mbluver111

I just received my license plates of the front and back. Since I live in California, the law states that all vehicles must have front and back license plates put on at all times. Since there seems to be no holes or placement for the front plate, I was wondering if you guys have front license plates on your car. I would hate to drill holes on the front bumper just to put the plate on. Any suggestions? Or do you guys just leave out the front license plate and hope that no cop pulls you over. BTW, it also ruins the look of the car with it on.

BM2BZ

did you get your car in california or just move there recently? not sure about cali's laws but why would dealers never notice that? i would just leave it. if cops pull you over, simply tell them the dealer told you no front plate needed and show the cops there is no holes have been drilled. just play dumb. but keep that plate inside your trunk just in case. cops are usually ok w/something minor like this. i got away like this at least 3-5 times .

mbluver111

No, I bought my car here and have been living here all my life. I heard they just made the new law about 2 years ago I believe. It sucks because it would ruin the look of the car. Hopefully cops don't look into it too much.

K-A

Have gotten two tickets (while the car was parked) for no plate, and will not put one on.

I didn't spend this kind of cash on a car that looks this good to ruin it!

I just hope for the best, and pay the toll, hoping to not have to pay it anymore from here on out....

boschk

If I were you, I'd see how it goes before drilling. It's not a moving violation, so the question is, do you want to risk getting tickets? If so, go for it. If not, drill (cry while doing it) and drive.

Funny story. After I had my windowed tinted, I needed a VIN inspection. The popo does that in my area, so when he came by, he said that my windows were too dark. Then followed up with, "they look great! If I were you, I'd drive it and see how it goes." True story. Not all cops have a hard on for this type of stuff and you aren't driving a riced out something where the popo have reason to hassle you.

My front bumper needs a repair and I"m having the holes filled.

mbluver111

Besides drilling, is there any other way to attach the front license plate frame? Like frames that have sticky pads or something like that to easily attach it on.

boschk

mbluver111

LOL. Very nice! Too bad the shop closed down for some odd reason.

BM2BZ

i think you need to get a curved holder/bracket and use some heavy duty double-sided tape. you can get that holder from dealer and/or ebay. but like some said, i wouldn't touch it just now.

mnje350

Half the states in the us require front plates. Thankfully mine, NC, does not. But, your dealer should be able to provide a bracket. By the way, they are required in MB's mother country. So you should be able to comply. I agree they really spoil the appearance of the front.

Cavu

I went ahead and had the dealer mount the front plate. It doesn't really look bad with the curved mount that they use.
The last thing I want is to get pulled over after a couple of drinks at dinner just because I had no front plate.

ImmaBeSmug2

Exactly! Cops love too dark tints & missing front plates as they are a way to pull you over for very little reason. "Invitation for a DUI"

MB500

This is how I solved this problem on my W211 except that instead of a German plate I used to have a Russian one with a large Russian flag (I put the German one on before selling the car). Drove with it for 8 years without any problems whatsoever. Received numerous complements and people constantly asked me if I imported my car from Russia . Just like you, I reside in the socialist state of California so maybe a plate from the land of the former USSR looked appropriate to cops down here .

BM2BZ

i've seen german ones quite often but never russian . that's creative !

CEB

If you get a DUI after being pulled over for a missing plate or other equipment violation then you deserved it. Just because you don't get caught doesn't mean you weren't drunk.

If you get done for a DUI then you were too drunk to drive.

dfordham

So the consequence of drunk driving that worries you most is getting a ticket?

Sure glad I don't live in NJ anymore.

Regards,
Don

ghstudio

Police car driving behind you can't see that you don't have a front plate. Police car in front of you doesn't see a front plate, but doesn't know what state you are from. Meter maid walks down the street and sees either your front or back plate....same as a police car.

Your only risk is if you are stopped for some other reason...and then you have the plate in your trunk which will normally get by when you promise to get it mounted in the next couple of days....assuming you are courteous and nice to the police.

I drove a Miata for 5 years in a two plate state and never mounted the front plate.

MarcusBDUB

No front plate is a "fixit ticket" in Cali so I don't understand how you could just pay the fine and not mount it for check-off, but I'd sure like to know!

Maybe it's the difference between parking meter tik and a CHP pulling you over for the ticket (in my case -- CHP are the worst about windows and plates).

This law is not new, just enforced more often recently becuase it's an additional revenue strem for the state.

I tried the double sided tape too and it was solid, but still not accpetable to the LA Co Sheriff for check-off.

Just another gevernment scam IMO.

EmE247

Cali state requires the front plates. I drove around without one for some time and got pulled over for a ticket. Ticket was a fix-it ticket. Meaning you have to correct it by attaching the front plate, and then taking it to get it inspected at a local police inspection station.

Cali parking cops even give these tickets when you are parked on the street. Got one of these as well.

Can't stand the front plate, but I really don't need a stupid reason for the cops to pull me over so I keep the front plate on.

This. ^^^

OAG

https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...ate-mount.html

ImmaBeSmug2

The feeling is mutual.

davezaristo

it's been 4 months and i still haven't put on my plates..lol..

EKlasseMercedes

for the 3 cars ive purchased at my mb dealer, they always ask if i want the front plate holder mounted before i leave the lot. if i say no (which i did all 3 times), they had me sign a waiver saying that i acknowledge it is illegal and send me home with the holder in my trunk. haven't gotten a ticket yet. also have illegal tints, haven't been ticketed. knock on wood!

K-A

Yeah, the meter ticket is just a fine. I would be bummed if I got pulled over and had to go through the fixit process. I had a fixed up Mustang back in the day, cop magnet, and got tons of fixit tickets on that car. I used every creative method I could to not screw in a plate up there.

BM2BZ

i don't like front plate at all but just wondering how many people actually put them on even in the "one-plate" state ? we all like the clean look but probably for those who live in those "one-plate" states are getting tired of the clean look and put a front plate on to have a "unique" look. who knows ?