Just to add some fire to the “why do some States require a front plate at all?” debate, I was watching one of those cop video shows the other day where a couple of crooks pulled up to a liquor store and robbed the place. The security video showed the front of their pick-up truck with the front license plate number clearly visible. They were nabbed in a few hours.

Yes, I know; if they were smarter crooks they would have removed the plate before using the vehicle in a robbery. At any rate, score one for the front plate crowd.

 

I prefer nothing on the front bumper. Dealer made me sign papers after I requested them not to drill for front plate.

 

We ALL would prefer nothing on the front bumper. Your comment states the obvious. I don’t think there’s a single CL member that prefers otherwise. But unfortunately, that’s the law in California, and I was just trying to answer one of the reasons why.

 

Luckily, my IS250 came stock off the lot without the holes drilled. Funny that Lexus would do that considering it's illegal!

 

It isn't illegal per se. There are provisions under the law allowing the dealer to deliver the car without drilling the front bumper, but they must provide the necessary hardware to mount the plate. They should have made you sign a waiver indicating you acknowledge you must have a front plate on your car and that you have received the hardware required to comply with the law. After that, you can decide to be a scoflaw, decide to use alternate mounting methods that don't require drilling, or attach your plate with the OEM hardware yourself.

The law says the dealer has to provide written proof you understand the law and they are free of liability. That's how the police know you are lying if you say 1. The car came this way (not really a lie, but...) 2. You didn't know the plate was required (definitely a lie.)

 

Since we're talking about front plates, how much is the fine for not having any? Is there any penalty for multiple times? Any answers would be much appreciated.

 

I think it's only a fix it ticket. Don't know about repeat offenders. Is there a way for them to check if your a repeat offender since it is only a fix it ticket?

 

The penalties for not having a front plate vary by locality. It's anywhere from $100 to $200 around Dallas, and it isn't always a "Fix It" ticket.

 

Its illegal in Mass for no license plate. My girlfriends dad is a sheiff so he hooked me up with a police plate "Black with blue line through it." All cops waive to me when they see it!! What they don't know is i hate them and im not a cop

 

Oklahoma doesn't require front plates( )
I told my saleman that I would not except the car if it was drilled.
When I picked up my car the hardware was in the trunk and a sign on the
front bumper not to install the plate bracket.
I have still seen many new cars with the hardware on the front.

 

i think it's cool. didn't isBB do this too?



my dealer (santa monica) said that they don't drill on the sports cars, IS GS and SC. they said it's easy to do, when you want it done they do it in the lot. mine looks good with no plate, socal.