Legal Question in Traffic Law in Iowa

Re: Iowa Front License Plate Display

Unless your vehicle is a 1948 or older model year, the answer is yes, the plates must be affixed to the front of the automobile under 321.37.

321.37 DISPLAY OF PLATES.

1. Registration plates issued for a motor vehicle other than a

motorcycle, motorized bicycle or a truck tractor shall be attached to

the motor vehicle, one in the front and the other in the rear. The

registration plate issued for a motorcycle or other vehicle required

to be registered hereunder shall be attached to the rear of the

vehicle. The registration plate issued for a truck tractor shall be

attached to the front of the truck tractor. The special plate issued

to a dealer shall be attached on the rear of the vehicle when

operated on the highways of this state.

2. Registration plates issued for a motor vehicle which is model

year 1948 or older, and reconstructed or specially constructed

vehicles built to resemble a model year 1948 vehicle or older, other

than a truck registered for more than five tons, motorcycle, or truck

tractor, may display one registration plate on the rear of the

vehicle if the other registration plate issued to the vehicle is

carried in the vehicle at all times when the vehicle is operated on a

public highway.