Do You Still Need a Front License Plate in New Hampshire?

A few weeks back, I found myself in a situation that’s impacted nearly all of us: after a long day of shopping, I pushed a cart full of purchases into a Target parking lot…and had no idea where I parked.

I had an excuse, though. With my car in the shop, I was relying on a rental, one that blended in with other cars just a little bit more due to its color. I also had an advantage: I knew it had Florida plates.

So why was I unable to find this car? Why weren’t the Florida plates jumping out?

As it turns out, my odds were only half as strong as I thought. For in Florida, drivers are only required by law to have a back license plate.

In fact, according to the website Autolist.com, there are only 29 states, including Washington D.C., that require both a front and back license plate. But before you take a crowbar to your front tag, not so fast.

All six New England states require front license plates. And in New Hampshire, driving without one can earn you a fine.

But there are exceptions.

Trailers and motorcycles are currently exempt from the two-plate law, per Way.com.

Personally, I figured it would only be beneficial to have two plates. As mentioned, they're twice as easy to find, more easily identifiable in general, and if you’re into vanity plates, wouldn’t you want two?

On the other hand, that’s one extra plate for someone (or something) to damage if you’re traveling on one of New England’s many roads in need of repair.