JJG

I got popped yesterday for not having a front plate. The cop waived me over just for that and issued a "fix-it" ticket. It seems most people have abandoned the front plate. Does anyone know what ramifications there might be to multiple infractions (in California)? i.e. Assuming I satisfy each ticket, can I just keep getting these or do I at some point get my own poster at the Post Office?

Jeff

PeanutinCA

Jeff,
my car was delivered from the dealer minus the front plate. I guess that's the argument I would be presenting to the cop if stopped? <img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[nono]" />

I too would be interested in the legalities of this? May have to call the dealer?

Dylan.

George Helser

Jeff,

I got a ticket like that in Maryland. There was no fine and when I noticed there was no number on the ticket I presumed it was not going into a database so I could ignore it.

Since then I moved to Arizona where front license plates are not issued.

The 993 sure looks better without a front plate!

Regards,
George
In sunny Arizona

Brent Spinks

I (and my wife in my car) have been stopped for speeding on more than a few occassions here in Texas and have only been given oral/written warnings about the missing plate. I have been too lazy to look up the penalty in the penal code, and luckily it seems that peace officers are not overly itchy to write hard copy tickets for this violation. I figure the risk is worth it to keep from marring the lines of the car. One word of caution, in states where a front plate is required, not having it is certainly probable cause to stop you even if you aren't doing anything else illegal. Bear that in mind the next time you choose your unplated p-car as the mule for any illegal drug running activity.

Greg H.

Hey Jeff,

I thought "fix-it" tickets actually cost money now in California. What's yours say?

Greg

Jim

I got my California fix-it ticket along with a speeding ticket, it was $50. After fixing it, the CHP officer said, "I didn't know Porsche's could have front plates..."

I seem to remember that if you get multiple ones the fines go up, but don't believe you ever get any points on your license.

Geoffrey

In NY, I got pulled over for no apparent reason. The office went immediately to the front of my car to check the front plate which was on, but had a clear plastic cover (not the kind that impairs the side view). I received a ticket for an obstructed front plate - $50. If they want to pull you over, they can find almost any reason.

Mark Buka

In NJ, the fine is $44.

88clbsport

I was pulled over by CHP and he said nothing about front plate. I never put them on any of my vehicles and no problems yet (knock on wood).

My wife just got pulled over in Santa Monica and the officer was very "by the book" he didn't issue a ticket for missing front plate. I would leave it off for sure!

JJG

The officer that issued my ticket told me I could install the front plate, have another cop sign the ticket verifying the fix and send the ticket plus $10 to the courthouse.

I fixed it, but ironically, now I can't find a cop to attest to the fix. Maybe I should throw a case of beer in the car and open three of them - always seemed to work in high school.

SkipSauls

Here's a strategy that I've heard recommended:

Bend and scuff up the front plate a bit, and bend the mounting bracket. Keep these parts in a plastic bag in your car, perhaps with a bit of dust for effect. If you're stopped and the officer asks about the front plate, say that it was knocked off when you were at the track for a DE, test-and-tune, etc. You're going to stop by the dealer to get a new bracket...

DCLee

Guys:

A suggestion... Put your license plate on your copier/scanner and get a full or nearly full-size color scan. Cut it out and affix to a piece of thin cardboard. Scotch tape that sucker in the bottom right-hand corner of your windshield (inside, obviously). It looks like a real metal plate. If you get stopped, mumble something about a temp plate while your new plate-holder bracket is ordered. But better yet... don't get stopped. Usually the plate thing is a form of mild disapproval for going just a tad fast.

Anyway, this works for me.

Lee in D.C.

SeanD

As the Florida Cops say:

"I don't know about the other states, but we always pull people over from the rear of the car"

Thank goodness I live in Florida.

Eric - Plug Guy

It's all a conspiracy. They just want the plugs!

<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />


Eric
Chief Plug Guy
BumperPlugs.com

Sam N

The plugs work great. I haven't had tags on the front since I've owned the car. (2 years) The officers look at the front and I tell them its a "Euro" 911. They are usually cool with it. The rationale for having the tags is twofold, one is to shoot you with laser and have it reflect back from the tag, the other they claim, is to be able to identify your car if its reported stolen as the car is being driven towards the officer.

I don't really care for either reason. I like the look without it.

Sam