In Missouri, the rules about license plates state that you have to have two plates, one in the front and one in the back. If you don’t, you could get a ticket. That’s the short answer.
In Missouri, cities like St. Louis, Springfield, and Columbia have busy roads, cops watching traffic, and cameras catching every mistake. Missouri’s transportation rules are consistent statewide, but local areas may enforce them more strictly depending on traffic conditions.
Does Missouri require a front license plate? Yes, it does for most vehicles. You might see some trucks or older cars without one, but the law still says the front plate is usually required.
Missouri’s Rules for License Plates
When you register a car, the state gives you two plates. That’s a front and a back. They must be clearly shown. Not hidden, or in the trunk, or maybe covered by tinted covers. And yes, they must be visible at night.
Front plates help police see cars coming and going. Without one, officers might miss a car breaking the law. It also helps if there’s a hit-and-run. Someone might get away without the front plate. Missouri is one of 31 states that care enough to require two plates.
Not every vehicle has to have a front plate. Trucks, buses, or tractor-trailers over 12,000 pounds sometimes only need the back one. Motorcycles, trailers, and historic cars usually need only one plate on the back. But if your car is a normal passenger car, two plates are the rule.
Missouri plates show the state’s name, the expiration month and year, and some mix of letters and numbers. You can even get a personalized plate if you want.
If you don’t put a front plate on your car when you’re supposed to, you can get a ticket. The Missouri DMV says the fine is $30.50. Don’t think it’s harmless. Multiple tickets can lead to bigger fines or even affect your license and insurance.
Mounting it right is also very important. You should use the factory bracket if your car has one. Keep it upright. Don’t cover it with frames or stickers.
Make sure it’s fastened so it won’t fall off. A properly mounted plate keeps you on the right side of the law.
Other Things About Missouri License Plates
Missouri plates are made in the state by prisoners at the Jefferson City Correctional Center. They’re mostly aluminum. Standard plates have raised letters. Personalized ones are printed ehicle with a computer.
You’ll also need a year tab, color-coded, showing when your registration expires. If your back plate gets blocked by a bike rack or luggage rack, Missouri lets you get a temporary third plate. It’s printed on paper and goes inside the rear window so it can still be seen from outside.
Temporary Plates and Registration
If you buy a new or used car in Missouri, you only have a 30-day window period to get it registered before you can be penalized. You can get temporary plates to drive legally until the permanent plates arrive.
You also need insurance before you drive it. Safety inspections are required for some used cars, but not all. New cars usually don’t need one unless they exceed mileage or age limits.
Vehicle Sales Tax and Fees
When you register a car, you pay state and local sales taxes. For example, a $10,000 car in Springfield might cost $810 in taxes. There’s also a $14.50 registration fee, split between title and processing.
Recap of Main Points
- Most Missouri cars need a front and back plate.
- Exceptions: motorcycles, trailers, historic vehicles, big trucks.
- Front plates help law enforcement and safety.
- Failing to display a required plate can cost $30.50 or more.
- Plates must be mounted clearly, visible at night, and not covered.
- Missouri plates are made locally in Jefferson City, some by prisoners.
- Temporary plates are available for blocked or new vehicles.
- Registration, safety inspection, and insurance are all required to stay legal.
