No front plates required in Ohio after July 1
Ohio will become a one license plate state effective July 1.
The Ohio Department of Public Safety announced that a front license plate will no longer be required after July 1 for most Ohio vehicles.
The decision to do away with the front license plate was part of a compromise deal reached by lawmakers in April 2019.
The change fell under House Bill 62, which requires only one license plate to be displayed on most motor vehicles, including passenger vehicles.
The license plate must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle. However, commercial tractors must display the license plate on the front of the motor vehicle.
A spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Public Safety said failing to properly display the single license plate is a minor misdemeanor and a “strict” liability offense.
“The act also standardizes the single license plate requirement for state-owned motor vehicles and requires manufacturer or dealer-owned motor vehicles to display a single placard, rather than two,” the state agency said in a statement.
The elimination of the front license received push-back from law enforcement groups that argued in favor of keeping the front license plate because it allows them to more easily identify vehicles.
Stories Posted This Week
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Friday, July 3, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, July 3
- OPEN POLL What's your top traffic safety priority in Bluffton?
- Bluffton University Board of Trustees approves faculty promotion, reviews institutional progress
- Summer Crisis program begins July 1
- Quarry Farm Nature Preserve news for Summer 2026
- Bluffton roundabout opens, Pocono closes at SR 103
- Musical duo learns, performs 50 songs for America 250
- Why Icon Facebook comments are moderated
- June 2026 land transfers in the Bluffton School District
- July 2026 programs and services at Bluffton Public Library
Thursday, July 2, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, July 2
- Obituary for Lois C. Fischer
- Watercolor Workshop scheduled at Bluffton Public Library
- Mobile Health Clinic coming on July 9
- T-Rex Tea Party at the Bluffton Public Library
- Critters, Flitters, and Gallinippers: SCHS 2nd Saturday, July 11
- Surveyor James Riley will time travel on July 4
- The Air That I Breathe: Air Pollution and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, July 1
- June School Board: Bernal resigns as elementary principal, lunch prices increase
- WOAL League Champs in Kenton July 10 and 11
- 2026 Swiss Day celebration focuses on past and future
- Senior Center offers Bus Trips with Debbie
- Senior Center's July Dinner meeting topic: The history of Dixie Highway