License plates are a necessity. These markers link cars to their owners and help law enforcement investigate and combat illegal behavior, including moving violations or serious crimes. They also allow citizens to identify other drivers and report illegal behavior or gather information after a car accident.

There is a requirement in every state that vehicle owners display a license plate on the rear of the vehicle, however, not all states require a plate displayed on the front of the car.  Currently, 21 states do not have a two-license plate requirement and more states are in the process of eliminating the requirement.

Many drivers prefer not to have a driver’s license on the front bumper of the vehicle. Unfortunately, such drivers may be displeased to know that New York is a two license plate requirement state and there are very few exceptions.

New York Vehicle and Traffic Law

This restriction makes it difficult for a motorist to avoid having to mount the plate on the front of their vehicle by displaying the plate somewhere else, for instance, on the inside of the windshield or hanging it below the front bumper.

New York Motorcycle Exception

If you drive a car in New York City, there are no exceptions to the rules laid out by VTL 411. However, motorcycle riders are exempt from having to display a license plate on the front of the motorcycle.

Section 411 of the VTL, provides that state-issued license plates must be “…conspicuously displayed on the rear of such motorcycle, securely fastened to prevent the same from swinging.” As such, should a traffic violation or motorcycle accident occur, the rear plate will be enough to identify the vehicle. Additionally, the license plate can appear vertically on the rear of the motorcycle.