Colorado requires a front license plate on most vehicles

Yes, Colorado law requires you to display a front license plate on your vehicle. The state issues two plates to most drivers — one for the front and one for the rear — and you must mount both. This applies to passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, and most other motor vehicles registered in Colorado.

The requirement is enforced under Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-3-202. Law enforcement can stop you for a missing front plate, and you can receive a citation. The fine varies but typically ranges from a warning to a traffic ticket, depending on the officer's discretion and whether you have other violations.

Some vehicle types have narrow exceptions, but they are limited. Motorcycles registered before a certain date, vehicles with historical plates, and a few specialty categories may have different rules. For the vast majority of Colorado drivers, the two-plate system is mandatory.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado law requires both a front and rear license plate on all standard passenger vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles.
  • You receive two plates when you register your vehicle in Colorado; mounting the front plate is not optional.
  • Driving without a front plate can result in a traffic citation and fine, and gives law enforcement a reason to stop you.
  • Motorcycles, historical vehicles, and a few specialty categories may have different rules, but you should verify your specific vehicle type with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles.

How Colorado's two-plate system works

When you register a vehicle in Colorado, the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues you two license plates at the same time. One is designated for the front of the vehicle, and one for the rear. Both plates carry the same registration number and expiration date.

The front plate must be mounted on the front bumper or in a location clearly visible from the front of the vehicle. It cannot be obscured, tilted, or hidden behind tinted covers. The rear plate follows the same visibility standard. Both plates must be legible from a distance of at least 50 feet in normal daylight.

If you lose or damage a plate, you can request a replacement from the DMV. There is a fee for replacement plates, typically around $10 to $15, though this amount can change. You can order replacements online through the Colorado DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

Exceptions and special vehicle categories

Colorado does allow some exceptions to the two-plate rule, though they are narrow. Motorcycles registered before January 1, 2009, are not required to display a front plate — only a rear plate. Motorcycles registered after that date must display both front and rear plates.

Vehicles with historical license plates (also called antique or classic plates) may have different requirements depending on when the vehicle was manufactured and how it is used. If you drive a historical vehicle only occasionally for exhibitions, parades, or club events, the rules differ from daily-use vehicles. Contact the Colorado DMV directly to confirm the rules for your specific historical vehicle.

Specialty vehicles such as dealer plates, temporary permits, and government vehicles may also have different mounting requirements. If your vehicle falls into one of these categories, the DMV will provide specific instructions when you receive your plates.

What happens if you don't display a front plate

Driving without a front license plate in Colorado is a traffic violation. A law enforcement officer can stop you solely for this reason. The citation is typically classified as a minor traffic offense, not a criminal charge.

The fine amount is not set by state law as a fixed number — it varies by county and municipality. Some areas impose fines of $50 to $100, while others may be higher. You may also receive a warning instead of a citation, depending on the officer's judgment and your driving record.

Beyond the fine, a missing front plate gives police a legal basis to pull you over, which can lead to other citations if they discover additional violations during the stop. It can also affect your vehicle's inspection if Colorado requires one for your registration renewal.

How to mount your front license plate correctly

Your front plate should be mounted securely to the front bumper or the front frame of your vehicle using the bracket and hardware provided by the DMV or a hardware store. The plate must be level and positioned so that all characters are clearly visible and not obscured by the vehicle's design, bumper, or any aftermarket parts.

Some vehicles, particularly newer models, do not come with a front plate bracket from the manufacturer. You can purchase an aftermarket bracket at an auto parts store for $10 to $30. These brackets are designed to mount to the bumper or frame without drilling holes, though some installations do require minor drilling.

Make sure the plate is not covered by a license plate frame that obscures any part of the plate number, letters, or state name. While decorative frames are legal, they cannot hide any portion of the registration information. The plate must remain legible at all times.

Registering a vehicle from another state in Colorado

If you move to Colorado from another state and bring a vehicle with you, you must register it with the Colorado DMV within 30 days of establishing residency. At that time, you will receive Colorado license plates and must display both the front and rear plates.

You cannot continue to display your previous state's plates, even if they are still valid in that state. Colorado requires all registered vehicles to use Colorado plates. If you have not yet registered your vehicle in Colorado, you should do so before driving it regularly in the state.

During the registration process, you will pay registration fees and receive your two plates. The DMV can issue temporary plates if you need to drive the vehicle before your permanent plates arrive by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a license plate cover or frame that makes the plate harder to read?

No. Colorado law requires that your license plate remain clearly legible. Any cover, frame, or tint that obscures numbers, letters, or the state name violates the law. Decorative frames are allowed only if they do not hide any part of the plate itself.

What if my vehicle doesn't have a front bumper or mounting location?

You must still display a front plate. If your vehicle's design makes traditional bumper mounting difficult, you can use an aftermarket bracket that attaches to the frame or grille. Contact the Colorado DMV or an auto parts store for options that fit your vehicle type.

Do I need a front plate if I only drive my vehicle occasionally?

Yes, unless your vehicle is registered with historical plates and meets the specific use restrictions for that category. Regular registration requires both front and rear plates at all times. If you have questions about historical plate may be able to access, contact the Colorado DMV.

What should I do if my front plate is stolen or damaged?

Contact the Colorado DMV to request a replacement plate. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. There is a fee for replacement plates. Until you receive your replacement, you should not drive the vehicle on public roads.

Are there any Colorado cities or counties that don't require a front plate?

No. The front plate requirement is a state law that applies uniformly across all of Colorado. No city or county can waive this requirement. All municipalities enforce the same two-plate standard.