You’re driving down the Garden State Parkway, minding your own business, when you notice a sleek BMW in the next lane. It’s got a clean front bumper—no plate, no bracket, just paint. Then you see a Tesla. Same thing. You start wondering if you’re the only person left in New Jersey actually following the rules, or if maybe the law changed while you weren't looking.
Honestly, it’s a valid question. With so many cars seemingly ignoring the requirement, it’s easy to think the state went the way of Pennsylvania or Delaware.
But here is the reality: Does NJ require front license plate displays? Yes. As of early 2026, the law remains firmly on the books. If you are registered in New Jersey, you are legally required to have two plates—one on the front and one on the back.
The Law Under N.J.S.A. 39:3-33
The specific rule everyone points to is New Jersey Statute 39:3-33. It’s not a suggestion. It’s a mandate. The law explicitly says that the owner of an automobile driven on public highways shall display "not less than 12 inches nor more than 48 inches from the ground... a registration plate or plates."
Basically, if the MVC (Motor Vehicle Commission) gave you two plates, you have to use two plates.
There are very few exceptions. Motorcycles? They only need one on the rear. Certain specialized trailers or vintage vehicles with specific registrations might get a pass, but for your average Honda Civic or Ford F-150, you’re stuck with the "two-plate" rule.
Why Do So Many People Skip It?
If you look around a parking lot in Cherry Hill or Hoboken, you’ll see plenty of "plate-less" fronts. Why? Usually, it's about aesthetics. Car enthusiasts hate drilling holes into a pristine front bumper. If you just spent $80,000 on a Porsche, the last thing you want to do is ruin the aerodynamics and look with a chunky yellow-and-white metal rectangle.
Some people also play the "Pennsylvania Card." Since our neighbors in PA only require a rear plate, New Jersey cops see cars without front plates all day long. Some drivers hope they’ll just blend in with the out-of-state traffic. It works... until it doesn't.
The Legislative Push for Change
There has been a lot of chatter lately about Senate Bill S2766 and its predecessors like A3085. These bills were introduced to finally make the front plate optional in New Jersey.
The arguments for dropping the front plate are pretty straightforward:
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- Cost Savings: It costs the state less money to manufacture one plate instead of two.
- Waste Reduction: Less aluminum and reflective coating ending up in landfills eventually.
- Convenience: No more drilling into bumpers or buying aftermarket "tow hook" plate mounts.
However, as of right now, these bills are often "pending" or stuck in committee. Law enforcement groups generally hate the idea of losing front plates. Why? Because Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) and toll cameras use that front-facing data to identify vehicles in crimes or toll evasions.
The Real Cost of "Looking Cool"
So, what happens if you get caught?
In New Jersey, a missing front plate is typically a non-moving violation. It won’t give you points on your license (usually), but it will lighten your wallet.
- The Fine: Most tickets for a violation of 39:3-33 run around $100.
- Court Costs: If you decide to fight it or have to show up, expect to add another $33 to $50 in administrative fees.
- Repeat Offenses: If you’re a "frequent flyer" with the local PD for this, the fines can double for a second offense.
Kinda annoying, right? It’s basically a "vanity tax." You pay $100 every time a cop is having a slow day and decides to pull you over for the missing plate.
The "License Plate Frame" Trap
Even if you do have your front plate on, you might still be breaking the law. This is the part that trips up almost everyone.
For years, New Jersey was notorious for ticketing people if their license plate frame—usually the one from the dealership—covered even a tiny sliver of the words "Garden State" or "New Jersey."
There was a big Supreme Court case about this (State v. Darius Carter). The court basically said: "Look, if you can still tell what it says, it's fine."
Following that, Governor Murphy signed a law in 2023 (which is still the standard in 2026) that clarifies police cannot pull you over solely because a frame covers part of the "Garden State" slogan, as long as the actual registration numbers and the state name are still "reasonably identifiable."
Practical Workarounds (The "No Drill" Solutions)
If you’re reading this because you just got a new car and refuse to drill holes, you have a few legal-ish options that keep you compliant without the permanent damage:
- Tow Hook Mounts: These screw into the existing tow hook port on your front bumper. They sit off to the side. It looks a bit "tuner," but it’s 100% legal because the plate is displayed.
- Sticker Plates: These are becoming more popular. It’s a high-quality vinyl decal that looks exactly like your plate. Warning: These are technically not legal in NJ because the law requires the plate "furnished by the commission," which is metal. Use at your own risk.
- Magnetic Mounts: Some people hide magnets behind the bumper cover. You can "snap" the plate on for long drives and pop it off for car shows. Just make sure those magnets are strong; losing a plate on the NJ Turnpike is a whole different headache.
What You Should Do Right Now
If you’re currently driving "naked" in the front, you’re essentially giving any officer a "probable cause" reason to pull you over. Even if they don't care about the plate, it gives them a reason to check your registration, insurance, and see if you’ve been drinking.
Check your bumper. If there are no holes, look into a tow hook bracket. They usually cost about $25–$50 on Amazon or at a local shop like AutoZone.
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Verify your frames. If you have those thick plastic frames that hide the state name, swap them for "slim-line" frames. It’s a five-minute fix that saves you a $100 ticket.
Watch the news. Keep an eye on the NJ Legislature's website for Bill S2766. If that finally passes, we can all stop worrying about this. But until then, keep that front plate visible. It’s not worth the hassle of a roadside chat with the State Police.
Actionable Insights:
- Confirm you have both plates attached to your vehicle to avoid a $100 fine.
- Ensure your plate is mounted between 12 and 48 inches from the ground.
- Remove any tinted or "smoked" plate covers; these are illegal in NJ and highly enforced in 2026.
- If you have a dealership frame, make sure "New Jersey" is clearly visible to avoid being targeted for an "obscured plate" stop.