Front license plates in Pennsylvania would be required under lawmaker's new bill

HARRISBURG - A Pennsylvania senator plans to propose legislation that would require state drivers to display both front and back license plates. 

Sen. Katie Muth, a Democrat from Pennsylvania's 44th District, believes that requiring a front license plate would improve public safety and toll collections.

Pennsylvania is among 21 other states that do not require both front and back license plates.

What we know:

Pennsylvania Senator Katie Muth plans to propose legislation that would require drivers to have both front and back license plates.

In a memo, Muth said she believes requiring front license plates would "improve public safety" and help toll collection.

"Far too often there are hit-and-run accidents, traffic incidents, or crimes committed where only the front of a vehicle is captured by cameras or witnesses," Muth said.

Here's when you can get a new Pennsylvania license plate

You could see new Pennsylvania license plate on the roadways this spring. PennDOT is now accepting applications for the revamped plates that coincide with America's 250th birthday next year.

"Requiring a license plate on the front of a car will improve vehicle identification and enhance public safety by helping law enforcement officers, witnesses, or cameras more easily and quickly identify a vehicle."

Pennsylvania is among 21 other states that do not require both front and back license plates. New Jersey, New York and Maryland, three states that border Pennsylvania, all require both front and back plates.

Local perspective:

It's unknown at this time when Senator Muth will formally introduce the legislation.