License plates (also known as vehicle registration plates or license tags) are generally rectangular metal plates issued by your state’s department of motor vehicles for the purpose of identifying your car. A license plate must be attached to the rear of your car, and in 31 states and the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.), you must also have a license plate on the front of your car. In a state or district that also requires you to display a license plate on the front of your car, your failure to do so will provide the police with probable cause to stop you and issue a citation at any time. State laws (statutes) generally provide for the specific placement of license plates, stated in minimum and maximum inches from the ground.

In Illinois, the law requires that vehicles display license plates issued by the Illinois Secretary of State. These plates must be attached to both the front and rear of the vehicle, making Illinois one of the states that mandate a front license plate. The placement of license plates is regulated to ensure visibility and compliance with the law. Failure to properly display a front and rear license plate can give law enforcement probable cause to stop a vehicle and potentially issue a citation. The specific requirements for the placement of license plates, including the height from the ground, are outlined in the Illinois Vehicle Code. Vehicle owners are responsible for maintaining their license plates in good condition, free from obstructions and clearly visible.