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 Missouri, vehicles are required to display license plates issued by the Missouri Department of Revenue. The state mandates that a license plate be attached to the rear of the vehicle. Missouri is one of the states that require two license plates; therefore, motorists must also display a license plate on the front of the vehicle. The specific placement of license plates is regulated by state law, which includes requirements on how high or low the plates can be mounted on the vehicle. Failure to properly display the front and rear license plates in Missouri can give law enforcement probable cause to stop the vehicle and potentially issue a citation. It is important for vehicle owners in Missouri to adhere to these regulations to avoid such encounters with law enforcement and to ensure compliance with state vehicle registration laws.