by Legislative Changes
Idaho residents who purchased a vehicle without factory mounting for a front license plate can now legally not install it. This became possible thanks to Senate Bill 1180, which can be considered a small but pleasant victory for those who consider front plates unnecessary from the perspective of vehicle design.
The new law clearly states: if your vehicle is not equipped with a front license plate mounting, you no longer need to install it. This means no need to drill holes in bumpers, use additional mounts, or argue about symmetry at car dealerships.
Although many drivers never think about license plates, those who had to drill holes in their bumper well understand how unpleasant it is. Some cars are simply not designed for front license plate installation.
Which vehicles fall under the new rules?
Such models may include the current and previous generation Dodge Charger, Ford Mustang, as well as Tesla and Alfa Romeo vehicles. These are just a few examples of models that look better without a rectangular metal plate disrupting the integrity of the front end.
Despite the changes, drivers in Idaho will still receive two license plates, regardless of whether they need both for their vehicle. Owners of vehicles with factory mounts must still install the front plate as before.
As one local dealer reported in an interview with Idaho 6 News, approximately 20 percent of vehicles on their lot don’t have front mounts, and therefore fall under the new rule. Some car manufacturers don’t include front mounts as standard equipment, leaving it to local dealers to install them if needed.
Law Enforcement Reaction
As expected, not everyone supported the changes. Law enforcement agencies, including the Idaho State Police, Sheriff’s Association, and Fraternal Order of Police, opposed a similar proposal back in 2022.
Some police officers claim that front license plates are crucial for vehicle identification during investigations and traffic regulation.
Comparison with Other States and Countries
Currently, 21 US states require only rear license plates, including Florida, Pennsylvania, and Arizona. However, 28 other states, such as California, Texas, and New York, still require plates on both sides. With the recent changes, Idaho occupies an intermediate position between these two groups.
America is one of the few places in the world where you can see vehicles without front license plates. In other regions, such as China, India, Japan, and most European countries, they are mandatory on both sides.
These legislative changes reflect the ongoing debate between aesthetic benefits and practical safety considerations. While many car owners welcome the opportunity to preserve their vehicles’ appearance, law enforcement remains concerned about potential consequences for vehicle identification. Similar debates are occurring in other states considering similar legislative initiatives, making Idaho an interesting example to watch for further developments.
