California drivers: front license plate
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Junior Member
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From: Los Burritos, KOALA, Ugondia
California drivers: front license plate
I'm sure everyone in CA. knows that you are required to attach the front license plate.
I'm curious if anyone has been ticketed for not having it, and also curious if anyone has tried displaying it in the front window on the dash.
The CVC says it must be attached not more than 60 inches above the ground. That's 5 feet, so the dash would be more than within limits.
Anyone have any stories etc to share?
I'm curious if anyone has been ticketed for not having it, and also curious if anyone has tried displaying it in the front window on the dash.
The CVC says it must be attached not more than 60 inches above the ground. That's 5 feet, so the dash would be more than within limits.
Anyone have any stories etc to share?
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,222
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From: SoCal
Re: California drivers: front license plate (kotetu)
both plates required, front plate must be mounted at the center of the bumper(except side mount plate from factory) or else phat big ticket 
[Modified by iam7head, 6:36 AM 4/6/2003]
[Modified by iam7head, 6:36 AM 4/6/2003]
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 90
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From: CA
Re: California drivers: front license plate (eh3 93)
that stupid **** happened to me in SF. got ticketed for not havin front plate "attached" to front bumper. i had the plate on my dash board for months. and no cop said anything till that time. pissed me off and wasted my time. i had the BW front fascia at the time there was no place to put it....lol ********. i hav a diff front end and now my plate sits behind the grill. not visible at night time unless someones headlights are flashed at it. i better not get a ticket for that , lol.
Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,132
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From: La Primera Guete, United States
Re: California drivers: front license plate (eh3 93)
If you get caught its a fix-it ticket. Put it back on, have it signed off by a cop and pay $10.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,208
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From: Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA
Re: California drivers: front license plate (EKology)
putting plates on the dash is bad..
i've seen pictures, and heard storys of people's head getting chopped off by it..
if you get into a car acident, the metal liceans plate can fly into your head, and cause serious injury.
just follow the law and stop trying to look cool
i've seen pictures, and heard storys of people's head getting chopped off by it..
if you get into a car acident, the metal liceans plate can fly into your head, and cause serious injury.
just follow the law and stop trying to look cool
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Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,693
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From: Nowhere Cali, Ca, USA
Re: California drivers: front license plate (NrG)
Here are some of my ecounters with the police, it has to been physically attached to the front of the car, ie screws and not velcro or zip ties. It used to be a $10 fix it but now its a bigger ticket and now even parking enforcement can give your parked car a ticket for no front plate and expired tags (unless the car is parked inside your driveway or garage) but if its on the street watch out.
I have also heard of people being injured because of flying plates from the dash in an accident and those stupid chrome fire extinguishers on the a pillar flying off and hitting people, so put it on.
I have also heard of people being injured because of flying plates from the dash in an accident and those stupid chrome fire extinguishers on the a pillar flying off and hitting people, so put it on.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,349
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From: bay area, ca
Re: California drivers: front license plate (akumaracer)
Its just a fix it ticket (10 dollars) but I hear if you get caught the second time around it cost more. I think its better to not have it on the dash if your going to do so because it draws more attention to cops when they see it on the dash instead of just not having it at all. I just drove around without it and when you get pulled over just say you just got your bumper repainted and havent got home to put it back on yet. IF that dont work then **** it just take the ticket.
Honda-Tech Member
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From: Seattle to NH
Re: California drivers: front license plate (kotetu)
Don't you guys read your RCW's??? This is almost same as the state of Washington and doesn't say anywhere the plate has to be installed on the bumper. My friend got away with so many front license plate ticket because he has them installed about five inches above the dashboard.
Carry them with you...that's what I do. When I asked the judge about the front license plate he didn't say it's illegal but mentioned some cops may hassle about it and give me a ticket.
CALIFORNIA CODES
VEHICLE CODE
SECTION 5200-5206
5200. When two license plates are issued by the department for a
vehicle, they shall be attached to the vehicle for which they were
issued, one in the front and the other in the rear. When one license
plate is issued for use upon a vehicle, it shall be attached to the
rear thereof.
5201. License plates shall at all times be securely fastened to the
vehicle for which they are issued so as to prevent the plates from
swinging and shall be mounted in a position to be clearly visible,
and shall be maintained in a condition so as to be clearly legible.
The rear license plate shall be mounted not less than 12 inches nor
more than 60 inches from the ground, and the front license plate
shall be mounted not more than 60 inches from the ground, except as
follows:
(a) The rear license plate on a tow truck may be mounted on the
left-hand side of the mast assembly at the rear of the cab of the
vehicle, not less than 12 inches nor more than 90 inches from the
ground.
(b) The rear license plate on a tank vehicle hauling hazardous
waste, as defined in Section 25117 of the Health and Safety Code, or
asphalt material may be mounted not less than 12 inches nor more than
90 inches from the ground.
(c) The rear license plate on a truck tractor may be mounted at
the rear of the cab of the vehicle, not less than 12 inches nor more
than 90 inches from the ground.
(d) The rear license plate of a vehicle designed by the
manufacturer for the collection and transportation of garbage,
rubbish, or refuse and which is used regularly for the collection and
transportation of that material by any person or governmental entity
employed to collect, transport, and dispose of garbage, rubbish, or
refuse may be mounted not less than 12 inches nor more than 90 inches
from the ground.
(e) No covering shall be used on license plates except as follows:
(1) The installation of a cover over a lawfully parked vehicle to
protect it from the weather and the elements does not constitute a
violation of this subdivision. Any peace officer or other regularly
salaried employee of a public agency designated to enforce laws,
including local ordinances, relating to the parking of vehicles may
temporarily remove so much of the cover as is necessary to inspect
any license plate, tab, or indicia of registration on a vehicle.
(2) The installation of a license plate security cover is not a
violation of this subdivision if the device does not obstruct or
impair the recognition of the license plate information, including,
but not limited to, the issuing state, license plate number, and
registration tabs, and the cover is limited to the area directly over
the top of the registration tabs. No portion of a license plate
security cover shall rest over the license plate number.
(f) No casing, shield, frame, border, or other device that
obstructs or impairs the reading or recognition of a license plate by
a remote emission sensing device, as specified in Sections 44081 and
44081.6 of the Health and Safety Code, shall be installed on, or
affixed to, a vehicle.
VEHICLE CODE
SECTION 5200-5206
5200. When two license plates are issued by the department for a
vehicle, they shall be attached to the vehicle for which they were
issued, one in the front and the other in the rear. When one license
plate is issued for use upon a vehicle, it shall be attached to the
rear thereof.
5201. License plates shall at all times be securely fastened to the
vehicle for which they are issued so as to prevent the plates from
swinging and shall be mounted in a position to be clearly visible,
and shall be maintained in a condition so as to be clearly legible.
The rear license plate shall be mounted not less than 12 inches nor
more than 60 inches from the ground, and the front license plate
shall be mounted not more than 60 inches from the ground, except as
follows:
(a) The rear license plate on a tow truck may be mounted on the
left-hand side of the mast assembly at the rear of the cab of the
vehicle, not less than 12 inches nor more than 90 inches from the
ground.
(b) The rear license plate on a tank vehicle hauling hazardous
waste, as defined in Section 25117 of the Health and Safety Code, or
asphalt material may be mounted not less than 12 inches nor more than
90 inches from the ground.
(c) The rear license plate on a truck tractor may be mounted at
the rear of the cab of the vehicle, not less than 12 inches nor more
than 90 inches from the ground.
(d) The rear license plate of a vehicle designed by the
manufacturer for the collection and transportation of garbage,
rubbish, or refuse and which is used regularly for the collection and
transportation of that material by any person or governmental entity
employed to collect, transport, and dispose of garbage, rubbish, or
refuse may be mounted not less than 12 inches nor more than 90 inches
from the ground.
(e) No covering shall be used on license plates except as follows:
(1) The installation of a cover over a lawfully parked vehicle to
protect it from the weather and the elements does not constitute a
violation of this subdivision. Any peace officer or other regularly
salaried employee of a public agency designated to enforce laws,
including local ordinances, relating to the parking of vehicles may
temporarily remove so much of the cover as is necessary to inspect
any license plate, tab, or indicia of registration on a vehicle.
(2) The installation of a license plate security cover is not a
violation of this subdivision if the device does not obstruct or
impair the recognition of the license plate information, including,
but not limited to, the issuing state, license plate number, and
registration tabs, and the cover is limited to the area directly over
the top of the registration tabs. No portion of a license plate
security cover shall rest over the license plate number.
(f) No casing, shield, frame, border, or other device that
obstructs or impairs the reading or recognition of a license plate by
a remote emission sensing device, as specified in Sections 44081 and
44081.6 of the Health and Safety Code, shall be installed on, or
affixed to, a vehicle.
Had more than 5 of those tickets. Three for my old Accord and 2 for my Civic. 
Honda-Tech Member
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Posts: 6,222
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Re: California drivers: front license plate (Q-OnE)
I got a ticket for no front plate about 6 months ago.
$10
It sucks, but it could have been worse.
Just put the plate on your bumper and stop worrying about how it looks. It's not worth it when you get pulled over. Don't give them any more reason to pull you over.
$10
It sucks, but it could have been worse.
Just put the plate on your bumper and stop worrying about how it looks. It's not worth it when you get pulled over. Don't give them any more reason to pull you over.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 0
From: Nowhere Cali, Ca, USA
Re: California drivers: front license plate (nek0)
Don't you guys read your RCW's??? This is almost same as the state of Washington and doesn't say anywhere the plate has to be installed on the bumper. My friend got away with so many front license plate ticket because he has them installed about five inches above the dashboard.
CALIFORNIA CODES
VEHICLE CODE
SECTION 5200-5206
5200. When two license plates are issued by the department for a
vehicle, they shall be attached to the vehicle for which they were
issued, one in the front and the other in the rear. When one license
plate is issued for use upon a vehicle, it shall be attached to the
rear thereof.
5201. License plates shall at all times be securely fastened to the
vehicle for which they are issued so as to prevent the plates from
swinging and shall be mounted in a position to be clearly visible,
and shall be maintained in a condition so as to be clearly legible.
The rear license plate shall be mounted not less than 12 inches nor
more than 60 inches from the ground, and the front license plate
shall be mounted not more than 60 inches from the ground, except as
follows:
CALIFORNIA CODES
VEHICLE CODE
SECTION 5200-5206
5200. When two license plates are issued by the department for a
vehicle, they shall be attached to the vehicle for which they were
issued, one in the front and the other in the rear. When one license
plate is issued for use upon a vehicle, it shall be attached to the
rear thereof.
5201. License plates shall at all times be securely fastened to the
vehicle for which they are issued so as to prevent the plates from
swinging and shall be mounted in a position to be clearly visible,
and shall be maintained in a condition so as to be clearly legible.
The rear license plate shall be mounted not less than 12 inches nor
more than 60 inches from the ground, and the front license plate
shall be mounted not more than 60 inches from the ground, except as
follows:
Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,465
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
Re: California drivers: front license plate (SoCal ITR)
I got a ticket for no front plate about 6 months ago.
$10
It sucks, but it could have been worse.
Just put the plate on your bumper and stop worrying about how it looks. It's not worth it when you get pulled over. Don't give them any more reason to pull you over.
$10
It sucks, but it could have been worse.
Just put the plate on your bumper and stop worrying about how it looks. It's not worth it when you get pulled over. Don't give them any more reason to pull you over.
[Modified by spankey167, 12:13 PM 4/6/2003]
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,212
Likes: 0
From: So. Cal 626
Re: California drivers: front license plate (VTECDC2)
why are people putting they're license plates inside the car on the passenger side. i think its dangerous. i would think if u got in a accident or some type th eplate would fly at the passenger and actually might cut them (in the neck even). if i had a friend that did that i'd make sure that plate is off that area away from me just in case
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,731
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From: SoCal
Re: California drivers: front license plate (Al Bundy)
Just put eh plate in the front. IMO....it doesn't look bad at all
[Modified by sinister, 2:42 PM 4/6/2003]
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,311
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Re: California drivers: front license plate (sinister)
I agree with NrG.
It's not the risk for having the plate on the dash, plus you lose a little visibility from the reflection.
I don't see anything wrong with having it on legit.
It's not the risk for having the plate on the dash, plus you lose a little visibility from the reflection.
I don't see anything wrong with having it on legit.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,222
Likes: 0
Re: California drivers: front license plate (spankey167)
I got a ticket for no front plate about 6 months ago.
$10
It sucks, but it could have been worse.
Just put the plate on your bumper and stop worrying about how it looks. It's not worth it when you get pulled over. Don't give them any more reason to pull you over.
Its not $10 anymore... i got a fixing ticket driving through Santa Ana and got a fixing ticket for my 8000K HID's being too blue and no license plate... the ticket turned out to be $96... i was like GOD DAMN!!!! And this was at the end of feb... 28th actually damn cops and their tickety quota!!!
[Modified by spankey167, 12:13 PM 4/6/2003]
$10
It sucks, but it could have been worse.
Just put the plate on your bumper and stop worrying about how it looks. It's not worth it when you get pulled over. Don't give them any more reason to pull you over.
Its not $10 anymore... i got a fixing ticket driving through Santa Ana and got a fixing ticket for my 8000K HID's being too blue and no license plate... the ticket turned out to be $96... i was like GOD DAMN!!!! And this was at the end of feb... 28th actually damn cops and their tickety quota!!!
[Modified by spankey167, 12:13 PM 4/6/2003]
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,618
Likes: 0
From: Bee Em Double You, ///M3, USA
Re: California drivers: front license plate (SoCal ITR)
yeah thats a chicken **** ticket.. one time i was at some cafe in LA.. came outside and there was a ticket under my windshield wiper.. no front plate.. so i just had one of my cop buddies sign it off for me and sent them my $10.. i hate chicken **** LA cops.. i have never had a front bumper on any of my cars in riverside, and i have never been bothered.. its just the punk *** LAPD.. 
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