Is it illegal to display your front license plate in your windshield? (2015, red light)
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For those of us in States that feel that two is better than one.. when all that is needed is one (PA, NC, FL, thank you.) Surrounding States have two including Virginia..
Why not simply attach your license plate and be done.
It most likely depends on the state. For instance Texas (two-plate state) requires a plate to be mounted on the “the foremost part of the vehicle, usually the bumper.” The original two plate law only required a front and rear plate, but in 2013 they rewrote the law so that it had a specific area (bumper).
That is correct, but I've noticed in particular a lot of late-model high-end or exotic cars with the front plate just tossed on top of the dash. I guess the owners are not wanting to drill the front fascia, and still try to comply with the law (even though they technically aren't). Personally, I wouldn't want that thin metal plate just resting unsecured on the dash.
Also, It's been years here in Texas since I shopped a new-car dealership that didn't already have one of their vanity advertisement/logo plates mounted on the front of all new vehicles in inventory. Upon purchasing a vehicle, then going back to pick up the plates when they came in, they have always been eager to mount those new plates immediately on the spot. None ever asked me if I wanted the front plate mounted or not, they just did it, then saved their vanity plate to recycle on another new vehicle, I suppose. Makes me wonder how people are getting all these ne vehicles with no front mounting provision. Maybe they are factory orders, or maybe some of those dealers don't drill the fascia in advance, knowing many of those buyers won't want a plate there? IDK.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bigbear63
No such exemption exists here in Texas. In Dallas? No police cares...but they will write you once you are pulled over for another infraction. However, take that same car to small-town Texas and watch how many tickets you get. The nicer the car - the more tickets. Personal experience
That's what I've heard from people with first-hand experience, too. The big city police departments don't seem to enforce the front license plate requirement, but watch out for the smaller towns, and suburban cities. Also Texas DPS is pretty strict on enforcement, so I hear, and also the County Constables we have here. If you live in or travel some of these regions, you are at risk of getting stopped and getting a warning, at a minimum.
Leaving a license plate on the dash is dangerous, like leaving a loose blade/sword in the car. A bad accident or sudden tight turn could cause the plate to become a flying saucer , slicing occupants.
If In states where the plate must be attached in front, square in the middle. All US cars have bumpers that accept front plates.
You dont have to drill the bumper cover. Buy the car specific plate holder , and install it to spec. Plates are usually just under the bumper line.
You can zipp tie it to the front as well, no drilling, but the plate must show in front.
For those of us in States that feel that two is better than one.. when all that is needed is one (PA, NC, FL, thank you.) Surrounding States have two including Virginia..
I doubt that would work.
Quote:
39A:LP-2. License plates; display
a. A motor vehicle driven on the public highways of this State shall display a license plate furnished by the MVC. The plate shall hang between 12 and 48 inches from the ground in a horizontal position and shall be attached so it does not swing. The rear license plate may be displayed more than 48 inches from the ground on tank trucks, trailers and other commercial vehicles carrying flammable liquids and on sanitation vehicles used to collect, transport and dispose of solid waste. b. If two license plates are issued, they shall be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle; if only one license plate is issued it shall be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.
c. All license plate markings shall be clear and distinct so they are plainly visible at all times. No person shall drive a motor vehicle with a license plate frame or other item that obscures any marking imprinted upon the license plate.
The plate must be displayed hanging on the front of your vehicle, not inside it. There are many mounting options for you, but you must put the plate on the front of your vehicle between 12 and 48 inches from the ground in a horizontal position attached so it does not swing.
May not be a fan of the 2 plates (required here) but it isn't going to ruin my day any. Driving without one? I've known some who never get stopped for it, and others (like my wife who tried it once) get stopped immediately.
Putting a plate in the front window, absolutely no way would I ever do that.
There are also special brackets for those with cars they take to shows that can be lowered to hide the plate for better appearances.
Everyone posting has missed the main reason for front license plates for today's world.
LICENSE PLATE SCANNERS.
Yes, license plate scanners could potentially work in the opposite direction. But today, the license plate scanners point in one direction. That direction is forward. The police want to be able to catch the scofflaws going in other direction to the police car.
I live in VA. I had just bought a car from a private owner. It didn't have a bracket on the front. I had my license plate displayed in the windshield and got pulled over. BUT....the cop didn't just pull me over. He followed me to the store, watched me go in, watched me come out, then followed me for a couple miles before pulling me over. He could have just pulled me over the minute he spotted it or gave me a ticket while I was in the parking lot. I don't know what the hell he followed and watched me for. It was weird.
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