Front License Plate Law

jstang6969 · 10-01-2006, 12:52 PM

Does anyone have the TRUTH on this? I have read several places that say u r required to have one in front and one in back. Then I have read some places that say u need 2 only if you were issued 2. When I registered the car, I wasnt issued any and when I bought the car it came with only 1. I am not about to drill holes in the front of my car for a license plate. If I am required to do it, I will just put it under the visor of the passenger side facing out....it says front and back, not specifically where on front and back.

Jstang6969

**AdRock** · 10-01-2006, 01:41 PM

Technically, s far as I know the front plate must be on the most forward part of the vehicle, that would be the front bumper. And yes, a front plate is required by law. However, receiving a ticket for no front plate is a petty one and is usually rare depending on what city you're in.

FnSweet06 · 10-01-2006, 02:09 PM

i've had my stang for about 2yrs now and have never had a front licence place. but when i did get pull'd over one time for another citation, the officer did add on the "no front L.P" citation to the ticket also. but when i got to court the judge dismiss't that citation. so i think the judge's dont even take it as a biggie

Scottyboy · 10-01-2006, 02:39 PM

Well, since my bumper was already drilled out for it, I have one on the front. I really dont think it's worth not having one. It just opens you up for other things like having too dark of window tint or open containers etc..

timpryor · 10-01-2006, 02:54 PM

^+1 it was already on mine but when the car gets repainted i probably won't put it on there

BUT the law says you have to have a front facing plate

Nighthawk · 10-01-2006, 03:35 PM

gotta have it! and you will get a ticket for it sooner than later.

ImpactStang · 10-01-2006, 04:40 PM

i have the exact verbage saved on my computer at home. the old verbage used to say "affixed to bumper" meaning it had to be on the bumper at all times. in the new verbage it just states that you must have a front visable license plate, the terms affixed to bumper are not in the new varbage, meaning it is dismissable. Problem lies in teh fact that they still train on the old verbage and cops on the force for some time now probably don't even know the verbage changed...

jstang6969 · 10-01-2006, 05:19 PM

I just talked to a friend of mine who is a police officer. He said, even though is says one in front and one in back, putting it in the windshield will not fly either. They will claim they cant read it at the stated (somthing else bout license plates) 50 ft away. I might just go to the registration place and ask them, and buy some there. Just end it all together.

John#21 · 10-01-2006, 05:28 PM

On my last ticket ( 2 months ago) I had it in my windshield and the officer was kind enough to write it down as a warning. Its on my bumper now.

chewie · 10-01-2006, 06:34 PM

Copied the following from a previous post. Also, here's a site for all the TX Statutes, which can be searched.
Texas Statutes

[quote=chewie;294690] According to the Transportation code the verbage is kinda "vague" on this issue.

§ 502.404. OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT LICENSE[0] PLATE[0] OR
REGISTRATION INSIGNIA. (a) A person commits an offense if the
person operates on a public highway during a registration period a
passenger car or commercial motor vehicle that does not display two
license plates, at the front and rear of the vehicle, that have
been:...blah, blah, blah.....

Notice it says at the front and not to the front. Some put it in the windshield, which dispalys it to the front (but is it at the front?) If you have it in your windshield the following can get you too....

§ 502.409. WRONG, FICTITIOUS, ALTERED, OR OBSCURED
LICENSE PLATE. (a) A person commits an offense if the person
attaches to or displays on a motor vehicle a number plate or
registration insignia that:
(1) is assigned to a different motor vehicle;
(2) is assigned to the vehicle under any other motor
vehicle law other than by the department;
(3) is assigned for a registration period other than
the registration period in effect;
(4) is fictitious;
(5) has letters, numbers, or other identification
marks that because of blurring or reflective matter are not plainly
visible at all times during daylight;
(6) has an attached illuminated device or sticker,
decal, emblem, or other insignia that is not authorized by law and
that interferes with the readability of the letters or numbers on
the plate[0] or the name of the state in which the vehicle is
registered; or
(7) has a coating, covering, or protective material
that:
(A) distorts angular visibility or
detectability; or
(B) alters or obscures the letters or numbers on
the plate, the color of the plate, or another original design
feature of the plate.

The windshield can blur the plate due to the sunlight, as an example.

Personally, the only reason I have a front plate on my bumper cover is because the dealer drilled the holes in the damn thing.

The law has it's benefits, but a citation....hmmmm

If you do put it in the windshield, what I suggest is that you go to Wally World/Target and get yourself some of those clear plastic suction cups to put thru the holes on the plate and attach it to the windshield in that manner. Not saying it's "legal" just a better alternative than placing it on the dash.

**bighoss88lx** · 10-01-2006, 08:04 PM

I have never ran a front plate on any of my stangs since I was 16. No tickets, just warnings....3 at the most. My mother has never ran front plates on her mustangs and she has never gotten a ticket only a warning or two. We just affix them to the windshield with suction cups.

Wiked · 10-02-2006, 11:24 AM

Honestly, just take it of when you showin of your car, then put it back on after. Cuz if you crash while haulin ass, do you want a piece of metal flying at your face or neck? Or worse if you got kids or family in tha car? Jus My Opinion though.

**TrueBlueVenom** · 10-02-2006, 11:38 AM

my thoughts:

slap on the front plate - it's one less thing to get pulled over for. get pulled over for just a plate might end out getting other tickets tacked on

TheDan · 10-02-2006, 11:43 AM

Yep its legit!

I was pulled over for it 2x. The officer came up and asked wheres your front license plate? I said in Florida we dont waste the money to make duplicates so we only have one. He said ahh, went and looked as if he didnt notice the florida plates when he was behind my car, then came back and said have a nice day!

BlackRob · 10-02-2006, 12:07 PM

its worth puttin it on. Ya never know what some dick cop might wanna tack on to a ticket just to screw ya over. Even if it is dismissed most of the time its just not worth the punishment

whitezo6 · 10-02-2006, 01:16 PM

i have always heard that if an officer wants to pull you over for no front plate, he/she can do so. can it be taken to an extreme? sure. i have a friend who bought an 06 vette - which doesnt even come with a place to mount a front plate - he got pulled over in live oak, and when he asked why, the rather young officer said " because you dont have a front plate". my friend then asked if the officer had noticed that the car still had the paper temporary on it. at that point the officer walked to the back of the car, noted that it was true, gave my friend his stuff back, and just walked away.

my friend ->

<- embarrassed live oak officer

Snipe · 10-02-2006, 03:10 PM

I had to pay a $250.00 fine in Leon Valley for not having one. That sucked!

The Mrs.

jstang6969 · 10-02-2006, 04:38 PM

I will find a way to put it one on. I called a place called Tisdales on Pat Booker and they said since I didnt mention that when I changed the title I have to wait until the bank recieves the title in the mail which might be Friday at the earliest. Oh well, worth a shot. Hope luck is on my side until then.

FnSweet06 · 10-02-2006, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snipe

I had to pay a $250.00 fine in Leon Valley for not having one. That sucked!

The Mrs.

really that sucks. i drive through leon valley everyday to and from work and never got a citation for no L.p.(knock on wood), and even when i did get pulled over by them.

SALEENT76 · 10-03-2006, 06:04 AM

There is NO WAY I am drilling holes in my bumper!!!!!!

10-01-2006, 12:52 PM	#1
jstang6969 Dont feed the animals Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Close by (.Y.) Posts: 1,769 Trader Rating: (0)	Front License Plate Law Does anyone have the TRUTH on this? I have read several places that say u r required to have one in front and one in back. Then I have read some places that say u need 2 only if you were issued 2. When I registered the car, I wasnt issued any and when I bought the car it came with only 1. I am not about to drill holes in the front of my car for a license plate. If I am required to do it, I will just put it under the visor of the passenger side facing out....it says front and back, not specifically where on front and back. Jstang6969

10-01-2006, 03:35 PM	#6
Nighthawk technology > displacement Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Antonio Posts: 4,659 Trader Rating: (6)	gotta have it! and you will get a ticket for it sooner than later. __________________ My Garage

10-01-2006, 05:19 PM	#8
jstang6969 Dont feed the animals Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Close by (.Y.) Posts: 1,769 Trader Rating: (0)	Something else to think about I just talked to a friend of mine who is a police officer. He said, even though is says one in front and one in back, putting it in the windshield will not fly either. They will claim they cant read it at the stated (somthing else bout license plates) 50 ft away. I might just go to the registration place and ask them, and buy some there. Just end it all together.

10-01-2006, 05:28 PM	#9
John#21 I wasn't born with enough middle fingers. Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4,484 Trader Rating: (0)	On my last ticket ( 2 months ago) I had it in my windshield and the officer was kind enough to write it down as a warning. Its on my bumper now. __________________ GO SPURS GO

10-01-2006, 06:34 PM	#10
chewie Making people happy, one stop at a time... Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Behind you with the disco lights on... Posts: 1,235 Trader Rating: (0)	Copied the following from a previous post. Also, here's a site for all the TX Statutes, which can be searched. Texas Statutes [quote=chewie;294690] According to the Transportation code the verbage is kinda "vague" on this issue. § 502.404. OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT LICENSE[0] PLATE[0] OR REGISTRATION INSIGNIA. (a) A person commits an offense if the person operates on a public highway during a registration period a passenger car or commercial motor vehicle that does not display two license plates, at the front and rear of the vehicle, that have been:...blah, blah, blah..... Notice it says at the front and not to the front. Some put it in the windshield, which dispalys it to the front (but is it at the front?) If you have it in your windshield the following can get you too.... § 502.409. WRONG, FICTITIOUS, ALTERED, OR OBSCURED LICENSE PLATE. (a) A person commits an offense if the person attaches to or displays on a motor vehicle a number plate or registration insignia that: (1) is assigned to a different motor vehicle; (2) is assigned to the vehicle under any other motor vehicle law other than by the department; (3) is assigned for a registration period other than the registration period in effect; (4) is fictitious; (5) has letters, numbers, or other identification marks that because of blurring or reflective matter are not plainly visible at all times during daylight; (6) has an attached illuminated device or sticker, decal, emblem, or other insignia that is not authorized by law and that interferes with the readability of the letters or numbers on the plate[0] or the name of the state in which the vehicle is registered; or (7) has a coating, covering, or protective material that: (A) distorts angular visibility or detectability; or (B) alters or obscures the letters or numbers on the plate, the color of the plate, or another original design feature of the plate. The windshield can blur the plate due to the sunlight, as an example. Personally, the only reason I have a front plate on my bumper cover is because the dealer drilled the holes in the damn thing. The law has it's benefits, but a citation....hmmmm If you do put it in the windshield, what I suggest is that you go to Wally World/Target and get yourself some of those clear plastic suction cups to put thru the holes on the plate and attach it to the windshield in that manner. Not saying it's "legal" just a better alternative than placing it on the dash. __________________ Nature should be allowed to do its job of killing off the weak, sickly, and ignorant people without interference from airbags and batting helmets

10-01-2006, 01:41 PM	#2
AdRock I am the Great Cornholio, give me all your TP Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: On The Move Posts: 5,252 Trader Rating: (5)	Technically, s far as I know the front plate must be on the most forward part of the vehicle, that would be the front bumper. And yes, a front plate is required by law. However, receiving a ticket for no front plate is a petty one and is usually rare depending on what city you're in. __________________ '02 Stang GT Just cause you don't understand what's going on ...don't mean it don't make no sense And just cause you don't like it,...don't mean it aint no good And let me tell you something Before you go taking a walk in my world,...you better take a look at the real world Cause this aint no Mr. Rogers Neighborhood Can you say "feel like shit?"Yea maybe sometimes I do feel like shit I aint happy about it, but I'd rather feel like shit than be full of shit! And if I offended you, Oh I'm sorry, But, maybe you need to be offended But here's my apology and one more thing........Fuck you! Cause you can't bring me down

10-01-2006, 02:09 PM	#3
FnSweet06 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: San Antone Posts: 4,554 Trader Rating: (4)	i've had my stang for about 2yrs now and have never had a front licence place. but when i did get pull'd over one time for another citation, the officer did add on the "no front L.P" citation to the ticket also. but when i got to court the judge dismiss't that citation. so i think the judge's dont even take it as a biggie

10-01-2006, 02:39 PM	#4
Scottyboy Man law? Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Converse Posts: 4,529 Trader Rating: (1)	Well, since my bumper was already drilled out for it, I have one on the front. I really dont think it's worth not having one. It just opens you up for other things like having too dark of window tint or open containers etc..

10-01-2006, 04:40 PM	#7
ImpactStang Quit it Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: San Antonio Posts: 3,158 Trader Rating: (1)	i have the exact verbage saved on my computer at home. the old verbage used to say "affixed to bumper" meaning it had to be on the bumper at all times. in the new verbage it just states that you must have a front visable license plate, the terms affixed to bumper are not in the new varbage, meaning it is dismissable. Problem lies in teh fact that they still train on the old verbage and cops on the force for some time now probably don't even know the verbage changed...

10-01-2006, 08:04 PM	#11
bighoss88lx Killing is my Business...And Business is Good! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Elmendorf, Tejas Posts: 5,953 Trader Rating: (1)	I have never ran a front plate on any of my stangs since I was 16. No tickets, just warnings....3 at the most. My mother has never ran front plates on her mustangs and she has never gotten a ticket only a warning or two. We just affix them to the windshield with suction cups. __________________ 1988 Mustang LX

10-02-2006, 11:24 AM	#12
Wiked LoneStarStangs Addict Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Somerset, Tx Posts: 4,933 Trader Rating: (2)	Might as well do it Honestly, just take it of when you showin of your car, then put it back on after. Cuz if you crash while haulin ass, do you want a piece of metal flying at your face or neck? Or worse if you got kids or family in tha car? Jus My Opinion though.

10-02-2006, 11:38 AM	#13
TrueBlueVenom in a happy place Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Antonio Posts: 5,807 Trader Rating: (0)	my thoughts: slap on the front plate - it's one less thing to get pulled over for. get pulled over for just a plate might end out getting other tickets tacked on

10-02-2006, 11:43 AM	#14
TheDan sleepy Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Cocoa Beach, FL Posts: 1,515 Trader Rating: (1)	Yep its legit! I was pulled over for it 2x. The officer came up and asked wheres your front license plate? I said in Florida we dont waste the money to make duplicates so we only have one. He said ahh, went and looked as if he didnt notice the florida plates when he was behind my car, then came back and said have a nice day! __________________ Signature? I dont need no stinkin signature!

10-02-2006, 12:07 PM	#15
BlackRob Damn it feels good to be a gangster Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: San Antone Posts: 4,897 Trader Rating: (2)	its worth puttin it on. Ya never know what some dick cop might wanna tack on to a ticket just to screw ya over. Even if it is dismissed most of the time its just not worth the punishment __________________ Black 98 GT vert, codename: "Vader" 247 hp and 290 tq NEEDS A TUNE!! Mods: New vert top, Deep Dish Black Bullitts, Steeda Tri-Ax shifter, billet grille w/pony cutout, PI heads, PI intake, valve covers, CAI, Bassani X-pipe, Flowmaster catback, LSS decals, Bumper inserts, black clear headlights, and lots of ZAINO! WOOP WOOP!

10-02-2006, 01:16 PM	#16
whitezo6 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: texas Posts: 312 Trader Rating: (0)	i have always heard that if an officer wants to pull you over for no front plate, he/she can do so. can it be taken to an extreme? sure. i have a friend who bought an 06 vette - which doesnt even come with a place to mount a front plate - he got pulled over in live oak, and when he asked why, the rather young officer said " because you dont have a front plate". my friend then asked if the officer had noticed that the car still had the paper temporary on it. at that point the officer walked to the back of the car, noted that it was true, gave my friend his stuff back, and just walked away. my friend -> <- embarrassed live oak officer __________________ Mike

10-03-2006, 06:04 AM	#20
SALEENT76 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Ft. Hood, Tx Posts: 2,038 Trader Rating: (1)	There is NO WAY I am drilling holes in my bumper!!!!!! __________________ 2002 Zinc Yellow Saleen #02-245 Hellion Power Systems T-76 Turbo .20 VT Shortblock, Stock 2v Heads, MPH Turbo Cams 535rwhp, 506trq, 17lbs of Boost Built and Tuned by MPH "Power in the Hands of a Fool"

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

10-02-2006, 03:10 PM	#17
Snipe 07 Mustang GT Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: 410 and Ingram Posts: 160 Trader Rating: (0)	I had to pay a $250.00 fine in Leon Valley for not having one. That sucked! The Mrs.

10-02-2006, 04:38 PM	#18
jstang6969 Dont feed the animals Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Close by (.Y.) Posts: 1,769 Trader Rating: (0)	I will find a way to put it one on. I called a place called Tisdales on Pat Booker and they said since I didnt mention that when I changed the title I have to wait until the bank recieves the title in the mail which might be Friday at the earliest. Oh well, worth a shot. Hope luck is on my side until then.