Ever wonder why you don’t see any Tesla’s with front license plates? You’re not alone.
There are a lot of Teslas on the road as the rise in popularity of electric vehicles increases every day.
With so many more in plain sight, you may have noticed many don’t have front license plates. So, why don’t Tesla’s have front license plates?
Key Takeaways:
Teslas do not come with front license plate holders attached to the car. Instead, it is up to the driver to make sure it is installed.
Some drivers may forget to install them, choose not to for aesthetic purposes, or are not required to by law if their state has a front license plate exemption.
In this article, we will review whether or not you can put a front license plate on your Tesla.
Also, we cover how to attach a front license plate if your Tesla needs one, and whether or not Tesla will provide you with a front license plate holder.
Can I Put a Front License Plate on My Tesla?
It is possible to install a front license plate on your Tesla (and required by law in over thirty states).
In fact, even in California where Teslas are manufactured, they still don’t come with a front license plate bracket installed.
There’s a false rumor out there that front license plates interfere with the full self-driving of Tesla, but this is simply not true.
There are no mechanical, electrical, or computer-related reasons to avoid installing a front license plate on your Tesla.
In fact, the Teslas you may see on the road without front license plates are the way they are mostly because their drivers choose not to install a front license plate.
Most people who take pride in the aesthetics of their car do not like affixing front license plates because it takes away from the beauty of the vehicle.
Others may live in a state where you do not need a front license plate.
States that do NOT require a front license plate:
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Alabama
- Michigan
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- West Virginia
- Louisiana,
- Kansas
- Tennessee
- Pennsylvania
- North Carolina
- Mississippi
- Arizona
- Georgia
- Delaware
How Can I Attach a Front License Plate to My Tesla?
There are three different ways to attach a front license plate to your Tesla. The older, less preferred method can be accomplished by drilling holes in the front grill to affix the holder using bolts.
This procedure though may make some people a bit squeamish about puncturing their brand new (expensive) electric vehicle not only for looks but also for fear of hitting vital electronics underneath.
Another way to attach a front license plate to your Tesla is by using double-sided tape and smaller mounting screws.
There is ample space on the front bumper to firmly affix a front license plate holder using adhesive and small screws.
You will be required to drill holes in the car; however, these will be much smaller than if you use the previous method.
Alternatively, there are front license plate holders that require neither drilling holes in your Tesla nor using an adhesive on the car’s surface.
License plate holders that clip into your front air grill can securely display your front license plate while not impeding the function of the airflow or marring the surface of your car.
Do Teslas Need a Front License Plate?
Since Teslas don’t come with a front license plate, that must mean they don’t need them, right? Wrong. If you live in a state that requires a front license plate, driving a Tesla does not exempt you from that law.
These states may have a grace period for new car owners that can last for days, weeks, and sometimes months during which you should not be penalized for not having a front license plate.
However, once you receive your permanent license plates, you must affix them to both ends of your Tesla or run the risk of getting a ticket.
States that require front license plates often cite the reason as a form of identification for police dash cams and toll booths.
If your state requires you to have a front license plate, there may be consequences if you choose not to install one.
Most police officers will not pull you over for this offense. However, if you get pulled over for something else, it can easily be added to the charges.
Just because you see a Tesla on the road without a front plate, it doesn’t mean they aren’t breaking the law.
Does Tesla Provide a Front License Plate Holder?
Even though Teslas do not come with front license plate mounts attached the front of the car, they will provide you with the holder to affix it yourself.
Check out this front license plate mounting product from Tesla.
One reason they don’t put a front plate bracket is that not all states require one. Tesla is aware that many of its drivers would prefer not to have it at all.
However, all Teslas should come with a front license plate mounting kit in the trunk of the car.
The standard kit for most of the newer models includes double-sided adhesive tape by 3M and small mounting screws.
The mount itself is specifically designed to fit snugly into the curve of the Tesla’s front bumper.
Although Tesla provides the holder, this does not mean you have to use it.
You can purchase less invasive mounting system or simply not attach a front license plate at all.
Depending on your state, you might risk a fine if you live in a state that requires a front license plate.
Conclusion
Teslas you’ll see driving around may not have front license plates due to local laws or simply not wanting it.
A lot of Tesla drivers appreciate the aesthetics of their cars and choose not to install a front license plate.
However, if you choose this route, be aware that you can be violating the law. Teslas do not come with front license plate holders already mounted, but, they do provide one.
