Are Front License Plates Required In Texas?

I see peeps driving around El Paso all the time with either no front license plate or a "decorative" plate on the front bumper. Texas law, (sometimes), says no here.

In the state of Texas, vehicles must have 2 license plates - one on the front and one on the back. There are a couple of exceptions but they're very specific and neither plate can be substituted for a novelty plate.

You'll have to rock that Dallas Cowboys plate or the "my other car is a Harley" plate in the window.

READ MORE: Vanity Plates Texas Denied

I see vehicles all over Texas missing a front plate and they're all in violation of Texas law and subject to being stopped and ticketed. It is allowed for some vehicles though - some examples:

• road tractors
• motorcycles
• trailers
• semitrailers

Who Can Drive In Texas Without A Front License Plate?

With the exception of those on that list, nobody. New Mexico doesn't require a front plate so we see them driving "frontless" all the time. They can still be stopped though even though they, (probably), won't be cited.

What About Mexico?

Their law also calls for front and rear plates ... and a sticker too.

Texas doesn't budge on this one although it does really depend on the cop(s). Honestly, they have better things to do but any cop can stop anybody for this if they want. Best case scenario, a friendly reminder - worst case scenario, a $200 ticket.

Side Effects

It could also open up another can of worms. Perhaps exposing the fact that your license is expired or you have a brake light out or some other, unnoticed issue. Or, maybe that bag from New Mexico's biggest dispensary lying on the seat.

Better safe than sorry.