[Jashue]

Has anyone here that lives in a state that requires a front plate decided to forgo it anyway? If so, how many times have you been pulled over for it?

[Thundernight]

I drive around in a shelby cobra daytona coupe (replica) almost every weekend and have never been pulled over for not having a front plate. It's been registered in New Jersey for 8 years. That said, it is a pretty unique car, so the cops might be more lenient in my case. Honestly, I have received more questions about driving with Montana plates than I have about not having an NJ front plate.

If it is a daily driver, I would recommend getting the front plate mounted so you don't have to stress about getting pulled over. If you chose not to run a front plate, make sure you at least keep it in the car. If you get stopped and you show the front plate to the officer, they might let you off the hook.

[P_Chris]

I haven't run a front plate since 1998 and I have received 2 plate tickets. Long Island, NY

[MPR]

Some towns are worse than others. I live near Wall NJ and they will ticket you for anything possible.

[applecst]

I had no front plate for a while and didn't get pulled over once. Just put on a towhook and it kinda looks better lol

[MPR]

Originally Posted by applecst

I had no front plate for a while and didn't get pulled over once. Just put on a towhook and it kinda looks better lol

I use a tow hook plate mount on my BRZ, will likely do the same when my 240 comes in

[idontsave]

No front plate in CA and never been pulled over.

[thanatosbruce000]

I am in Utah where no front license is currently only a secondary offense.
Been driving here for 37 years, never have run a front plate on any vehicle. Never had it mentioned.
Some Nancy in the legislature did try to make it a primary offense a few years ago though.

[M_85]

I drove around for almost 6 months with no front plate on my car in NYC and got no ticket. I finally put one one cause my car is a head cracker lol.

[akincomer]

No plate, but required in California. no tix yet...

[shaman420]

most cars in California don't run a front plate and are tinted now a days lol

[jbazz]

I can tell you for certain, that if I do get pulled over it will not be for a missing front plate! lol

[danallxt]

It just depends, all it takes is one overzealous officer. I made it only 3 months on my previous car, this time I said the heck with it and installed the plate.

[MPR]

Originally Posted by danallxt

It just depends, all it takes is one overzealous officer. I made it only 3 months on my previous car, this time I said the heck with it and installed the plate.

That's where I'm at. In my own town and neighboring town they could care less. But a town a drive through to get to work, they nail you for everything possible. I'm going to see how long I make it without a ticket and go from there - maybe things changed post COVID.

[Kuhndog3]

I haven’t had a front plate on any of my cars for 16 years in CO and are required. Been pulled over and it has never come up. BMW dealers will not even put the front plate holder on without being asked to do so. They say not to do it.

[Red_sir]

I actually like a front plate on the G42.

[Lord Two Hats]

Originally Posted by Jashue

Has anyone here that lives in a state that requires a front plate decided to forgo it anyway? If so, how many times have you been pulled over for it?

I've driven all 3 of my BMW's without front plates for several years, with modified exhausts and such, and have never gotten a ticket for it. As long as you don't drive like a lunatic I find that most cops understand not wanting to drill into the front bumper of a relatively expensive car.

[OriginalFake]

Originally Posted by Lord Two Hats

I've driven all 3 of my BMW's without front plates for several years, with modified exhausts and such, and have never gotten a ticket for it. As long as you don't drive like a lunatic I find that most cops understand not wanting to drill into the front bumper of a relatively expensive car.

Maybe in somewhere like NY. Personally I've never not had a front plate where it's necessary but I have friends in VA who would get pulled over monthly for not having it.

I think the answer here is that everyone has different experiences with this.

[kel445]

So, you go out for dinner with your wife or girlfriend, have 2 drinks over the course of a couple hours, and on the way home you get pulled over for no front plate. Cop smells liquor on your breath, decides to take you in for a breathalyzer as his isn't calibrated correctly, then calls for a tow for your new M240i. No way you are DUI. But because of no front plate, your nite turns to shit. As much as I hate having to mount a front plate, is it worth the aggravation of something like this happening?

[jpcoop]

Originally Posted by kel445

So, you go out for dinner with your wife or girlfriend, have 2 drinks over the course of a couple hours, and on the way home you get pulled over for no front plate. Cop smells liquor on your breath, decides to take you in for a breathalyzer as his isn't calibrated correctly, then calls for a tow for your new M240i. No way you are DUI. But because of no front plate, your nite turns to shit. As much as I hate having to mount a front plate, is it worth the aggravation of something like this happening?

In many places it's a secondary offense (they won't pull you over for it). Also "don't drink and drive" is pretty good advice.

FWIW where I live I'd estimate 2-5% of all vehicles don't have the front plate installed. No way they're pulling all those people over.

[kel445]

FWIW, the scenario I posted was only meant to show a possible result of not having a front plate. In Massachusetts they will pull you over. It's just another excuse to stop you, check your papers, etc and determine if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They do the same if your taillight is out. My reference to having a couple drinks over the course of two hours with dinner was not an affirmation for drinking and driving. It was only to support my point of the consequences of not displaying a front plate. While I respect your concern in regard to drinking and driving, I don't think your advice was necessary.

[ThunderM240]

Originally Posted by Jashue

Has anyone here that lives in a state that requires a front plate decided to forgo it anyway? If so, how many times have you been pulled over for it?

Haven't displayed front plate in NJ for the last 8 years. Never pulled over, even with an expired inspection sticker for 6+ months. I did put a hideaway plate holder on my 435i but only used it for showing it off to grandkids and friends.