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Ask Trooper Steve: Why does Florida not have a front, rear license plate?

Trooper Steve answers viewer questions

ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions about the rules of the road every week, helping Central Florida residents become better drivers by being better educated.

Trooper Steve was asked, “Why does Florida not have a front and rear license plate?”

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He said the exact reasoning remains a mystery, but Florida drivers should remember the more things that are issued to us, the more we have to pay out of pocket.

“If Florida decided to go to a two-plate system, we would ultimately be paying more to register our cars. Florida has had a single license plate in the back of your vehicle since 1922,” Trooper Steve said. “From 1918 to 1922, Florida did have the two-plate system. However, that is definitely a thing of the past.”

Trooper Steve said 18 states in the U.S. operate on a single-plate system.

And if you’re a Florida resident and registered with a Florida license plate, don’t worry about traveling in a two-plate state. Since you’re registered in Florida, you are not required to have two license plates.

He also said vanity plates are allowed on the front of your car since Florida does not recognize the front plate area as a required display for a license plate.

If you have a traffic question for Trooper Steve, email him at asktroopersteve@wkmg.com.


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About the Author
Steve Montiero headshot

Steven Montiero, better known as “Trooper Steve," joined the News 6 morning team as its Traffic Safety Expert in October 2017. A Central Florida native and decorated combat veteran, Montiero comes to the station following an eight-year assignment with the Florida Highway Patrol.

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