Front License Plate Law in California.

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Apr 14, 2008 | 02:21 AM

krispies13

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Front License Plate Law in California.

I've searched here and on the internet for this but I could not find a definite answer, I mean I just recently took off my front license plate that the dealership drilled into my front bumper sealed it and painted it and now my GF told me i might get a ticket. But the dmv website mentioned:

Quote:

Front License Plate Bracket

11713.17. (a) Following the retail sale or lease of a motor vehicle for which the department issues two license plates, a dealer may not deliver the motor vehicle unless either of the following occurs:

(1) The motor vehicle is equipped with a bracket or other means of securing a front license plate.

(2) The dealer obtains a signed written acknowledgment from the person taking delivery of the motor vehicle acknowledging both of the following:

(A) The person expressly refused installation of a bracket or other means of securing the front license plate.

(B) The person understands that California law requires a license plate to be displayed from and securely fastened to the front of the motor vehicle and that the hardware necessary to securely fasten the front plate is available from the dealer.

(b) A manufacturer or distributor may not sell or distribute in this state a new motor vehicle for which the department issues two license plates, unless that motor vehicle is equipped or provided with a bracket or other means of securing the license plates.

I was planning to put a bB front license plate on the bottom right corner of the front bumper, but with this issue, i might not.. Any comments?

Apr 14, 2008 | 03:20 AM

ajayaitch

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http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d03/vc4850.htm
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d03/vc5200.htm

Apr 14, 2008 | 03:23 AM

Aroddalobster

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From: CA

as long as it's attached to a bumper, you're fine. but yes, you need one.

Apr 14, 2008 | 03:27 AM

tcxb

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From: east bay,ca.

Yah, gotta have that front plate or sooner or later you'll get that fix it ticket...

Apr 14, 2008 | 04:06 AM

typhoonorchid

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From: Milwaukee, WI

Wisconsin has a front plate law too.
I haven't had front plates on any of my cars for about 7 years now. I did get one ticket, but that was 5 years ago. Haven't got one since.

Apr 14, 2008 | 04:10 AM

shortbusxb

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From: Murrieta, CA

I've never had my front license plate on, and I've never had a problem. And I live across the street from a police station!

Apr 14, 2008 | 05:33 PM

HeathenBrewing

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Yes, it is illegal to drive w/o a plate on the front.

That said, I have not had a front plate on any of my past rides for 15 years. I have never been pulled over because of it, and even made it through 2 DUI checkpoints (when I thought FOR SURE I was finally going to get a ticket) with no problems.

Its a risk and you have to decide if it is worth it.

Apr 14, 2008 | 05:48 PM

BoxOffice

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From: Silver Surfer

As others have mentioned, yes it's the law.
However...
I've been driving in California since 1975, I've NEVER had a plate on the front of any of the nearly 40 cars I've owned (because I really don't like the look), and I've NEVER gotten a ticket for it.

(*Now that I've said that and jinxed myself, I'll no doubt get one on the the way home tonight...

)

Apr 15, 2008 | 12:27 AM

flying_toaster

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From: SoCal

dont worry, they wont write you up for just that by itself. but if you do get a ticket for say like parking illegaly somewhere t____ might add that on to the ticket