Do you have to have a front license plate in Texas? You are legally required to have a license plate on the front and rear of any registered vehicle in the state. An Arlington car accident lawyer can provide additional insights into these and other state laws for motorists.
Why You Have to Have a Front License Plate in Texas
In Texas, you must have a front license plate to help keep the roads safe. Having plates on the front and back of your car helps police identify your vehicle, which is important if you are involved in an accident.
For example, consider what can happen after a hit and run. A motorist slams their car into yours, drives away from the scene, and you call the police. If you saw the license plate on the vehicle’s front or rear, you can share this information with police officers, and they may be able to find the liable motorist.
The Texas Law Dog is a Hopkins County native who is committed to helping auto collision victims and many others. We can connect you with an Arlington hit and run accident lawyer who can help you identify the motorist responsible for your crash and pursue damages accordingly. Contact us today for more information.
For a free legal consultation, call (817) 775-5364
What to Expect If You Drive a Car Without a Front License Plate in Texas
Per Texas Transportation Code § 504.943, you can be penalized if you choose not to have a front license plate on your car. Penalties may include a fine of up to $200 and a citation. You may be exempt from the state requirement to have a front plate if you operate any of the following vehicles:
- Motorcycle
- Road tractor
- Semi-trailer
- Trailer
If you get into an accident in which the driver of the other vehicle does not have a front plate, seek legal help. A personal injury lawyer can explain if you can turn left on red in Texas and address your legal concerns or questions. They can determine if you have grounds for an injury lawsuit and, if so, help you request compensation for your accident-related losses.
Tips to Help You if You Are Involved in an Accident Involving a Car That Does Not Have a Front License Plate
Ultimately, you have to have a front Texas license plate, and the same is true for other motorists across the state. In an accident in which the liable driver does not have a front plate, it helps to know what to do so you can get through the incident without compromising your case against the other motorist. Here are tips to help you deal with the incident’s aftermath:
Call 911
This will bring medical personnel and police officers to the accident scene. If necessary, medical professionals can administer treatment and transport you to the hospital.
Police officers can get information from you and others at the accident scene and prepare a report that details what happened.
Gather Evidence
Use your smartphone to capture photos and videos of the accident scene, including the other driver’s vehicle that does not have a license plate on the front of it. This visual proof can make a difference if you sue for damages. It can help you show a judge or jury that you are not responsible for the accident and should receive compensation for your losses.
Tell Your Insurance Company
Notify your auto insurance carrier about your accident, but do not accept responsibility for the incident. Your insurer can engage with the other driver’s insurance company. Ideally, your insurance provider will find you are not to blame for the accident, and the other motorist’s insurer will cover your losses.
Get in Touch with a Lawyer
Reach out to an attorney who has auto accident case experience. Your lawyer can share eBooks and other resources and explain what can happen if you file an injury lawsuit. They can help you calculate your damages and ask for a reasonable amount of compensation from the at-fault motorist and any other liable parties.
Just because you do not have a front-of-the-vehicle plate in Texas does not mean you are ineligible to submit a damages request. If you get hurt in an auto collision due to no fault of your own, you have legal options. A car accident attorney can examine these options with you and help you determine if now is the right time to sue.
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How Having a Front License Plate on Your Car in Texas Can Impact Your Auto Accident Lawsuit
Having a front license plate in Texas can show a judge or jury that you are following state laws when you drive your car. Similarly, if a motorist does not have a plate on the front of their car and causes an accident in which you are injured, the court may consider this in relation to the rest of your case. This may provide the court with another reason to rule in your favor.
Of course, having a license plate on the front or rear of a vehicle is unlikely to be the deciding factor in your car crash lawsuit. A judge or jury will examine your evidence and proof provided by the defendant. The court will assess both parties’ respective arguments and consider the short- and long-term ramifications of any ruling.
Your lawyer focuses on building an argument that will resonate with the court. They may use accident scene photos and videos, witness statements, medical records, and other proof to support your argument. Plus, they may account for the defendant’s argument, look for ways to contest any claims against you, and make it clear that you should be awarded full damages.
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Hire a Lawyer to Represent You in Your Car Accident Case
The Texas Law Dog understands the challenges you could face in a car accident lawsuit in which you or the other driver may have been driving a vehicle that did not have a front license plate on it. We can evaluate your case and offer legal tips, recommendations, and insights. Request a free case consultation with our team.
Call (817) 775-5364 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
