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 Minnesota, state law requires that vehicles display two license plates: one in the front and one in the rear. The plates must be securely fastened and clearly visible. They should be mounted no more than 12 inches from the ground to the bottom of the plate and be free of any obstructions. Failure to display the front license plate in Minnesota gives law enforcement probable cause to stop the vehicle and issue a citation. The specific requirements for the display of license plates are outlined in Minnesota Statutes, and these regulations are enforced by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.