Does Nebraska Require Front License Plates?

Most passenger vehicles in Nebraska require a front license plate since 2016. Find out why it matters here.
Written by Rob Shapiro
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
background
Except for buses, dealership cars, and motorcycles, Nebraska will issue two license plates for every vehicle—both of which must be installed to comply with the law. 
License plates help municipalities and authorities keep track of registered vehicles, enforce laws, and aid with locating missing people and stolen vehicles. Since 2016, Nebraska has required all motor vehicles that are issued two plates to display both. 
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has the lowdown on why Nebraska requires a front license plate. As a bonus, we’ll give you some tips that can reduce your
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Does Nebraska require front license plates?

Nebraska requires all motor vehicles that are issued two plates to visibly display them at the front and rear of the vehicle. This applies to personalized and special plates, too. Dealers, buses, and motorcycles are exempt from this law according to Nebraska Code
60-3,100
.
If only one license plate is issued, it must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle, prominently for all to see. New Nebraska residents have 30 days to get a Nebraska title and registration for their vehicles, including license plates. 

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

In Nebraska, motor vehicle-related infractions can add points to your driving record. If you receive a certain number of points, you could lose all driving privileges. 
Each violation correlates to a specific number of points. Failure to display a front license plate will likely fall under “All Other Traffic Violations” and result in the addition of one point to the guilty party’s record.
Points are given at the date of the violation and a conviction will remain on one’s record for five years. If you receive 12 points in two years, your license will be automatically revoked.
If you’re pulled over for this offense, you might get lucky and be given 24 hours to correct the issue. If you do so within the designated timeframe, you will not be charged with an offense. 
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Which US states do not require a front license plate?

Nineteen states do not require drivers to display a front license plate:
  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Indiana
  • Kansas 
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Michigan
  • Mississippi
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • Oklahoma 
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • West Virginia

Why Nebraska requires a front license plate

Front license plates are a tool used by police officers to locate stolen vehicles—and sometimes even missing people. If your car is stolen, you’ll be glad you live in a state that mandates a front license plate as it can greatly increase the odds of your vehicle being found.  
For whatever reason, some drivers find a front license plate unsightly. Regardless of aesthetics, it serves a distinct purpose and should be embraced by all drivers.
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Which states have the highest rate of car theft?

Nebraska experienced 5,048 car thefts in 2020. Every year it is ranked as one of the safer states for car theft. Granted, it’s not as safe for cars as Vermont and
Maine
. But it’s much safer than
Colorado
and
California
, which consistently have the highest car theft rates.
That said, the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area, which covers both Nebraska and
Iowa
, has a high rate of vehicle theft. Grand Island is another Nebraska city that has experienced a spike in car theft in recent years
High auto theft rates will also spike your car insurance rates. For proof, look no further than
Omaha car insurance costs
and
Grand Island car insurance costs
.

How to find cheap car insurance in Nebraska

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