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Most vehicles are required to have a front license plate in the state of Oregon. If you drive a vehicle that requires two plates and you are caught without one, it is considered a Class D violation, for which the presumptive fine is $115. However, the fine can range anywhere from $65 to $250 for individuals.
Oregon law dictates not only how many license plates a vehicle must have but also how those plates must be displayed and which vehicles are an exception to the rule. Knowing these requirements is crucial to staying out of hot water and in line with the law.
Some citizens don’t like the fact that Oregon requires two license plates — they say it costs them more or ruins the look of their vehicle. Others say that front license plates affect important features such as adaptive cruise control, which relies on sensors at the front of the vehicle to work properly.
However, there is one good reason why the state of Oregon requires a front license plate: it makes the car easier to identify. This helps in the pursuit of criminals in stolen vehicles, drivers suspected of DUI, or those who have violated other traffic laws.
This easy identification benefits everyone, from law enforcement officers to citizens who simply want to live in a safe environment. For example, if you’re ever involved in a hit-and-run accident, a front license plate may make the car easier for you or witnesses to identify. With public safety in mind, having front and rear plates makes accountability more likely.
Similar to laws in other states, Oregon has identified some vehicles that are not required to have a license plate on the front.
The following vehicles are issued only one plate by the Department of Motor Vehicles:
The state of Oregon considers a vehicle to be “special interest” if it is at least 25 years old, sanctioned as special interest by an established organization, manufactured before 1949 (or resembles one that is), or classified as a high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV) for military use.
In many cases, front license plates are not issued for these vehicles because the costs to the state of Oregon generally outweigh the benefits. For example, if a camper goes on top of a truck that already has front and rear license plates, it may not be necessary to require the same for the camper.
It’s not enough in the state of Oregon that certain vehicles have two license plates.
There are also laws that govern how those plates are displayed on your vehicle:
Violating any of these requirements is still considered a violation of the law, even if you have the license plates in your possession.
It is crucial for every Oregonian to follow vehicle operation rules. This will make your vehicle easily identifiable after a car accident and help you avoid unnecessary interactions with law enforcement. Understanding and following these laws can save you a lot of time, money, and frustration.
However, what’s most important is that following the law contributes to the well-being of all citizens in the state. It allows those who protect and serve to continue to do their jobs well and ensure the safest possible conditions for all drivers.
If you were injured in an accident in Portland, OR, please contact our Portland car accident lawyers at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers
101 SW Main St. #1905
Portland, OR, 97204
(503) 773-3333
