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In the United States, license plates serve not only as vehicle identifiers on the road but also as critical tools in law enforcement and car accident investigations. Depending on the state you live in, vehicles may be required to display both front and rear plates while in others, such as Florida, only a rear plate is mandatory. This distinction has far-reaching implications for everything from police work to toll systems and even hit-and-run investigations.
A key requirement in all states, however, is that a license plate must be visible from 50 feet away at a minimum. This rule ensures that plates are readable by law enforcement, cameras, and other vehicles, which is vital for maintaining road safety. With that said, Florida and other states’ single-plate system raises debates over whether the cost-savings benefit outweighs the drawbacks for investigations and public safety. Learn everything you need to know about the single-plate system including the pros and cons to determine whether you should put a front license plate on your vehicle.
License Plates in Accident Investigations
In a car accident, particularly in cases involving fleeing vehicles or hit-and-runs, license plates are typically the primary method for identifying the vehicle that caused the incident. Everyone from law enforcement to insurance companies, and even private witnesses rely on license plates to trace ownership and establish liability and fault in court. Generally, witnesses or security cameras are able to capture the plate which leads investigators directly to the owner of a vehicle.
When an accident occurs at an intersection or from a frontal collision, the visibility of a front license plate can be crucial. States that require license plates on both sides make it easier for investigators to identify a vehicle from multiple angles, whereas single-plate states inadvertently make it more difficult to identify vehicles when there is only one plate visible.
License plate recognition technology is widely used by law enforcement and private entities in accident investigations. This technology relies on high-speed cameras to capture license plates from multiple angles, thus making it easier to identify vehicles. A dual-plate system arguably offers two opportunities to capture a plate, one from the front and one from the rear, whereas a single-plate system offers only one.
Pros of a Single-Plate System
Just because you live in a single-plate state doesn’t mean you need to automatically throw another plate onto your vehicle. There are a number of benefits to only having a single plate, the most prominent of which include:
1. Cost Savings and Aesthetics
One of the arguments most in favor of a single-plate system is the reduced cost to both vehicle owners and the government. Producing and distributing just one plate instead of two cuts costs on material, production, and administrative costs. For certain states, this is particularly appealing, such as in Florida, as it reduces the financial burden of its residents.
From a vehicle owner’s perspective, fewer plates means less hassle with their vehicle. Many drivers, especially those driving around in a high-end or vintage vehicle, like to have the cleaner, aesthetic look of a vehicle that comes without a front plate. Some cars that are designed with aerodynamics in mind can even see disruptions of airflow due to a front plate that can lead to minor performance issues.
2. Easier Enforcement of Existing Laws
With fewer plates to manage around the state, local law enforcement agencies can focus on ensuring that the rear plates are totally in compliance with visibility laws. As mentioned, a license plate needs to be visible from 50 feet away at least and officers can monitor rules such as this easier when they are only monitoring one plate.
Cons of a Single-Plate System
With the above said, there are certain drawbacks to only having a single plate on your vehicle that may make it worth it to throw another one on the front. The most notable of these include:
1. Identification Challenges in Accidents
One of the biggest drawbacks to living in a single-plate state and using that system is the difficulty that comes with identifying vehicles in certain situations. In a hit-and-run accident where a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, cyclist, or another vehicle head-on, a front license plate could be the only way to identify the offender for onlookers. Without a front plate, investigators may have issues finding suitable leads.
In certain cases where security or traffic cameras only are able to capture the front of the vehicle, the data will essentially be useless. Investigators may need to use less precise details such as the make, model, or color of the vehicle which are far less reliable.
2. Challenges for Traffic Enforcement and Tolls
Many states that have a dual-plate system use automated traffic enforcement cameras such as red-light or speed cameras, that capture vehicles from the front. In single-plate states, though, there is a reliance on rear-facing cameras which can limit the angles at which a person can be caught, thus leading to gaps in law enforcement.
Toll systems can also face issues as these booths use front-facing cameras to photograph vehicles and bill them based on the plate. These systems nee to be adapted to capture rear plates only in other states which can be a serious cost.
3. Limited Visibility for Surveillance and Security
Security cameras in public and private spaces are also often positioned to capture the front of vehicles as they approach. In parking lots, intersections, or driveways a front license plate can be pivotal for identifying vehicles. Without a front plate, though, investigators lose one of their primary methods for identifying a fleeing vehicle which can delay justice in a court case.
Consider the number of plates on your car
The debate over single vs. dual license plate systems is a personal one unless you live in a state that mandates dual. While single-pate systems clearly offer many benefits, there are potentially serious downsides such as derailing accident investigations and law enforcement which may make you think twice. As technology evolves and law enforcement relies more and more on automated systems, the conversation surrounding license plate regulations may start to shift. Until that time, balance all of the trade-offs when deciding how many plates to put on your vehicle.
