Do You Legally Need A Front License Plate In Wisconsin?

Some people are under the impression that you don't need a front license plate in Wisconsin. After all, when you get your tabs every year, the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles only issues you one tag. So that means you only need a rear plate, right?

It kinda makes sense, right? Law enforcement following you would only need to see your rear license plate, and that's the one that has your current tab on it, right?

A friend of mine was recently pulled over and issued a ticket for not having a front license plate, and he was under the assumption that you don't need one in Wisconsin. Turns out, you do. It's not a high priority for law enforcement, but it is a reason to pull you over.

Two plates needed in Wisconsin, and different rules for EV.

In Wisconsin, State Law requires that both plates be attached to the vehicle. One on the front of the vehicle, and one on the back of the vehicle. They also can't have any brackets around them that block any part of the readable message on the plate.

Another interesting thing I learned while researching this has to do with applying your expiration sticker. WISDOT suggests that you remove the old sticker on the license plate first, instead of putting the new sticker over the old one.

EV Hybrid Stickers On Both Plates

Wisconsin law says that the orange EV Hybrid sticker must be attached to both the front and rear license plates. This is to protect emergency first responders when they deal with these types of vehicles in emergency situations.

Read more about the laws online at Wisconindot.gov.