EN | ES
HomeLicense Plate Laws › New Jersey

New Jersey License Plate Display Law — 2025 Guide

Front + Rear Required
Quick Answer

New Jersey requires both front and rear license plates.

The Law at a Glance

Statute
New Jersey Statutes §39:3-33
Mounting
Front + Rear Required
Plate Format
ABCD 12
Penalty
Fines vary by jurisdiction.
Plate Design
Yellow gradient background.

Recent Changes

New Jersey requires plate decals only on certain commercial classes (since October 2004 cars don't need plate stickers). New Jersey uses a four-letter/two-number format. NJ offers an 'animal friendly' plate featuring Patrick McDonnell's 'Mutts' comic strip characters.

State-Specific Notes

New Jersey is a strict two-plate state.

Plate Design Details

First Issued
1992 (embossed with sticker boxes), 2007 (embossed without), 2014 (screened)
Plate Style
Screened serial; reflective sheeting
Full Design
Black on yellow gradient fade, with state-shaped separator — 'Garden State'
Current Format
D12-ABC (2010–present)

Letter Exclusions

I, O, and Q are not used. The 'T' and 'X' series are reserved for trailer and commercial plates respectively.

Historical Plates Still Valid

Format evolution: ABC1234 (1992–1993), AB-123C (1993–1999), ABC-12D (1999–2010), now D12-ABC. Earlier black-on-tan (1959–1973), buff-on-blue (1979–1985), and other historical plates remain valid.

Notable Facts

New Jersey's 'Garden State' yellow-gradient plate design is one of the most distinctive in the U.S. NJ briefly required plate decals (2000–2004) but has since dropped them for passenger vehicles. NJ offers an 'animal friendly' optional plate (since 2001) featuring characters from Patrick McDonnell's 'Mutts' comic strip.

How atroq Frames Stay Compliant in New Jersey

atroq frames in New Jersey are engineered to comply with all display requirements. The frame's recessed sticker windows keep renewal stickers visible. The frame's thickness does not obscure the alphanumeric serial, state name, or the issuing jurisdiction. atroq's universal mounting fits New Jersey's standard 6 × 12 inch passenger plates. Since New Jersey requires both plates, customers typically order frames in pairs.

Design your New Jersey-compliant frame

Premium custom license plate frames built for New Jersey's display requirements. MOQ 500. From $1.30 / frame.

Open the Customizer →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a front license plate required in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey requires both a front and rear license plate on all registered passenger vehicles. New Jersey requires both front and rear license plates.
What is the New Jersey license plate format?
New Jersey uses the format ABCD 12 for standard passenger plates.
Are there any recent New Jersey license plate law changes?
New Jersey requires plate decals only on certain commercial classes (since October 2004 cars don't need plate stickers). New Jersey uses a four-letter/two-number format. NJ offers an 'animal friendly' plate featuring Patrick McDonnell's 'Mutts' comic strip characters.
Are decorative license plate frames legal in New Jersey?
Yes. Decorative frames are legal in New Jersey as long as they do not obscure the alphanumeric serial, the state name, or any registration sticker. atroq frames are designed to comply with New Jersey display requirements.
What size are New Jersey license plates?
New Jersey issues plates in the U.S. standard 6 × 12 inches (150 × 300 mm) for passenger vehicles, matching the 1956 SAE / Automobile Manufacturers Association dimensional agreement.

Discover atroq

Customize a state-compliant frame Browse by your car model Industry-specific solutions Blog: License plate frame guides