For your own ettification....i was citing Federal DOT laws. DOT states that all vehicles must have a front plate at all times. NOW, if you local city/county/ or state has their own municipal/vehicle laws specifically contradicting the DOT, then the local law enforcement can't cite for that.

For example: DOT states that a front windshield must be on the vehicle at all times. OREGON vehicle code states that you DO NOT have to have a windshield, BUT you must have working windshield wipers!?!?!

Where (city/county/state) you drive is ULTIMATLEY what governs the specific veh laws. City/county/state can make their own laws...BUT they can't cite OUT of their jurisdiction their own specific laws..they can only cite for federal DOT laws.

Make sense? Oh, and by the way...cop's are ignorant, it's their station and superiors that FAIL to do continuous updated training, whom are ignorant. Just FYI

 

The more you know.....

 

MA doesnt require front plates if you have the older style License plate.

 

I wonder if Skyline owners are harassed worse...

 

My little Gixxer 600 is quicker that your pile of Ford and your radio.

 

I can only speak on behalf of my state.

Illinois has a "Corvette Clause" as its referred to. Basically it states a vehicle does not need to run a front plate if the vehicle does not have provisions for it. Why does this humor me? Because the Vette always has had a provision for a front plate, but it has always looked like crap to run one. Basically anywhere I have been in IL, you will not get pulled over for not running a front plate. I cop will, however, tack that fine on if he already has you pulled over. Theres always exceptions to this though. For reference, my father has never run a front plate on his 03 G35 coupe, and my VIII still has the front plate bracket in the trunk. Not one ticket, even when my dad got pulled over. Every town and state is different.

I agree though that if you get a ticket, you should pay and not fight; unless you can find it in writing you dont need the plate.

 

This is what I have been told, I am not sure if it is totally true or not. I was told the only real reason for a front license plate is because it is reflective and thats what cops target with their radar to get your speed. Because the radar has to reflect off it then go back to the cop. The only other really reflective part is your headlights, which you can buy that veil stuff that doesnt allow radar to reflect I guess. Anyways I dont have a front license plate on my bumper, I wedged it in the dash pointing upwards so it is fairly visible, I did get pulled over once and I politely asked the stater and he said it was fine as long as he could see it. Oh and it you did have insurance but not the most recent slip, just go to court and prove you had insurance but couldnt find the slip or didnt have the latest one, they will usually drop it. The license plate, I dont know about that, just say your car never had one I guess. I bet you might be able to get it knocked down. I dont actually think it counts towards your insurance so no worries there.

 

yea, its a screwey law. new mexico does not require a front plate, and I wonder how much cash the state would save by pressing only one plate and sticker instead of 2, but will probably never happen.
oddly enough, in idaho, there are 2 plate classifications that do not require running a front plate. one is classic car, vehicle must be 30 years old, and the other is street rod, and it has some very obscure rules to classify. not sure why they feel that if you drive a 1967 vwbug that you don't need a front plate, and a 2006 evo does....

 

I just talked to a LEO friend of mine and he gave me the exact RCW (46.16.240) that can be found at http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.16.240. I've gone through this and summarized the relevant information for ya:

The vehicle license number plates shall be attached conspicuously at the front and rear of each vehicle for which the same are issued and in such a manner that they can be plainly seen and read at all times. However, if only one license number plate is legally issued for any vehicle such plate shall be conspicuously attached to the rear of such vehicle. In cases where the body construction of the vehicle is such that compliance with this section is impossible, permission to deviate therefrom may be granted by the state patrol.

It's interesting to note that it's also illegal to not use a license plate cover that "in any manner change, alter, or make the vehicle license number plates illegible".

From what I remember, you don't have the ability to have a license plate on the front of your car so you should be able to get out of the ticket. If you wanted to get all of your ducks in a row, I would go and talk to someone from the WSP before your court date to obtain their permission to deviate from the RCW.

Hope this helps.

 

I got a no front plate ticket in Oregon several years ago, I brought in the statute and kind of argued about it and he dropped the fine because the Judge didn't really understand the wording of the law. In Oregon it's one of those laws that isn't really enforced.. most cops won't pull you over for no front plate alone but some might give you a ticket for it in conjunction with a speeding ticket or whatever. I've been running no front plate for about 11 years without any real problems.

 

Well I hate to disagree, however, There is a statute that states if there was not a "manufactured" area for the plate to be mounted then by state law "WA" you do not have to have a front mounted plate....there are definitely cars that DO NOT have these....take in consideration my 04 Cobra, it did not have one and therefore I did not need one. I did keep a copy of the statute in my car though.
Seph....I will get a copy of it for ya by friday, but I do believe that all mitsu's do come from the factory/dealer with a front mount plate, so you may be S.O.L.
sorry man!
James

 

Thanks.. btw look out for a silver/white passat on Ft Lewis? Thing looks stock but is a beast.

 

i got pulled over for no front license plate in Issaquash, but i make excuse that my bracket and licese felt off and he belive it and let me go, but i never mount front licsense snice i bought it.. lol!

 

man i say just suck it up and put ur plate on. i have a ix and i had no choice the dealership already installed the plate for me. fab up something or if need be you can trim the plate.

 

Everyone in here who is saying it doesn't have to be affixed to the bumper needs to go and re-read the law. It says that the plate has to be located ahead of the hood line, i.e. bumper and a certain height off the ground.