Why do Teslas not have front license plates? Four Reasons.

If you live in one of the 29 US states that require front license plates, you’ve probably noticed something unusual: many Teslas don’t have them. In fact, it often seems like there are more Teslas on the road without front plates than with them. As Tesla owners, we have a unique insight into why this is the case. So, let’s break down the top four reasons behind the question: “Why do Teslas not have front license plates? ”

Short answer:

• Not all areas strictly enforce front license plate laws.
• Tesla often delivers vehicles without front plate holders.
• Many Tesla owners value aesthetics more than the risk of fines.
• Some opt for removable license plate holders to avoid permanent changes.

1. Not All Areas Enforce Front License Plate Laws

Although many states mandate front license plates, enforcement tends to be uneven, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas.

Take California, for instance: In large cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, parking enforcement officers are more likely to ticket vehicles without front plates. This not only makes their job easier but also generates quick revenue for the city. In contrast, smaller cities tend to enforce this law less frequently.

Typically, these tickets are “fix-it” violations, meaning they can be resolved by installing a front plate and paying a small fee. While this requires some time and money, many Tesla owners opt to go without the plate until they receive a citation, at which point they install a temporary mount just long enough to clear the ticket.

2.Tesla Typically Delivers Vehicles Without Plate Holders

With one exception, Tesla delivers its vehicles without the OEM front license plate holder installed. Instead, the holder is placed in the trunk at delivery. This is different from traditional automakers, and while the exact reasoning isn’t fully clear, there are a few likely explanations:

• Many states don’t require front license plates, so Tesla doesn’t install them at the factory.
• Instead of pre-installing the plate holder, Tesla provides either an adhesive or screw-on mount in the trunk. Customers can choose to have it installed at the delivery center, though many prefer removable mounts instead.
• This approach ultimately saves Tesla money, as customers typically install the mounts themselves.

3. Many Tesla Owners Are Car Enthusiasts

While some car owners view their vehicles simply as a means to get from point A to point B, many Tesla owners are passionate enthusiasts who take great pride in their cars. These individuals often join clubs, customize their vehicles with accessories, and pay careful attention to both their car’s appearance and performance.

Like owners of Porsche, Subaru, Jeep, Rivian, and other performance-oriented brands, Tesla enthusiasts take pride in their vehicle’s appearance and prefer to avoid the “blemish” of a front license plate. Here are a few reasons why:

• Front plate holders often require drilling holes in the bumper or using semi-permanent adhesives, both of which can damage the paint over time.
• Many plate holders can also damage costly paint protection films or vinyl wraps, which are popular among car enthusiasts.
• Enthusiasts who post photos or videos on social media often prefer not to display their license plates, or they want to avoid the hassle of blurring them—something that doesn’t always work perfectly .

4. Non-Permanent License Plate Holders Are Available

Most vehicles come with only one front license plate mount option, usually requiring drilling holes in the bumper or using semi-permanent adhesives.

Teslas, however, provide a range of aftermarket solutions, including removable front license plate holders that tackle many of the issues enthusiasts have with standard OEM mounts:

• Easy to install when traveling through areas where front plates are required, and equally simple to remove when they’re not needed.
• No drilling or adhesives required, eliminating the risk of damaging the paint or bumper if not installed properly.
• These mounts help preserve the vehicle’s aesthetics by preventing any harm to the paint or bumper.

Why do Teslas not have front license plates? A Growing Trend

Going without a front license plate has been a popular choice among car enthusiasts for years, but the surge in Tesla’s popularity—and the increasing number of Teslas on the road—has made this trend even more visible. Whether you’re a law-abiding driver or not, we can all agree on one thing: no one wants to drill holes in their car. It would be great if manufacturers offered better, more convenient solutions for mounting plates.

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