Although there are a few exceptions, the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) requires drivers to display current Wyoming license plates on both the front and back of their vehicles.

License plate laws can feel like a hassle, especially if you just moved to Wyoming from a one-plate state or your car isn’t set up for a front license plate. But when it comes down to it, that front license plate can make a big difference when it comes to helping law enforcement do their jobs. Not only can that extra plate help the police determine who was at fault after a traffic accident, but it can also assist them in recovering stolen vehicles and in identifying drivers who commit dangerous traffic violations.

Whether you just moved to Wyoming from out-of-state or you’re a new driver about to purchase your first vehicle,

Jerry

is here to help you understand the legal license plate requirements in the Cowboy State. We’ll go over the state license plate laws (and the consequences of not following them) and show you how our

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Wyoming car insurance costs

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Does Wyoming require front license plates?

Yes! Wyoming is a two-plate state, and

state law

requires almost all vehicles to display both front and rear license plates.

This means that when you pay to register a car in Wyoming, you’ll be issued two license plates, which you will need to display clearly on the front and back of your vehicle. License plates must not be covered and they must remain legible at all times—including at night.

The state allows you to personalize your vehicle with plate frames as long as the information on the plate remains fully visible. However, frames that obscure the state name, plate number, registration sticker, or the state motto are illegal. All license plate covers (including clear covers) are illegal in Wyoming.

These requirements apply to standard license plates, personalized plates, and special-issue plates such as those provided to disabled veterans or firefighters.

MORE:

Is my license plate frame legal in Wyoming?

Exemptions

In most cases, Wyoming vehicle owners should assume that they’ll have to display a front license plate on their car—but there are a few exceptions to the law.

For instance, if you drive a modified vehicle or a vehicle manufactured before 1948 that meets the criteria for a

street rod or custom vehicle plate

, then you only need to display a rear license plate. Additionally, cars that are more than 25 years old, qualify for a

pioneer plate

, and are used exclusively for car club events, parades, or exhibitions can also forgo the front license plate requirement.

MORE: Classic car insurance in Wyoming

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

Unless you qualify for an exemption, driving without a front license plate is illegal in Wyoming. In fact, if a law enforcement officer notices that your vehicle doesn’t have a front plate attached, they can choose to pull you over and issue a fine. In most cases, these fines fall between $100 and $200.

Of course, some police officers might choose to let some drivers off with a warning—especially if they’re new to the state and were ignorant of the law. But that doesn’t mean they’ll always be so generous! So if a police officer tells you to attach your front license plate, make sure you do so as soon as possible.

If you lost your front license plate, you can purchase a new one from the Wyoming Department of Transportation for $8.00.

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Which U.S. states do not require a front license plate?

Wyoming (and most of its neighboring states) require two license plates, but that’s not the case everywhere! Here’s a list of the 19 states that do not have a front license plate law.

Alabama

Arizona

Arkansas

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Indiana

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Michigan

Mississippi

New Mexico

North Carolina

Oklahoma

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Tennessee

West Virginia

Why Wyoming requires a front license plate

Many people don’t like front license plates—and drivers who own high-end luxury vehicles or sports cars often have very strong opinions on the matter. But laws and penalties aside, there’s another major advantage to having a front license plate on your car: they can be a huge help to law enforcement trying to locate a stolen vehicle.

If you ever have the misfortune of becoming a car theft victim, having two license plates on your car means police officers are two times more likely to find it.

MORE:

Does my car insurance cover car theft?

Which states have the highest rate of car theft?

Luckily for residents of Wyoming, the state can be considered relatively low risk for auto theft. In fact, a study from the

Insurance Information Institute

shows that the Cowboy State has the third-lowest number of stolen vehicles in the whole country, with just 964 cars stolen in 2020. That’s a pretty stark contrast compared to

California

, which had 168,323 vehicles stolen in the same year. Other states with a high rate of car theft include

Texas

Florida

, and

Colorado

However, just because you’re statistically less likely to have your car stolen in Wyoming doesn’t mean it can’t happen! For instance, the city of

Cheyenne

saw a

spike in auto theft

as recently as 2021, and averages about 237 cars stolen per 100,000 residents. You could also be at higher risk for car theft if you live in an area with an above-average larceny rate such as

Riverton

Thinking about having your car stolen can be nerve-wracking, but it should emphasize the importance of displaying a front license plate. Not only can filing a claim for a stolen car affect your car insurance rates but being without a car for a while can be a major hassle—especially if you live in an area without reliable public transportation. A stolen vehicle with two license plates is more likely to be spotted (and recovered) than a vehicle with just one plate.

MORE:

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

How to find cheap car insurance in Wyoming

Whether you just moved to Wyoming or are simply a new driver, you’ll be on the hook for some car-related expenses like license and registration fees, and signing up for car insurance. If you want to make sure you’re getting the best rate on your Wyoming insurance, look to

Jerry

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car insurance

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Here’s how it works. Just download the app and fill out a short questionnaire to create your personalized driver profile. Then, Jerry’s

licensed insurance experts

will scan coverage options from more than 55 partner companies, and generate a customized list of quotes that meet your coverage needs and your budget.

You can choose a plan on your own or text one of Jerry’s helpful agents through the app for advice. Once you’re ready to sign up, Jerry takes care of all the phone calls and paperwork so you don’t have to. We can even help cancel your old policy.

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