Quick question.

Is it illegal to drive a car without a front license plate? Or do I have to put one on?

EDIT: In the state of WASHINGTON

 

yes it is and not really
i drive with out one

 

I bought my box in Florida where they don't require a front license plate.

But, when I moved to Oregon I drilled out the front bumper holes and put one on.

Better safe then sorry, because they will ticket you for not having one.

 

Most people here in the PNW just keep the plate in the front seat/glove compartment/door storage/dashboard and show it if/when pulled over.

My hubby's had 2 cars with no drill holes for plates and we never had a problem with the po-po.

 

If you get pulled over for no front license it allows your car to be searched.....

 

Thanks for the responses, I guess I'll just put my plates in the front with a bracket so it can be off to the side.

 

Where on earth did you hear that? Thats just plain retarded and not true

 

Having no license plate gives probable cause to stop you and search. There have been posts about people having to pop their hood for an inspection because of their being pulled over for their plate..........

 

Get your hood popped, I could see that. But not the car searched just for that.

 

My daughter got a hefty ticket and lecture from an officer for no front plate on their GTi, so I made sure I had the dealer put my front plate on the xb bumper. Didn't want to risk it, altho I would bet the police would be more likely to stop a young person with no front plate in a sporty car than an old person like me in a white box.

 

Hey everyone...I asked a cop.

He said "If you never got holes drilled from the dealer, then its ok. You'll still get pulled over but you can get it dismissed."

I've not run a plate for YEARS on all makes and models of cars. 70 dodge dart, 86 mr2, 04 xB, 64 falcon, 82 jetta...list goes on...only had 1 cop ever give me crap and that was with my xB. And low and behold, I never got holes drilled in the xB. He let me go.

 

That might be true in Cali where the laws are a little stricter but I don't think its true for Washington.

Here's the code btw (http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.16.240):

RCW 46.16.240
Attachment of plates to vehicles — Violations enumerated.

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. Each vehicle license number plate shall be placed or hung in a horizontal position at a distance of not more than four feet from the ground and shall be kept clean so as to be plainly seen and read at all times. 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 shall be unlawful to display upon the front or rear of any vehicle, vehicle license number plate or plates other than those furnished by the director for such vehicle or to display upon any vehicle any vehicle license number plate or plates which have been in any manner changed, altered, disfigured or have become illegible. License plate frames may be used on vehicle license number plates only if the frames do not obscure license tabs or identifying letters or numbers on the plates and the plates can be plainly seen and read at all times. It is unlawful to use any holders, frames, or any materials that in any manner change, alter, or make the vehicle license number plates illegible. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any vehicle unless there shall be displayed thereon valid vehicle license number plates attached as herein provided.

ALSO according to IRLJ 6.2 (the current base fee structure for violations in WA state) there is no fine associated with not having a front plate under 46.16.240...only if you use someone else's plates, loan yours out to someone else, have an expired vehicle license (tabs), or alter your plates in any way can a state fine be associated with it. Check out the WA courts doc: http://tinyurl.com/2r2k5u

 

Really it depends on a the cop. but it is illeagle..

 

So I don't need to have it on the bumpe after all, I'll just place it on my dash.

 

ahhhh damn you rodland scion for drilling holes!!!!

i wonder if bumper plugs might cut down the amount i get pulled over.. cause the week i decided to take my front plate off.. i got pulled over.. but i did keep in the glove. If you guys look at your License tab registration form.. (that green sheet) it should say a front license plate is required.

 

Most cops won't care. Unless they're extremely bored.

However, I had the unfortunate incident of parking my car in downtown Seattle in a "permit only zone" (it was dark and I didn't see the sign). When I came out to my car 10 minutes later, I had gotten a ticket for the parking violation, and another for having no front license plate. I was ____ed and have always kept my front plate on since.

 

i havent had a front plate on since I started driving. I hate the look of it. 7 years later, I have yet to be pulled over for it! Call my lucky, but it really isnt a big deal. My friend was pulled over and was asked to fix it when he got home, has yet to put it on and that was four years ago now.

So it really can depend, I will never have a front plate for the rest of my life. They just look ugly to me! If I get a ticket in the next year or two, I guess I could live with a ticket a decade! Especially when I will always have the front plate with the hardware to put it on if a cop does end up pulling me over for it. I am sure he would let me go at that point (hopefully)...

EDIT: Cali ya search and seizure, wash? not even close! If you are pulled over for a violation other than this, they can add this as a another violation. I would consider it similar to the seatbelt law, sure you can get away with it, and technically they can pull you over for not wearing one BUT chances are they will more than likely add the violation on top of the reason for pulling you over.

 

Yes, but where on the front of your car. I usually put mine in the windshield and I have been good.

 

i have never had a front plate on any of my cars and have never been hasseled.

hell i got pulled over a couple weeks ago for not stopping all the way at a stop sign and he let me go.

he did notice the missing front plate.

but since i have no holes drilled in my bumper he said not to worry about it, i wont ever get a ticket for it!!!

 

doesnt always work out that easily man! it has to be attached and just stuck in a corner technically isnt attach so they could still nail your for it.