COLUMBUS — Though 2020 has not necessarily been the happiest of years, one positive thing is happening for Ohio drivers who prefer their cars have a sleeker look up front.
As of July 1, 2020, passenger vehicles in Ohio are no longer required to have a front license plate.
As a result of House Bill 62, which the Ohio General Assembly passed in 2019, Ohio now joins 20 other states in getting rid of the front license plate requirement. Supporters of the measure cited cost as one reason for the change, with an estimated $1.5 million saved.
This comes despite reservations from many law enforcement agencies in the Buckeye State, which have argued removing the front plate requirement on vehicles will hinder their criminal and accident investigations.
Ohio drivers nonetheless are still required to have a plate on the rear of their vehicles, as well as up-to-date registration. Failure to do so will result in a citation and fine.
Commercial tractors, however, are still required to have both front and back plates.
