LAS VEGAS — License plate laws are among the most commonly misunderstood vehicle laws in Nevada, leading to citations.
Under Nevada Revised Statutes 482, most vehicles are required to display front and rear license plates at all times. Many drivers get confused when some vehicles are legally allowed to have one plate, and that’s due to NRS 482.275. Under this law, vehicles such as motorcycles, trailers, and those not designed for a front plate or missing a manufacturer-provided add-on bracket may have only a rear license plate.
Some vehicles, including certain Tesla models and high-end sports cars, may not come equipped with front plate brackets. This can lead drivers to believe that front plates are optional, which is not always the case.
Failure to drive without both license plates can result in traffic citations and fines of around $100 for exempt vehicles. However, this does not mean they can simply skip the front plate. Drivers need to apply for a one-plate exception with the Nevada DMV.
The law also requires drivers to keep plates clean and clearly visible. Bent, dirty, or blocked license plates may also result in citations.
