I need some clarification on the dislay of Texas license plates. We just purchased a new vehicle (see &quot;Other Transportation&quot; Thread in this forum). The dealer did not install the front license plate. I asked them about it and they said that most people don't like it on the front of the vehicle. I agree that on this vehicle (RX-300) it doesn't look great, as you have to mount a bracket to accept the plate. Looking good is one thing, but not getting pulled over for not displaying the tag is another. I am going to have them install the bracket and plate. I am curious though, are there any Texas law enforcement officials (or anyone familiar with Texas law) that can tell me if it is a ticket-able offense to not display the tag?<br>Thanks.

 

If it has no front bracket then you CANT get a ticket if they pull you over and give you a ticket go to court and they have to clear it. What my brother has done in the past with his show vechiles is put it in the windsheild on the passenger side. But if it didnt come with a bracket then I wouldnt have one put on since its a RX300 like you said it looks better with them off.
SD03

 

One word, CORVETTE. How many Vette's are running around without a front licensce plate? Cobra Stangs also. My friend has been pulled over 11 times and they have never said a word about his front plate.

 

Several of my friends have been ticketed for not having front plates. Both by the DPS. The local LE probably doesn't care unless pulled over for some other offense but the DPS can and will. <br> I have been pulled over and given a warning for doing 3mph over the speed limit (70mph) by the DPS!! <br><br>MikeyB

 

Is it not logical to presume that if the authorities give you two plates that they expect two plates to be used? Therefore to follow this same logic, if one plate is missing, why would the cops not give you a fine? ??? <br>Or am I missing something? ???

 

I believe that every state that issues two plates is the same. If the second plate is issued, then it must be displayed and yes you can get a ticket for not having it.<br> Haven't checked lately but at one time, every vehicle delivered in NY was required to have the front bracket. The last I knew, it came to the dealer as a no cost item.<br> From the other side of the fence, I want to be able to see that front plate so I know who is around the area.<br><br>Bill

 

im an officer in NY. the NYS VTL requires 2 plates and it is a summonsable offense if you dont have both properly mounted. The excuse the dealer didnt give me a bracket wont hold up. no here anyway. what it comes down to is the individual officer. He has discresion(some do anyway) and can choose not to write the ticket. For me personally it is and excuse to pull you over and check your drivers license and vehicle paperwork I dont ususally write them unless the attitude hits me before i can ask for your license and registration info..<br>Dan

 

I've been stopped for no front plate once giving a warning by DOT officer for no front plate . I dont believe you can even get a inspection sticker with out it. DPS know the laws a lot better then most local cops.

 

From Texas DPS website:<br><br>FAQ:<br>How many license plates am I required to display?<br>State law requires that you display two (2) license plates, one to the front and one to the rear. Placement or mounting of license plates is not defined.<br><br>From the DPS State Law &quot;Books&quot;<br>§ 502.404. Operation of Vehicle Without License Plate or Registration Insignia<br><br>(a) A person commits an offense if the person operates on a public highway during a registration period a passenger car or commercial motor vehicle that does not display two license plates, at the front and rear of the vehicle<br>

 

I would just put it in the windshield. It looks better than messing up the RX300 front end.

 

Thanks for everyone's input. I am taking Shovelhead's post as gospel on this one. Friend of ours have the same car, and they put their plate on and it doesn't look too bad. No sense drawing un-needed attention to yourself. <br>Thanks again.

 

[quote author=hotdram link=board=10;threadid=14868;start=0#139414 date=1053229345]<br>I need some clarification on the dislay of Texas license plates. We just purchased a new vehicle (see &quot;Other Transportation&quot; Thread in this forum). The dealer did not install the front license plate. I asked them about it and they said that most people don't like it on the front of the vehicle. I agree that on this vehicle (RX-300) it doesn't look great, as you have to mount a bracket to accept the plate. Looking good is one thing, but not getting pulled over for not displaying the tag is another. I am going to have them install the bracket and plate. I am curious though, are there any Texas law enforcement officials (or anyone familiar with Texas law) that can tell me if it is a ticket-able offense to not display the tag?<br>Thanks.<br>[/quote]<br><br>Without reading the rest of this thread yet....YES, it is a ticketable offense...and I know two people that have been pulled over and received tickets for no other reason except for not having a front plate. On the other hand...I don't think it is enforced very often. Both people that I know were in Plano, TX....where I'm pretty sure they must have a front license plate ticket quota. :

 

[quote author=Mexstan link=board=10;threadid=14868;start=0#139494 date=1053263936]<br>Is it not logical to presume that if the authorities give you two plates that they expect two plates to be used? Therefore to follow this same logic, if one plate is missing, why would the cops not give you a fine? ??? <br>Or am I missing something? ???<br>[/quote]<br><br>Mexstan...quit thinking. You're going to hurt yourself. ;D

 

I think Plano has a quota for just about everything. I go through there everyday on my way to work. Two years ago I got pulled over on a surface street for not using a blinker to change lanes. Gee Whiz, I don't think I've ever seen anyone in Plano use a turn signal, I thought they were options on new cars sold in Plano. I think the officer might have &quot;profiled&quot; my friend and I. We were in my 97 1/2 ton Ram with two dirtbikes in the back. We must have been those yellow haired, left hand cigarette smoking riff raff types they were trying to get their quota on (he was kinda' surprised when he found out we were 30 something engineers). Well I don't smoke or have yellow hair (riff raff is up for debate) so he let us go with a warning.

 

Dps made a friend of mine cut out the expanded metal on his brushguard to better see the front plate They don't just want it on there....they want to be able to see it too <br>wk