate Laws
In Florida, most passenger vehicles are not required to display a front license plate. It’s important to understand the specifics of Florida’s vehicle code to avoid fines and comply with the law. If you are unsure about whether your vehicle qualifies for an exemption or if you’ve received a ticket for not having a front plate, consulting with a legal professional can help ensure that you’re in compliance and avoid unnecessary penalties.
Contact an Orlando Car Accident lawyer at Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law Today
For more information, please contact Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law to schedule a free consultation. We have five convenient locations in Florida, including Orlando, Palm Bay, Melbourne, Cocoa, and Titusville.
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Orlando, FL Office
633 E Colonial Dr
Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: (407) 801-3000
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Orlando, FL.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 28.5534238,-81.3692001
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Palm Bay, FL Office
4620 Lipscomb Street N.E Suite #3K
Palm Bay, FL 32905
Phone: (321) 677-5964
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Palm Bay, FL.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 28.039083,-80.6083109
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Melbourne, FL Office
1600 W Eau Gallie Blvd #205j
Melbourne, FL 32935
Phone: (321) 450-7134
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Melbourne, FL.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 28.1289147,-80.6461588
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Cocoa, FL Office
717 S Cocoa Blvd STE 203
Cocoa, FL 32922
(321) 449-8042
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Cocoa, FL.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 28.3511613,-80.7312948
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Titusville, FL Office
4527 S Hopkins Ave Suite B
Titusville, FL 32780
Phone: (407) 801-3000
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Titusville, FL.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates:28.5584923,-80.8010051