While rockin’ front plates may not be the most visually appealing, they are helpful to law enforcement agents in quickly identifying stolen vehicles and keeping public safety efforts running smoothly.

Read on to find out more about why Maine requires a front license plate presented by

Jerry

, the

car insurance

comparison tool and app you can trust. We’ll discuss state laws, theft rates, and ways to protect your vehicle. Plus, get tips to lower your

Maine car insurance costs

Does Maine require front license plates?

Yes—Maine is one of several states that requires both front and rear license plates on vehicles.

Maine Revised Statutes

Section 452 of Title 29-A

lays out the correct manner of display for license plates, stating that “a registration plate must be attached to the front and the rear of each vehicle.” Both plates need to be plainly visible, fully legible, and displayed horizontally.

The law applies to all

Maine license plates

that are used for regular road use, including specialty, recognition, and veteran plates.

Exemptions

If you’re issued two plates in the state of Maine, that likely means you need to mount both to the car—one in the front and one in the back.

There are, however, a few exceptions to Maine’s two-plate law. The following vehicles require only a rear registration plate—not a front license plate:

Trailer or semi-trailer

Motorcycle

Manufacturer, dealer, or transporter vehicle

In the case of a farm truck or vehicle that hauls products, a plate may be attached by a rigid or semi-rigid bracket that allows the plate to swing freely.

Tractors are an interesting exception to the two-plate law, as well. They may only display a front registration plate; rear plates are not permitted.

MORE:

Title transfer in Maine

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What is the penalty for driving without a front license plate in Maine?

If you try to drive without a properly displayed front license plate in Maine, you will likely be pulled over by the police. From there, the officer may be kind enough to issue a verbal warning or “fix-it” ticket.

Otherwise, driving without both the front and rear license plates typically carries a fine of $100. But whether you’re penalized or not is up to the discretion of the officer that pulled you over.

One last thing to keep in mind: as of Spring 2022, vanity license plates may no longer display profane or obscene messages. If you receive a notice in the mail saying you need a new plate, be sure to respond to the state’s decision and prepare to display the new plates you’re provided.

If you don’t update your plates and registration in time, you could be slapped with a fine of no less than $200 and a maximum penalty of up to $1,000.

MORE:

How to get a temporary license plate in Maine

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Which US states do not require a front license plate?

Many states require a front license plate—but not all! Here are the 19 states that do not have a front license plate requirement:

Alabama

Arizona

Arkansas

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Indiana

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Michigan

Mississippi

New Mexico

North Carolina

Oklahoma

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Tennessee

West Virginia

Why Maine requires a front license plate

So, why does Maine require a front license plate? Are they really necessary?

One of the major reasons for requiring front license plates is that it can help law enforcement quickly identify stolen vehicles—especially if they are using license plate reader systems. So while they’re unsightly, they are necessary to enhance public safety.

MORE:

Does my car insurance cover car theft?

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Which states have the highest rate of car theft?

Fortunately, Maine has among the fewest motor vehicle thefts in the country with only 264 vehicles stolen in 2020, second only to Vermont.

Other coastal states, however, have not fared as well.

California

Texas

Florida

, and Washington come in at the top of the list for the most motor vehicle thefts in the country.

Nevertheless, Maine State Police reported a spike in vehicle burglaries and car thefts in 2021 and 2022. Unfortunately, many of these cases could have been prevented. In nearly every instance, the keys were left in the car, and many of the cars were idling.

While the rash of thefts and burglaries occurred in metropolitan areas by juveniles, that doesn’t mean it can’t happen anywhere. Protect your car and valuables by taking preventative measures, such as:

Not letting your vehicle run while unoccupied

Locking your vehicle and taking your keys with you every time

Stowing away personal items and removing valuables from the cabin

Parking your vehicle in a well-lit and visible place at night whenever possible

These small preventative actions can help keep crime low in the area you live. As a result, you’re helping to keep Maine insurance costs among the lowest in the country!

Bangor insurance costs

, for example, are some of the highest in the state due in part to its vehicle theft rate of 84 per 100,000 residents (22% greater than the state average!), according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Certain vehicles are favored by thieves in the state of Maine—pickups, in particular. As a result, your

Chevrolet

Ford

, or

GMC insurance costs

may also climb.

MORE:

The best car anti-theft devices to keep your vehicle safe

How to find cheap car insurance in Maine

Taking preventative measures and installing anti-theft devices are a couple of surefire ways you can help keep your car insurance costs down. But if you’re looking for even more savings, then you definitely need

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