Do You Need a Front License Plate in Georgia?

August 27, 2024 | J.L. King

License plates, like Social Security numbers, are a means of identification. They prove that your vehicle is properly registered and show the type of registration (passenger, commercial, military, etc.). They also help to connect owners to cars in the event of a moving violation, a car accident, or vehicle theft.

Each state issues license plates to residents and has rules regarding how they must be displayed on vehicles, including the number of plates (one or two) and placement (at the front and rear of the vehicle). Currently, 21 states do not require front license plates on cars, and Georgia is one of them. If you need help, you can always contact our Macon car accident lawyer

What are the license plate laws in Georgia, and what do they mean for residents?

Georgia Laws Regarding License Plates

The Georgia Code Annotated section 40-2-41 states that owners of vehicles registered in the state must have the license plate assigned to that vehicle visible at all times. Further, it requires that the provided plate be securely attached to the back of the vehicle. It must be plainly visible and affixed so that it doesn’t swing.

Displaying plates or tags that weren’t issued by the State of Georgia, including those resembling official state plates or tags, is prohibited, as is covering a rear license plate with any material that is not colorless or transparent. In other words, you’re not allowed to obstruct the view of your license plate, even with a transparent covering that has a smoky or colored appearance.

If you’re towing a trailer, rule 560-10-10-.03 states that it must display the license plate assigned to it at the rear of the vehicle.

The Benefits of Skipping a Front License Plate

Most modern cars come equipped with a means of attaching a front plate, but older vehicles and sports cars may not. Some owners prefer not to attach a front license plate because of aerodynamics or appearance, but it could also damage a car that is not equipped for a front plate.

Is a Front License Plate Important?

There are several reasons why a state might require a front license plate. It is often used by traffic cameras to identify vehicles running red lights, and it could help authorities spot missing/stolen vehicles. It may also be important in accident scenarios.

Georgia uses a fault system where liability in car crashes is concerned. In other words, the person who caused the accident is held financially liable for resulting damages and injuries. In a hit-and-run situation, a front license plate could help victims or witnesses identify the vehicle. While drivers are not required to display front plates, some do so anyway.

What If You’re in a Hit-and-Run Accident With a Car That Has No Front Plate?

In the event of an accident where the at-fault party flees the scene, victims or witnesses may note information like the color, make, and model of the vehicle, as well as the license plate number, to help authorities identify the owner. A vehicle that has no front plate could be harder to identify, but a rear plate and other notable features can still help.

Try to recall and record as many details as possible in the immediate aftermath of an accident, or ask a passenger or witness for help with this if you need to seek medical attention. You can provide this information to authorities and a qualified Georgia car accident attorney. Even if a vehicle flees the scene, you could still find the culprit and negotiate for an insurance settlement.

Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm For Help Today

For more information, please contact The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free case evaluation today. Our Macon personal injury lawyers are here to help you.

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