avuong6494

So a couple months ago, Texas edited the law on front license plates.

BEFORE:

it was illegal to not have a front plate. A ticket would be issued to the driver, BUT there was no official "punishment"/fine for not having a front license plate.

AFTER:

it is still illegal and now the fine is a $200 ticket.


What do you guys think? Are cops going to be actively pursing cars now because of the new changes in the law?

MPO:

I'm picking up my new coupe on the 16th (keep an eye out for a new thread) so I will have some time before I'm really in the Police's crosshairs. But I still wouldn't put a front license plate on. Holes in my bumper are no bueno.

JamesC32

I used the 2 sided sticky foam to put my mount on..

AkaSigFreak

Since it is a new law (amended)- it will be a good source of revenue for the City/County so they will be nailing everyone. You might consider the mount that attaches to the tow hook to avoid drilling holes. The double-sided tape will also work.

avuong6494

this is like the rho-plate......although it allows a plate to be put on without holes, IMO the placement looks hideous on the car. I think i would rather just put holes in my bumper instead of this

AkaSigFreak

I don't like the location either- asymmetrical doesn't work for me. Just wanted to present some options.

Matsui03

I live in Texas with the same problem. Just about all of my friends with cars that don't have a front license plate have been stopped.

I'd mostly worry about getting stopped after having 1-2 beers at dinner or something. Good reason to get them out of your car. I have been told about a front license plate holder that fits under your bumped and you can pull it out while driving and then when done can push it back under your car.

Matsui03

something like this is what I am referring to. anyone have any experience with this?

avuong6494

Yeah the not having a front plate is a small reason they can use to stop you.

Yeah I've seen those plate holders. It's meant for auto show cars. I might look into that after you reminded me of it.

Matsui03

I've found the manual plate holders for $30-50 and the electric ones for $100-150. If they mount relatively flush on the bottom and I can pull them out to drive or whatever, then hide it back, I think that is a great option.

clkwork

If I had to have one I'd probably go with the tow hook option. While they are required in VA (they could pull you over just because of that as a primary offense) I never had one on my black series just because there was no way I was drilling the bumper. I only got pulled once in that car and the officer let me go when I explained that to him, saying he wouldn't drill the bumper either

Now in my vette I was getting pulled all the freaking time because of it so I finally gave in and put it on.

NJC63Fan

Matsui,
I'm in the position of being a Police Officer and a car enthusiast so you make a great point. Most motor vehicle "equipment violations" are invitations for further investigation of the situation or driver or both. i.e. If you are now required to have a front plate and don't have one, what else might be wrong? If I stop you I can look around, are you DUI? Are there narcotics in plain sight? When I get your information and the information of your passengers whats the likelyhood that I might come up with an outstanding warrant?
Of course it boils down to the guy stopping you (All tickets are discretionary if you feel a warning will suffice) whether he wants to write you the ticket or check to make sure the "important" stuff is up to snuff. We do this often looking for narcotics but really don't have the time to hassle someone and write a ticket for a missing plate.

Matsui03

I broke down and took my C350 coupe to the dealer and had them install the plate and bracket on the front of the car. Yes, they drilled 2 holes in the front bumped. But they did bend the license plate a bit and it does look acceptable. Not as nice as a bumper w/o the plate, but it still looks clean and sharp.

And I don't have to worry about being stopped b\c of a missing front license plate.

Riviera

I always wondered why the license plates were optional in front of the vehicle in the U.S. ?

In Europe it is mandatory and it is prohibited to use a temporary mounting plates, should be secured with rivets or you'll get a $185 ticket (135 euros).

You're lucky not to have thousands of speed cameras as France / UK who eat license points at an incredible rate

Pascal