One Plate or Two? Indiana’s License Plate Rules

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana — License plates may seem like just another part of owning a car, but in Indiana, they’re a critical piece of vehicle identification and public safety. They help law enforcement track vehicles, investigate crashes, and hold drivers accountable. Here’s what every Indiana driver should know about the state’s license plate laws.

How Many Plates Are Required in Indiana?

Unlike many states, Indiana generally issues one plate per vehicle, which must be mounted on the rear.

Standard passenger vehicles: One rear plate only
Specialty or fleet vehicles: May require additional plates, depending on classification
Front plate: Not required for most vehicles

Display and Mounting Rules

Indiana law requires plates to be:

Firmly mounted on the rear of the car
Positioned horizontally and upright
Clearly visible and not blocked by frames, covers, or tinted glass
Free from dirt, fading, or damage that obscures numbers or registration stickers

Plates displayed inside the rear window instead of on the mounting area are not legal.

Specialty and Personalized Plates

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) offers a wide range of plate options, including:

Specialty plates: Support colleges, charities, or military organizations
Personalized plates: Unique letter/number combinations
Disability plates: For drivers with state-issued placards or permits
Antique plates: For vehicles 25+ years old, restricted to exhibitions, parades, or educational use

Damaged, Missing, or Illegible Plates

Driving with a plate that is damaged, unreadable, or missing is a violation.

Replacement plates are available through the BMV, either online or in person
Temporary permits are issued while waiting for permanent registration materials

Penalties for Noncompliance

Failure to follow license plate laws can result in:

Fines
Registration problems if plates are missing or unreadable
Higher insurance rates for repeat violations, since compliance reflects on driving records

Key Takeaways for Indiana Drivers

Most vehicles only need one rear plate
Plates must always be visible, legible, and securely attached
Specialty and personalized plates are widely available through the BMV
Replace damaged or lost plates immediately to avoid fines
Noncompliance can affect both your wallet and your driving record

Indiana’s license plate rules are straightforward but essential for keeping roads safe and vehicles identifiable. Following the law not only avoids fines but also ensures smoother interactions with law enforcement and the BMV.

Stay with ChicagoMusicGuide.com for more guides on transportation, road safety, and state laws in the Midwest.