So I tried to do this last week:

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=16222&page=2

...and what I failed to realize is that the license plate holes are about 1 inch (on each side) closer to the center than the holes under the bumper are. My L brackets are not very easy to bend.

So I havent been back to Home Depot to get a better solution. Now that my plates have been off for a week, I am getting comfortable riding around and not worrying about getting pulled over. AND the car looks so much cleaner with the plates removed!

I live in Maryland and hear that cops are serious when it comes to displaying the front license plate. I still have my plates in the car and plan to tell the officer that "the mount is broken and I am on my way to get it fixed..."

Do you think this will fly with a cop?

i live in Calil and having a front plate is required. Ive been rolling for 2 months now without a front plate. I received my license plate a couple weeks ago but i still havent put it on yet, i dont think ill put on the plates for at least another couple months. A good way to avoid speed cameras :)

havent used mine in a long time on a few cars...no problems yet (knock knock)...and most of the time they come from behind anyway
if they pull you over for it, they probably have another reason than just that, in which case if you have nothing to worry about besides that it should be a "get it fixed" and maybe pay a small fine sort of deal
i see lots of cars around dallas without them, and they are required, just check around as you are driving and youll prob see more cars than you might think without
ntm, it just looks better :thmsup:

My guess is about 1 in 100 dont have them in MD...so I see maybe two or three a day if I am looking.

Maryland state law does require both plates. My girlfriend's sister got pulled over twice in one week for the plates not being on.

My biggest worry is the tint on the windows. If I get pulled for the license plates, they may cite me for illegal tint (mine is dark, see below) and that will cost me $$$ to remove and put back on.

I would ride around without a license plate if I didnt have tint only because it gives the officer a reason to let you off easy with a $35 citiation on the plates instead of speeding. Same goes for tint, only tint is an expensive replacement and a hassle to deal with.

Any good excuses / one-liners I could give to the officer who pulls me over?

if your that scared then put on your front plate with the holder provided by the dealer till you get your set up working

I am going to 2nd attempt the bracketing system tonight.

I will see about taking pics of the results. Springs should be in today, so I will be taking pre-instalation shots of that too.

Tennessee... we don't need no stinking front plates

Ill give you the police perspective: It doesnt matter! If you are required to display the front plate and aren't doing so you are in violation of the law. That being said, I personally am not die hard about not having a front plate. Excuses are just that and I really dont care why someone was doing something. Some officers are big sticklers for following the letter of the law...I try to use a little more discresion and take it on a case by case basis. In Colorado, when I do give a warning for whatever the violation is for(tail light/head light out, cracked windshield, obstructed windshield, no front plate, tint, etc) out system notes when the warning was given and what it was for. That way if I pull someone over for something and I'm normally just going to give them a warning, I check first to see if they have been pulled over recently and what it was for. That way if they recieved the same courtesy before, now they are getting a ticket because the warning obviously didn't mean much.

My suggestion is if you're really that concerned about it, find a way to mount the plate. If you're not worried and are ready to eat whatever fine could be doled out to you, leave it off. I'd personally not want to worry about it.

I've been driving around for months now without my front plate, and Montana is a 2 plate state. In fact, I think I've been pulled over a couple times since I've had it off, and it's never been mentioned. However, a couple weeks ago I was pulled over because the cop noticed that I didn't have a front plate. I wasn't speeding or doing anything else illegal. He gave me a warning. He didn't seem to care why I didn't have it on. He told me he pulled me over because I didn't have a front plate, and when he left he told me to make sure that I get it put on. He didn't want to know why I didn't have it on or even ask me if I realized that it wasn't displayed.

Here in Houston, it's required to have front plate. When they first enacted the law, police was REALLY vigilant about it. My father got a warning for not having a front plate for his Lexus. A few years passed, and I don't think they care now :lol:. I have owned the car for 4 months now and the front plate was removed the first day I had it. Haven't had a problem with our fine local law enforcement officers :D

http://i27.tinypic.com/25jfv6d.jpg

i live in Calil and having a front plate is required. Ive been rolling for 2 months now without a front plate. I received my license plate a couple weeks ago but i still havent put it on yet, i dont think ill put on the plates for at least another couple months. A good way to avoid speed cameras :)

Since when did we get speed cameras?

I don't think those are speed cameras, I think you're referring to the traffic cameras which set off when you run red lights not by speeding.


As for me and the front plates. I didn't get my plates yet so I decided to take off the front bracket for now. Thank God my dealership was smart enough to only drill under the bumper and not in front of the bumper.

yea i talking about traffic cams they are all over the place

yea i talking about traffic cams they are all over the place

+1 yep - but I really like how cops in SoCal are really lenient in terms of tint and stuff...

Ill give you the police perspective: It doesnt matter! If you are required to display the front plate and aren't doing so you are in violation of the law. That being said, I personally am not die hard about not having a front plate. Excuses are just that and I really dont care why someone was doing something. Some officers are big sticklers for following the letter of the law...I try to use a little more discresion and take it on a case by case basis. In Colorado, when I do give a warning for whatever the violation is for(tail light/head light out, cracked windshield, obstructed windshield, no front plate, tint, etc) out system notes when the warning was given and what it was for. That way if I pull someone over for something and I'm normally just going to give them a warning, I check first to see if they have been pulled over recently and what it was for. That way if they recieved the same courtesy before, now they are getting a ticket because the warning obviously didn't mean much.

My suggestion is if you're really that concerned about it, find a way to mount the plate. If you're not worried and are ready to eat whatever fine could be doled out to you, leave it off. I'd personally not want to worry about it.

Heres a question though, what would you say about putting the front license plate on the windshield, i have noticed a couple of drivers doing that :dunno:

I would much rather have the plate under windshield than on front bumper, looks just too terrible with it on there :(. Good think my state doesn't require it... yet...

+1 yep - but I really like how cops in SoCal are really lenient in terms of tint and stuff...

i got pulled over for tint a couple years back because i had 5 percent all around, mostly my fault

I have been driving without my front plate for 2 months that i have owned my car and i also have tint on all windows which both are illegal in New Jersey, but i have yet to be pulled over for either. I know that i will not be ticketed for either because i am a Corrections Officer in the county jail, but i still am surprised i haven't gotten ticketed. Plus the car looks so much better without it!

I was pulled over for 75 on 70mph and got the warning. While he was writing his report, he looked at the front and didn't say a word about it. I was freaking out when he was looking at it but all he said was, "Is this a new accord?" =]
I guess the attractiveness of front grill took all of his attention woot

Tennessee... we don't need no stinking front plates
+1 here in AL

Heres a question though, what would you say about putting the front license plate on the windshield, i have noticed a couple of drivers doing that :dunno:

Honestly its totally up to the officer but I can say with a lot of certainty that almost every state (with a front plate law) has requirements about where the front plate has to be mounted to be in compliance. I'd most likely let it go, but if you want to get cut and dry, It's still probably illigal. Hope that helps a little.:wave:

Me in Calif never ever use front lic plates. At least for last 10 years anyway. I have been pulled over and ticketed for tinted front windows twice... and that chit is expensive..... Guess what.. my Accord has tinted front windows...... :thmsup: Like the cops dont have anything bettter to do :dunno:

Florida doesn't need them. Gotta love it

man i wish i could drive around with no front plates...that would make the car look a lot better! Cops are really strict over here in SF, Ca. i have a couple of friends that have been pulled over cuz their plates are on the inside of the window, so the cop just gives them a "fix it" ticket for it.

Like the cops dont have anything bettter to do :dunno:

I love when people say that.... and the answer it: No they dont! Thats what traffic cops do!

I took mine off. I don't like the fron tchrome HONDA plates some people put on. I like simple cars without a lot of BLING BLING if you know what Ia m saying :)

i live in dallas tx where it is supposed to be illegal but i have never gotten pulled over and I havent had front plates on any of my cars for the past 5 years?

yea mines off.. Right at the dealership i took it off..

its illeagle but w.e ill throw it up in my windshield.

Personally i think it looks tacky in the windshield. And if you think about it, it sticks out when in the windshield which tells a cop, "hey look at my plate, its not mounted correctly, pull me over" VS. No plate at all will draw less attention...just my $.02

Loose thin metal license plate inside the cabin of the car on the dash at about chest level, hmmmm.............

i got my plate up. i'm a goodie goodie ;D

I agree that if you aren't going to have it on front of the car, you are better off leaving it out all together than putting it in the window. It looks like crap, and you will be more likely to be pulled over with it there.

i got my plate up. i'm a goodie goodie ;D


1 +

Ill give you the police perspective: It doesnt matter! If you are required to display the front plate and aren't doing so you are in violation of the law. That being said, I personally am not die hard about not having a front plate. Excuses are just that and I really dont care why someone was doing something. Some officers are big sticklers for following the letter of the law...I try to use a little more discresion and take it on a case by case basis. In Colorado, when I do give a warning for whatever the violation is for(tail light/head light out, cracked windshield, obstructed windshield, no front plate, tint, etc) out system notes when the warning was given and what it was for. That way if I pull someone over for something and I'm normally just going to give them a warning, I check first to see if they have been pulled over recently and what it was for. That way if they recieved the same courtesy before, now they are getting a ticket because the warning obviously didn't mean much.

My suggestion is if you're really that concerned about it, find a way to mount the plate. If you're not worried and are ready to eat whatever fine could be doled out to you, leave it off. I'd personally not want to worry about it.


I have a question, how do you determine between out of state cars and ones that don't have the front plate when you are deciding to pull someone over? For example I'm from Michigan and Michigan doesn't have front plates. So, if I'm driving in Colorado and drive past where you are stopped on the side of the road patrolling, how do you tell me apart from Colorado drivers who don't have front plates. Can you get a good enough look at my rear plate to realize that I'm out of state as I drive by? I'm just curious how that works. I was in Missouri (Missouri requires front plates) last summer on an internship and never had a problem with not having a front plate. I'm not sure if it was because they realized I was from Michigan or if it was because they didn't care that I didn't have the front plate. :dunno:

I have a question, how do you determine between out of state cars and ones that don't have the front plate when you are deciding to pull someone over? For example I'm from Michigan and Michigan doesn't have front plates. So, if I'm driving in Colorado and drive past where you are stopped on the side of the road patrolling, how do you tell me apart from Colorado drivers who don't have front plates. Can you get a good enough look at my rear plate to realize that I'm out of state as I drive by? I'm just curious how that works. I was in Missouri (Missouri requires front plates) last summer on an internship and never had a problem with not having a front plate. I'm not sure if it was because they realized I was from Michigan or if it was because they didn't care that I didn't have the front plate. :dunno:

I can tell if its not a colorado plate. If its out of state, I dont worry about it. I really cant enforce laws from other states....just here. :wave:

I have a question, how do you determine between out of state cars and ones that don't have the front plate when you are deciding to pull someone over? For example I'm from Michigan and Michigan doesn't have front plates. So, if I'm driving in Colorado and drive past where you are stopped on the side of the road patrolling, how do you tell me apart from Colorado drivers who don't have front plates. Can you get a good enough look at my rear plate to realize that I'm out of state as I drive by? I'm just curious how that works. I was in Missouri (Missouri requires front plates) last summer on an internship and never had a problem with not having a front plate. I'm not sure if it was because they realized I was from Michigan or if it was because they didn't care that I didn't have the front plate. :dunno:

The cop with a brain would get behind you, check out your rear plate and then turn on his lights.

In British Columbia, Canada, front plates are required. For some cars front plates ruin the look, example, the Mazda RX8. The front plates really make this sporty car look goofy!

In British Columbia, Canada, front plates are required. For some cars front plates ruin the look, example, the Mazda RX8. The front plates really make this sporty car look goofy!

hello fellow vancouverian :p

I agree that if you aren't going to have it on front of the car, you are better off leaving it out all together than putting it in the window. It looks like crap, and you will be more likely to be pulled over with it there.

i only put it in the window.. when i see an on comming cop..

Personally i think it looks tacky in the windshield. And if you think about it, it sticks out when in the windshield which tells a cop, "hey look at my plate, its not mounted correctly, pull me over" VS. No plate at all will draw less attention...just my $.02

niceee north jersey were at?

also i know.. depends thought if i would whip it out and put it in my windshield or jsut say f---- it

I love when people say that.... and the answer it: No they dont! Thats what traffic cops do!


If they did their traffic job, they woud be making over their quoata on speeders, light runners, cell phone idiots etc... many of them and most of the older farts, use the minor issues, such as tinted widows, lic plate issues etc. to pull you over hoping it leads them to a bigger 'bust'. Believe me, all cops are out for the ata-boys from their comrades. I have nothing against good cops,, i have several friends that are. and i could tell you several stories that would make your hair greange.
The only thing that makes me sic is when a damn cop writes you a tic for a one stage tint..which is equal to factory shading. The cops cant even tell until they see the tint cut in the window. What are they wasting there time for??? jesh... Now i tell myself to get in habbit of rolling my two front windows all the way down.... but havent had to try this approach yet.. I'v been a good good boy.... :banana:

I wish there were an option of getting lettering/numbering printed on the vehicle itself. Or some kind of material with adhesive on the back. I would much rather have 6 letter/numbers and a MD emblem (legal proof) than the metal clunky plate on there.

In Massachusetts, front plate is required unless you have one of the older plates, with green letters/numbers, then you only need a plate on the rear,

I don't mind having front plates, truthfully. My wife and I are avid Red Sox fans, so we have the Red Sox logo plates on my wifes car and I have the Fenway Park logo on mine.

mike.

No front tag OR windshield registration/inspection stickers in Delaware.

Those stickers also help police officers determine if the vehicle is required to have a front tag.

No front plates required in PA! :banana:

But alas, my father put a Penn State plate on the front of mine years ago and I am too lazy to take it off.

If they did their traffic job, they woud be making over their quoata on speeders, light runners, cell phone idiots etc... many of them and most of the older farts, use the minor issues, such as tinted widows, lic plate issues etc. to pull you over hoping it leads them to a bigger 'bust'. Believe me, all cops are out for the ata-boys from their comrades. I have nothing against good cops,, i have several friends that are. and i could tell you several stories that would make your hair greange.
The only thing that makes me sic is when a damn cop writes you a tic for a one stage tint..which is equal to factory shading. The cops cant even tell until they see the tint cut in the window. What are they wasting there time for??? jesh... Now i tell myself to get in habbit of rolling my two front windows all the way down.... but havent had to try this approach yet.. I'v been a good good boy.... :banana:

Legality is the question, not whether or not you personally agree with it…which is obvious. ;) There are many laws that you probably feel are not worthy of enforcing but that’s not up to you to decided. They are laws regardless and it’s up to the individual officers to use discretion on enforcing them. If you don’t like the laws in your area do something to change them.

i only put it in the window.. when i see an on comming cop..

Won't you be scratching up your dash doing that kind of thing? And, wouldn't you be written up anyway for improper display?

Makes no never mind to me on them. We've had them in TX forever it seems.

yea i dont have my front on either here in houston tx. i dont know if its required, but i do remember i got pulled over once for it. didnt get a ticket cuz i told them i got into an accident like last week the dealer replaced mt bumper and didnt put my plates back on. and i told him my plate its in the trunk. he just gave me a warning. and i still dont have them on. actually since i bought the vehicle in 2003 i never had them on and didnt cause me any problems.

in TX you are required liuchihwa

k thanks clewttu. i will put it on as soon as i find a front bumper with fog lights and lip kit to replace my current one. ( i do got these 2 holes that dealer screwed into my bumper which i hate. and i know its not suppose to be mounted that way.

i was just saying its required, i live in dallas and dont use mine, as do a lot of people
dealer should replace for free, there are a few threads on this

Legality is the question, not whether or not you personally agree with it…which is obvious. ;) There are many laws that you probably feel are not worthy of enforcing but that’s not up to you to decided. They are laws regardless and it’s up to the individual officers to use discretion on enforcing them. If you don’t like the laws in your area do something to change them.

I do,, i wine about it.. :notworthy:notworthy . Thats the first step.. now we need somone like you to spearhead the drive. :thmsup:

I have a question, how do you determine between out of state cars and ones that don't have the front plate when you are deciding to pull someone over? For example I'm from Michigan and Michigan doesn't have front plates. So, if I'm driving in Colorado and drive past where you are stopped on the side of the road patrolling, how do you tell me apart from Colorado drivers who don't have front plates.

If the officer notices that you don't have a front license plate, he/she should be able to see if the rear plate (once you pass them) is local or not.

It's not like the Michigan and Colorado plates are that similar...

http://www.plateshack.com/y2k/Michigan2/mi2y2k.html
http://www.plateshack.com/y2k/Colorado2/co2y2k.html

I wish there were an option of getting lettering/numbering printed on the vehicle itself. Or some kind of material with adhesive on the back. I would much rather have 6 letter/numbers and a MD emblem (legal proof) than the metal clunky plate on there.

What would happen when you move? Kind of hard having something adhesive that would not be affected by the weather, but also easy to remove if you move. :dunno:

LOL In Fla... 1 plate in the rear and 77 different ones to choose from... lol

NO FRONT PLATE HERE EITHER.....NC does not require a front plate......