Texas front license plate law
10-22-2009, 10:53 PM
#1
Instructor
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Texas front license plate law
I, like many Corvette owners, prefer not to mount the front license plate. This is just a point of information concerning the law in Texas.
Section 502.404 of the Texas Motor Vehicle Code requires vehicles to have two license plates - one at the front and one at the rear.
HOWEVER - the state does not define "Front". Legally the plate can be placed on the top of your dash board behind the windshield. This was proven in Texas vs. Losoya when the Texas Court of Appeals ruled that the state did not define "Front" and basically if the plate can be seen from the front of the vehicle that there is no offense.
Sec. 502.404. OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT LICENSE PLATE OR REGISTRATION INSIGNIA.
(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, that have been:
(1) assigned by the department for the period; or
(2) validated by a registration insignia issued by the department that establishes that
the vehicle is registered for the period.
The following is an excerpt from the Texas vs. Losoya appellate ruling:
The apparent purpose of section 502.404(a) is to facilitate the identification of a motor vehicle by its license plate number whether it is moving toward or away from the viewer. While a place to display the license plate is usually found on the front bumper, the statute does not expressly require the use of this location. The display of the plate in some other place or manner is not inconsistent with the language or purpose of the statute. The officers testified that they could see the license plate in the windshield. We conclude that Losoya's display of his front license plate in the manner shown here did not violate section 502.404(a) as to give the officers grounds to reasonably suspect a violation of that statute.
Note - I am not an attorney, but the next time you get a ticket for no front plate - it may be worth fighting!
Section 502.404 of the Texas Motor Vehicle Code requires vehicles to have two license plates - one at the front and one at the rear.
HOWEVER - the state does not define "Front". Legally the plate can be placed on the top of your dash board behind the windshield. This was proven in Texas vs. Losoya when the Texas Court of Appeals ruled that the state did not define "Front" and basically if the plate can be seen from the front of the vehicle that there is no offense.
Sec. 502.404. OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT LICENSE PLATE OR REGISTRATION INSIGNIA.
(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, that have been:
(1) assigned by the department for the period; or
(2) validated by a registration insignia issued by the department that establishes that
the vehicle is registered for the period.
The following is an excerpt from the Texas vs. Losoya appellate ruling:
The apparent purpose of section 502.404(a) is to facilitate the identification of a motor vehicle by its license plate number whether it is moving toward or away from the viewer. While a place to display the license plate is usually found on the front bumper, the statute does not expressly require the use of this location. The display of the plate in some other place or manner is not inconsistent with the language or purpose of the statute. The officers testified that they could see the license plate in the windshield. We conclude that Losoya's display of his front license plate in the manner shown here did not violate section 502.404(a) as to give the officers grounds to reasonably suspect a violation of that statute.
Note - I am not an attorney, but the next time you get a ticket for no front plate - it may be worth fighting!
10-22-2009, 11:42 PM
#5
10-23-2009, 12:23 AM
#6
Race Director
Texas seems to be real strict with front plates. I definitely wouldn't try to get out of the charge with the LEO by throwing your plate up on the dash. He'll just be irriatated enough to give you a ticket for something else.
It Utah it is not a moving violation and it can't be the main reason they pull you over. You'll rarely see a Vette run with a front plate in Utah, even other cars are about 30% with no front plate. However if you park in Salt Lake City on the streets they are allowed and will give you a parking ticket for not having a front plate. They seem to make a lot of money from that rule. But I don't go to SLC downtown much at all and there are definitely other means to get there anyway (two other cars, light rail).
It Utah it is not a moving violation and it can't be the main reason they pull you over. You'll rarely see a Vette run with a front plate in Utah, even other cars are about 30% with no front plate. However if you park in Salt Lake City on the streets they are allowed and will give you a parking ticket for not having a front plate. They seem to make a lot of money from that rule. But I don't go to SLC downtown much at all and there are definitely other means to get there anyway (two other cars, light rail).
10-23-2009, 12:27 AM
#7
Racer
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I have been pulled over once in the past two years for no plate and recieved a warning only. Seems around town (in Houston) it is not an issue and was pulled over by DPS on a trip to Austin. I just keep it handy and pop it in the windshield when I feel the need.
10-23-2009, 01:18 AM
#9
Racer
Well it is not legal to put the plate on the dash. There is another law in TX that states it can not be covered with anything that effects the view, causes glare or hinders the reflectivity...that means a windshield. Besides where do you think that thin piece of metal goes in a crash?
If you don't want a front plate then don't put it on and don't whine if you get stopped. The law is there for a reason and very helpful to LE...sorry you don't see the bigger picture because the law is not about you. It's about the bad people out there...fortunatly you don't have to see them.
I agree a front LP is ugly on a vette and I don't have one either. But I also agree with the law and will pay the fine if it comes up.
If you don't want a front plate then don't put it on and don't whine if you get stopped. The law is there for a reason and very helpful to LE...sorry you don't see the bigger picture because the law is not about you. It's about the bad people out there...fortunatly you don't have to see them.
I agree a front LP is ugly on a vette and I don't have one either. But I also agree with the law and will pay the fine if it comes up.
10-23-2009, 02:40 AM
#11
Melting Slicks
DFW Texas here -- and I have never run a front plate in the almost 2 years i've owned my Z06.
I've been stopped for it ONCE... and funny enough it was coming out of Motorsports ranch after a hard day of track abuse (still had my numbers on the side of my car - was in a line of 4 other vettes) I was the only one to get pulled over. I basically got a "fix it" ticket, and had to pay no money, just send a picture of a properly attached plate on the front, and problem solved.
Never had a problem after that, ive driven next to, around, and towards cops, and havent been hassled again. I agree it's a stupid law, and more than anything gives a "reason" to pull people over. I take the plate off and I take my chances, I'm perfectly happy with it.
If I do get an actual monetary fine, I will pay it and just continue on. I refuse to defile my Z06 with a front plate. Is it against the law? yes Do I drive more than 1mph over the speed limit? yes I'm bad, what can I say? lol
I've been stopped for it ONCE... and funny enough it was coming out of Motorsports ranch after a hard day of track abuse (still had my numbers on the side of my car - was in a line of 4 other vettes) I was the only one to get pulled over. I basically got a "fix it" ticket, and had to pay no money, just send a picture of a properly attached plate on the front, and problem solved.
Never had a problem after that, ive driven next to, around, and towards cops, and havent been hassled again. I agree it's a stupid law, and more than anything gives a "reason" to pull people over. I take the plate off and I take my chances, I'm perfectly happy with it.
If I do get an actual monetary fine, I will pay it and just continue on. I refuse to defile my Z06 with a front plate. Is it against the law? yes Do I drive more than 1mph over the speed limit? yes I'm bad, what can I say? lol
10-23-2009, 02:43 AM
#12
Safety Car
Here in MA we have two different plates in use. Green plates are a single plate issue, that is, they were issued years ago but aren't issued now. Those with green plates just display at the rear of their cars. All new registrations are red letter plates and you get two. I have the red plates and display my front plate with a removeable holder. I can have it off the car in under 60 seconds and you can't see the mounting bracket when the plate is off. Best of both worlds for those of us having to display a front plate. 
10-23-2009, 08:09 AM
#13
I always find threads like this one very interesting.
They make me wonder what other law(s) posters WILFULLY violate. When I was a LEO I found folks who didn't believe in front plate laws didn't obey many other laws, either. They were, of course, treated accordingly.
Though the Texas statute apparently allows front plates to be displayed on the dash, I surely would NOT want a large piece of metal unaffixed anywhere in the passenger compartment of my vehicles.
Peace, out.
They make me wonder what other law(s) posters WILFULLY violate. When I was a LEO I found folks who didn't believe in front plate laws didn't obey many other laws, either. They were, of course, treated accordingly.
Though the Texas statute apparently allows front plates to be displayed on the dash, I surely would NOT want a large piece of metal unaffixed anywhere in the passenger compartment of my vehicles.
Peace, out.
10-23-2009, 10:38 AM
#14
Racer
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I, like many Corvette owners, prefer not to mount the front license plate. This is just a point of information concerning the law in Texas.
Section 502.404 of the Texas Motor Vehicle Code requires vehicles to have two license plates - one at the front and one at the rear.
HOWEVER - the state does not define "Front". Legally the plate can be placed on the top of your dash board behind the windshield. This was proven in Texas vs. Losoya when the Texas Court of Appeals ruled that the state did not define "Front" and basically if the plate can be seen from the front of the vehicle that there is no offense.
Sec. 502.404. OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT LICENSE PLATE OR REGISTRATION INSIGNIA.
(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, that have been:
(1) assigned by the department for the period; or
(2) validated by a registration insignia issued by the department that establishes that
the vehicle is registered for the period.
The following is an excerpt from the Texas vs. Losoya appellate ruling:
The apparent purpose of section 502.404(a) is to facilitate the identification of a motor vehicle by its license plate number whether it is moving toward or away from the viewer. While a place to display the license plate is usually found on the front bumper, the statute does not expressly require the use of this location. The display of the plate in some other place or manner is not inconsistent with the language or purpose of the statute. The officers testified that they could see the license plate in the windshield. We conclude that Losoya's display of his front license plate in the manner shown here did not violate section 502.404(a) as to give the officers grounds to reasonably suspect a violation of that statute.
Note - I am not an attorney, but the next time you get a ticket for no front plate - it may be worth fighting!
Section 502.404 of the Texas Motor Vehicle Code requires vehicles to have two license plates - one at the front and one at the rear.
HOWEVER - the state does not define "Front". Legally the plate can be placed on the top of your dash board behind the windshield. This was proven in Texas vs. Losoya when the Texas Court of Appeals ruled that the state did not define "Front" and basically if the plate can be seen from the front of the vehicle that there is no offense.
Sec. 502.404. OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT LICENSE PLATE OR REGISTRATION INSIGNIA.
(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, that have been:
(1) assigned by the department for the period; or
(2) validated by a registration insignia issued by the department that establishes that
the vehicle is registered for the period.
The following is an excerpt from the Texas vs. Losoya appellate ruling:
The apparent purpose of section 502.404(a) is to facilitate the identification of a motor vehicle by its license plate number whether it is moving toward or away from the viewer. While a place to display the license plate is usually found on the front bumper, the statute does not expressly require the use of this location. The display of the plate in some other place or manner is not inconsistent with the language or purpose of the statute. The officers testified that they could see the license plate in the windshield. We conclude that Losoya's display of his front license plate in the manner shown here did not violate section 502.404(a) as to give the officers grounds to reasonably suspect a violation of that statute.
Note - I am not an attorney, but the next time you get a ticket for no front plate - it may be worth fighting!
All you have to do is take a picture with the license plate on the car and have the ticket dismissed.
10-23-2009, 11:00 AM
#15
Racer
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There have been bills before the legislature in TX to do away with the front plate requirement. However Law Enforcement Agencies fight it. It is my opinion that the law is used to be able to pull over cars that might be carrying drugs as in when they pull over cars with a tail light out.
10-23-2009, 11:11 AM
#16
I've had sports cars in Texas all my life with no plates and I have only had 1 ticket for it. Cops respect that you dont want to mess up a high end car. The guy I got a ticket from atually suggested I drill holes in the front of my Ferrari. I laughed and said not a chance. I'll just pay the ticket.
10-23-2009, 11:55 AM
#17
Burning Brakes
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I always find threads like this one very interesting.
They make me wonder what other law(s) posters WILFULLY violate. When I was a LEO I found folks who didn't believe in front plate laws didn't obey many other laws, either. They were, of course, treated accordingly.
Though the Texas statute apparently allows front plates to be displayed on the dash, I surely would NOT want a large piece of metal unaffixed anywhere in the passenger compartment of my vehicles.
Peace, out.
They make me wonder what other law(s) posters WILFULLY violate. When I was a LEO I found folks who didn't believe in front plate laws didn't obey many other laws, either. They were, of course, treated accordingly.
Though the Texas statute apparently allows front plates to be displayed on the dash, I surely would NOT want a large piece of metal unaffixed anywhere in the passenger compartment of my vehicles.
Peace, out.
As for being a horrible law violator for other laws just because I don't have a front plate is as bad as if were to say all cops are on power control, ego trips. True for some but not most IMO. Which were you?
10-23-2009, 12:01 PM
#18
Texas seems to be real strict with front plates. I definitely wouldn't try to get out of the charge with the LEO by throwing your plate up on the dash. He'll just be irriatated enough to give you a ticket for something else.
It Utah it is not a moving violation and it can't be the main reason they pull you over. You'll rarely see a Vette run with a front plate in Utah, even other cars are about 30% with no front plate. However if you park in Salt Lake City on the streets they are allowed and will give you a parking ticket for not having a front plate. They seem to make a lot of money from that rule. But I don't go to SLC downtown much at all and there are definitely other means to get there anyway (two other cars, light rail).
It Utah it is not a moving violation and it can't be the main reason they pull you over. You'll rarely see a Vette run with a front plate in Utah, even other cars are about 30% with no front plate. However if you park in Salt Lake City on the streets they are allowed and will give you a parking ticket for not having a front plate. They seem to make a lot of money from that rule. But I don't go to SLC downtown much at all and there are definitely other means to get there anyway (two other cars, light rail).
Guess how I know that. 
10-23-2009, 12:17 PM
#19
Racer
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I refuse to put a plate on the nose of my car, just doesnt look right.
I would almost rather pay the ticket and go on my way, or fight it and see what happens. Maybe up on the dash but never on the front.
I would almost rather pay the ticket and go on my way, or fight it and see what happens. Maybe up on the dash but never on the front.
10-23-2009, 12:22 PM
#20
Pro
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I find it difficult to believe that revenue generation as a business actually produces income, considering that the costs are pretty substantial. I suspect that its just necessary to employ X amount of officers as a baseline and they're not always 100% utilized. So if you're talking about parking in a Wal mart parking lot waiting for a robbery call, why not write a couple tickets while you wait for that call.