When you drive on the outskirts of Arizona, you might notice that some vehicles have license plates mounted on both the front and back, while others have a license plate only on the back. Those differences can make you more confused about the laws regarding license plates in Arizona, even though other drivers are too. License plate laws generally differ from state to state in the United States.
Many drivers moving to or visiting Arizona wonder about the rules for displaying plates. With law enforcement and vehicle inspections becoming more common in cities across the state, knowing what’s required helps keep your vehicle compliant and your mind at ease.
Meanwhile, Arizona is a single-plate state. The front license plate is not required for most vehicles. This means that unless your vehicle specifically calls for one, you can legally drive with only a rear plate, and nothing else may be mounted on the front.
If you’re residing in or moving to Arizona, understanding the state’s license plate regulations is important to ensure compliance and avoid unwanted penalties.
This simple fact often surprises new residents who are accustomed to states that require plates on both the front and back of the vehicle.
What Are Arizona License Plate Laws?
Arizona requires most motor vehicles to display valid license plates issued by the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). These plates serve as proof of registration and help law enforcement identify vehicles.
These laws of license plates are displayed to help law enforcement find vehicles more easily and ensure compliance with registration rules.
In general, license plate laws depend on:
- State vehicle codes
- Type of the vehicle
- Registration classification
Some states need two plates on most vehicles, while others, like Arizona, require a rear license plate.
License Plate Rules in Arizona
Arizona is called a single-plate state for many passenger vehicles. This means that it requires only one license plate on the rear of most vehicles, such as passenger cars, trucks, and motorcycles, making it a single-plate state.
Here’s how it works in Arizona:
- Standard passenger vehicles require only a rear license plate that is mounted.
- Certain vehicles, such as some commercial or specialty vehicles, may be subject to different plate requirements.
While Arizona generally follows a single-plate system, there are a few exceptions depending on the vehicle type and registration status.
How to Stay Compliant in Arizona
- Check all details in your vehicle’s registration paperwork to ensure that your current rear license plate fully meets Arizona’s single-plate requirements for your specific vehicle type, such as passenger cars or trucks.
This step confirms that no excuses exist between your documentation and the displayed plate, preventing potential issues during inspections or traffic stops.​
- Place the license plate in the exact rear location specified by state law, ensuring it remains clearly visible from a reasonable distance under all lighting conditions, day or night.
Secure it firmly with approved hardware to avoid any movement, vibration, or detachment while driving, as improper positioning can result in fines.​
- Avoid using any covers, frames, lights, or decorative accessories that could obscure, reflect, or distort the numbers, letters, or state name on the plate, keeping it fully legible at all times.
Frequently cleaning the rear plate to remove dirt, grime, or residue that might reduce visibility, and upholding compliance with visibility standards.
- If you alter your vehicle’s type, registration category, or status, such as adding a trailer hitch or changing to commercial use, promptly obtain and install the appropriate updated rear plate while re-verifying all requirements.
Replace any bent, faded, rusted, or unreadable plates immediately through the Arizona MVD to avoid citations for non-compliance during routine checks.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona has a law requiring only a single rear license plate to be displayed on passenger
- Most Arizona drivers do not need to display their front license plates.
- Some commercial and specialty vehicles will adhere to different requirements.
The rear license plate must be properly mounted, displayed, and visible.