Many states throughout the country require both front and rear license plates. A front license plate is identical to your rear plate and features your license plate number and your registration sticker. If you are an Illinois resident or planning to move to the Prairie State, it’s important to know that you do need a front license plate for your vehicle.
Requiring front car plates is one of the many steps that Illinois has taken to help promote safety and simplify vehicle identification in the event of car accidents, vehicle theft, or other incidents.
What Law Requires Front License Plates In Illinois?
According to 625 Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS), Section 3-413, all motor vehicles must have a front and rear license plate, with the exception of:
- Motorcycles
- Semi-trailers
- Truck tractors
- Apportioned or multistate buses
Truck tractors — or semi-trucks — are required to have front plates but not rear plates. That’s because the rear plate would presumably be blocked when a trailer is attached. Likewise, semi-trailers only need a rear license plate, as they aren’t equipped with a front license plate holder.
Does The Front Plate Law Apply To Commercial Vehicles?
The front plate law applies to most commercial vehicles, including semi-trucks that are registered in Illinois. However, commercial vehicles that haul trailers are not required to have a rear plate. Most other types of commercial vehicles are required to have both front and rear plates.
Front plates play a key role in collecting vehicle information in the event of a commercial truck accident. They also make it easier for law enforcement officers and the Department of Transportation officials to regulate commercial vehicles in Illinois.
Benefits Of Front License Plates
If you are new to Illinois and have never lived in a state that requires front license plates, the rule may seem a little odd. You might feel as though one plate is enough. While a rear license plate does suffice in most situations, requiring a second plate on the front of the vehicle can help with the following:
Traffic Enforcement
Law enforcement officers who are working to conduct traffic enforcement activities can use front plates to gather information about passing vehicles. They can run license plate numbers and gather preliminary information about the driver before initiating a traffic stop. This capability can promote safety and encourage Illinois motorists to obey posted traffic laws.
Safety
Front license plates may help promote overall traffic safety by providing a reflective surface on the front of vehicles. Since license plates are positioned lower than headlights, they may help other drivers see approaching cars at night and during inclement weather.
Accident Reporting
Front license plates may also help identify vehicles involved in pedestrian-related or car-versus-car crashes. Additionally, a second plate can be useful during hit-and-runs or other criminal activities involving a fleeing vehicle.
You can think of the front plate as an extra opportunity to gather identifying information about involved vehicles so that law enforcement officers can conduct an investigation.
Front And Rear License Plates Are Crucial In Illinois
If you are driving a motor vehicle registered in Illinois, ensure you have both a front and rear license plate. If your front plate has been lost or damaged, you can request a replacement at the nearest Secretary of State office. You can also make your request online or by mail. The replacement fee for both plates is $9, while the cost for one plate is $6.
Always verify that your vehicle is properly registered and that your front plate is attached correctly. Otherwise, you may run the risk of getting a citation. When you’re proactive about keeping your vehicle up-to-date and compliant with state law, you can stay safe and avoid fines.
Contact Our Car Accident Attorney At Joel E. Brown, P.C. in Peoria for Assistance Today
To learn more, contact our skilled car accident attorney at Joel E. Brown, P.C to schedule a free consultation. We are conveniently located in Peoria and proudly serve Peoria County, IL, and the neighboring communities.
Joel E. Brown, P.C
416 Main St Suite 1300 Peoria, IL 61602, United States
(309) 673 4357
Available 24/7