Yes, only if youre running the tractor on the road. That said I think it depends alot on how the local constable is feeling on any particular day and/or if youre drawing attention to yourself. . I live in a very small town thats still somewhat rural and there a good few tractors. The guy I buy hay from runs between his farm and fields on the roads w/o plates. I suppose I could do w/o but the plates are *alot* less than a fine.