No front plates where required?

Zcott · 06-23-2009, 02:21 PM

So... I live in Texas which "requires" the front plate.
Like many here with sleek cars I've chosen not to install it.

I've been told most cops won't pull you over just for the missing plate, but was wondering if anyone has experience otherwise???

theDreamer · 06-23-2009, 02:25 PM

Also in Texas and do not have a front plate installed. Most cops will not unless you are doing something else wrong (illegal), some might if they are in a bad mood. I bought the Stillen plate holder and keep my front plate attached to it in the rear underneath the carpets just in case.

fly yellow · 06-23-2009, 02:32 PM

I'm in Maryland where they require it and they enforce it heavily. I just put it on when I bought the thing.

Robert_Nash · 06-23-2009, 02:37 PM

Not installing a front license plate when your car is titled in a state that requires one is like an open invitation to be pulled-over.

Like anything else, you may drive for years without ever getting a second glance from a LEO because of a missing license plate or you may get pulled over while leaving your driveway for the first time.

That said, a sports car already draws what most would say is an inordinate amount of scrutiny from LEOs so I see no compelling reason to add to the "attraction".

joejo02 · 06-23-2009, 02:38 PM

required in california. but I don't do it anyways. One time i got a ticket by the walking parking authorities (DPT) here in San Francisco. Went out the car for literally 3 mins.. when I came back i thought it was a parking ticket, but it was a ticket for no front license plate. Ridiculous. Anyways, just a fix-it ticket.. heard its 20 bucks now.. should be around that price.

EVO_Killer · 06-23-2009, 03:09 PM

Its law here in Manitoba. I bought the Stillen front plate too but am keeping it in the truck unless I need it.

wstar · 06-23-2009, 03:16 PM

I'm also in TX. I ran my last car for 10 years without a front plate, got ticketed a couple times, it was worth it. In the overall, getting a front plate ticket is rare.

kannibul · 06-23-2009, 03:18 PM

Personally, unless the plate is printed backwards for the front (reference: ECNALUBMA) and you like tailgating cops, I can't understand for the life of me why a front plate would be required.

2theextreme · 06-23-2009, 03:20 PM

Good ol' Virginia law:

§ 46.2-715. Display of license plates.

License plates assigned to a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, tractor truck, trailer, or semitrailer, or to persons licensed as motor vehicle dealers or transporters of unladen vehicles, shall be attached to the front and the rear of the vehicle. The license plate assigned to a motorcycle, trailer, or semitrailer shall be attached to the rear of the vehicle. The license plate assigned to a tractor truck shall be attached to the front of the vehicle. The license plates issued to licensed motor vehicle dealers and to persons licensed as transporters of unladen vehicles shall consist of one plate for each set issued and shall be attached to the rear of the vehicle to which it is assigned.

ENT-Z · 06-23-2009, 03:28 PM

Another option:

DIY: Power Retractable Front License Plate Install

FuszNissan · 06-23-2009, 03:34 PM

I haven't had a front license plate on my car in 10 years and have never been pulled over. Just depends what your doing and where your at.

zZSportZz · 06-23-2009, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fly yellow

I'm in Maryland where they require it and they enforce it heavily. I just put it on when I bought the thing.

Amen to that. I got pulled over the same day I got rid of the temp tags. I lasted....about 3 hours without a front plate before the blues went on.

Maryland does not F around when it comes to front plates.

dawankler · 06-23-2009, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2theextreme

Good ol' Virginia law:

§ 46.2-715. Display of license plates.

License plates assigned to a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, tractor truck, trailer, or semitrailer, or to persons licensed as motor vehicle dealers or transporters of unladen vehicles, shall be attached to the front and the rear of the vehicle. The license plate assigned to a motorcycle, trailer, or semitrailer shall be attached to the rear of the vehicle. The license plate assigned to a tractor truck shall be attached to the front of the vehicle. The license plates issued to licensed motor vehicle dealers and to persons licensed as transporters of unladen vehicles shall consist of one plate for each set issued and shall be attached to the rear of the vehicle to which it is assigned.

I got ticketed in Richmond the weekend after I picked up my car. I told the dealer not to worry about installing the front bracket for the VA temp tags and had the temp in the front window. The guy even gave me **** about getting it inspected ASAP. I handed him my Maryland license and explained it was being registered in MD and I only purchased it in VA, which I think ticked him off enough to write the no front plate ticket.

vman · 06-23-2009, 03:44 PM

Here in Chicago/ IL it is required, I was pulled over by a pretty cool north suburban cop who gave me a warning and hinted that I at least keep it showing in the front wind shield and this is after I kind of snapped at him because I was heading to a friends funeral (motorcycle accident) and a forest preserve cop (yeah I know) who waited till I got in the car in the parking lot of a golf course and then had to turn on his lights and make a spectacle of everything in front of everyone. As he was ending his lecture on why front plates were required, I turned my car back on, which caused the radar detector to blare over his blah speech and I just asked him if we were done and as soon as he gave me the word I rolled up my window and drove off while he stood there....... If you're going to give me a ticket, stick it on my window and leave. As for Chicago cops, not sure, but with the city and state in a budget crisis, I would not doubt if a you find a ticket on your window when you come back to your car.......

One last thing, the ticket the Forest Preserve Cop gave me wasn't a pay fine, it was a "take a day off of work to show up in court" ticket. Basically I had to go up in front of a judge and show him I put one on.......

kannibul · 06-23-2009, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zZSportZz

Amen to that. I got pulled over the same day I got rid of the temp tags. I lasted....about 3 hours without a front plate before the blues went on.

Maryland does not F around when it comes to front plates.

So I guess they pull over people who are out of state too?

I'd love to see that.

06-23-2009, 02:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
Zcott Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: D/FW, Texas Posts: 89 Drives: 09 370Z Sport PG M6 Rep Power: 15	No front plates where required? So... I live in Texas which "requires" the front plate. Like many here with sleek cars I've chosen not to install it. I've been told most cops won't pull you over just for the missing plate, but was wondering if anyone has experience otherwise???

06-23-2009, 02:25 PM	#2 (permalink)
theDreamer A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 30,879 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 4210	Also in Texas and do not have a front plate installed. Most cops will not unless you are doing something else wrong (illegal), some might if they are in a bad mood. I bought the Stillen plate holder and keep my front plate attached to it in the rear underneath the carpets just in case. __________________ theDreamer's Z // Fast Intentions // Uprev // GTM // HKS // TEIN theDreamer's Silvia // URAS // GREDDY Houston Zs // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram

06-23-2009, 02:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
fly yellow Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 455 Drives: 09 yellow 370z Rep Power: 264	I'm in Maryland where they require it and they enforce it heavily. I just put it on when I bought the thing. __________________ A severed foot is the ultimate stocking stuffer. Mitch Hedberg

06-23-2009, 02:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
Robert_Nash Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Middle TN/Savannah GA Posts: 762 Drives: '14 Q60IPL/'14Armada Rep Power: 17	Not installing a front license plate when your car is titled in a state that requires one is like an open invitation to be pulled-over. Like anything else, you may drive for years without ever getting a second glance from a LEO because of a missing license plate or you may get pulled over while leaving your driveway for the first time. That said, a sports car already draws what most would say is an inordinate amount of scrutiny from LEOs so I see no compelling reason to add to the "attraction". __________________ Robert -My Basset Hound Is Smarter Than Your Honor Student and Barack Obama -

06-23-2009, 03:16 PM	#7 (permalink)
wstar A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 4,024 Drives: too slow Rep Power: 3594	I'm also in TX. I ran my last car for 10 years without a front plate, got ticketed a couple times, it was worth it. In the overall, getting a front plate ticket is rare. __________________ 7AT Track Car! Journal thread / Car setup details

06-23-2009, 02:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
joejo02 Base Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Bay Area Posts: 59 Drives: none Rep Power: 249	required in california. but I don't do it anyways. One time i got a ticket by the walking parking authorities (DPT) here in San Francisco. Went out the car for literally 3 mins.. when I came back i thought it was a parking ticket, but it was a ticket for no front license plate. Ridiculous. Anyways, just a fix-it ticket.. heard its 20 bucks now.. should be around that price.

06-23-2009, 03:18 PM	#8 (permalink)
kannibul A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Jenks, OK Posts: 2,281 Drives: 370z Touring/Sport Rep Power: 266	Personally, unless the plate is printed backwards for the front (reference: ECNALUBMA) and you like tailgating cops, I can't understand for the life of me why a front plate would be required.

06-23-2009, 03:20 PM	#9 (permalink)
2theextreme RIP Tony :( (1969-2015) Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 18,802 Drives: '14 Mustang GT/CS Rep Power: 67	Good ol' Virginia law: § 46.2-715. Display of license plates. License plates assigned to a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, tractor truck, trailer, or semitrailer, or to persons licensed as motor vehicle dealers or transporters of unladen vehicles, shall be attached to the front and the rear of the vehicle. The license plate assigned to a motorcycle, trailer, or semitrailer shall be attached to the rear of the vehicle. The license plate assigned to a tractor truck shall be attached to the front of the vehicle. The license plates issued to licensed motor vehicle dealers and to persons licensed as transporters of unladen vehicles shall consist of one plate for each set issued and shall be attached to the rear of the vehicle to which it is assigned. __________________ SpinTech Mufflers, Airaid CAI, JBA H-Pipe, Lethal Performance Over Axle Pipes, MMD Quarter Panel Louvers, Cervini's Ram Air Type IV Hood, Carbon Fiber Radiator Cover, GT500 Rear Valance, Quad Exhaust Tips

06-23-2009, 03:28 PM	#10 (permalink)
ENT-Z Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 460 Drives: 09 MB 6MT 370Z Rep Power: 16	Another option: DIY: Power Retractable Front License Plate Install

06-23-2009, 03:34 PM	#11 (permalink)
FuszNissan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: St. Louis Posts: 14,275 Drives: Pure Sex Rep Power: 541	I haven't had a front license plate on my car in 10 years and have never been pulled over. Just depends what your doing and where your at. __________________ Mods: Too Many to list! LouFuszNissan ZDAYZ 2012

06-23-2009, 03:44 PM	#14 (permalink)
vman Base Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 31 Drives: 2004 BMW M3 Rep Power: 15	Here in Chicago/ IL it is required, I was pulled over by a pretty cool north suburban cop who gave me a warning and hinted that I at least keep it showing in the front wind shield and this is after I kind of snapped at him because I was heading to a friends funeral (motorcycle accident) and a forest preserve cop (yeah I know) who waited till I got in the car in the parking lot of a golf course and then had to turn on his lights and make a spectacle of everything in front of everyone. As he was ending his lecture on why front plates were required, I turned my car back on, which caused the radar detector to blare over his blah speech and I just asked him if we were done and as soon as he gave me the word I rolled up my window and drove off while he stood there....... If you're going to give me a ticket, stick it on my window and leave. As for Chicago cops, not sure, but with the city and state in a budget crisis, I would not doubt if a you find a ticket on your window when you come back to your car....... One last thing, the ticket the Forest Preserve Cop gave me wasn't a pay fine, it was a "take a day off of work to show up in court" ticket. Basically I had to go up in front of a judge and show him I put one on.......

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