WINNEMUCCA — The Nevada Highway Patrol recently issued a reminder to motorists that Nevada law requires two license plates:  one of the front and one on the back of the car.

Sgt. Greg Johnson said the law requiring two license plates was modified to allow an exception for some luxury imports because the cars are manufactured without a bracket or other device for the front plate.  However, the exception was for a limited number of models most of us can't afford.

After the law was modified, Johnson noted, people began to replace their front plates with plates promoting their favorite sports team or branch of military service – apparently under the impression front plates were optional  in Nevada.

In fact, front plates are still required.  Johnson advised motorists who are sporting something other than the official plates issued by the DMV to dig the official plates out of the back of the garage and see that they’re properly attached.

NRS 482.275 License Plates Display

1.  The license plates for a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle, power cycle or motor vehicle being transported by a licensed vehicle transporter must be attached thereto, one in the rear and, except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, one in the front. The license plate issued for all other vehicles required to be registered must be attached to the rear of the vehicle. The license plates must be so displayed during the current calendar year or registration period.

     2.  If the motor vehicle was not manufactured to include a bracket, device or other contrivance to display and secure a front license plate, and if the manufacturer of the motor vehicle provided no other means or method by which a front license plate may be displayed upon and secured to the motor vehicle:

     (a)   One license plate must be attached to the motor vehicle to the rear; and

     (b)  The other license plate may, at the option of the owner of the vehicle, be attached to the motor vehicle in the front.