California - Front License Plate
#1
Cruising
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Member Since: Jan 2017
Location: San Diego California
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California - Front License Plate
I just received my plates for my 2017 Stingray. Those of you that live in California, do you display your front plates? Those of you that don't display, do you get stopped by law enforcement? I hate the look of the front plates...
#2
Drifting
Gatos is one of those. Other than that, you may be ok unless you get stopped and they decide to add that onto a ticket.
Personally, I didn't have a front plate on my C5 the entire 18 years I had it with no problems. I'm still waiting for the new plates for my C7 and don't intend to put them on unless cited.
Last edited by Grand Slam; 02-18-2017 at 09:27 PM.
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Frank P. (02-19-2017)
#3
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Jul 2015
Location: Northern California
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St. Jude Donor '15
The city I live in they don't seem to care about no front plate or tinted driver/passenger windows. If I get one, I'll just fix the ticket and take the plate off.
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Frank P. (02-19-2017)
#5
Burning Brakes
Ran mine for 4 years without the front (LA area, but moved since), however I have Florida plates, so I had a good excuse (although still illegal in CA). I never got pulled over, but I definitely had a few LEOs give me a long hard look. Basically, as long as you aren't driving like an asshat, you should be good.
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Frank P. (02-19-2017)
#6
Intermediate
Never been an issue, I haven't had a front plate since 1985 on the various Corvettes/Miata's I've owned. Been lucky I guess. Still running without a plate on my '05 C6 Z51 Vert. , hopping for the rain to stop out here.
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Frank P. (02-19-2017)
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Frank P. (02-19-2017)
#8
Not displaying a front plate gives the cops probable cause to pull you over at any point.
So, even if you aren't speeding or driving erratically, if you are breaking any other laws that they may be disposed to ignore, then this may just what they need to pull your *** over and say smell your breath, check to make sure your registration is current, your proof of insurance is current, your driver's license is on your person, your….
I've been pulled over often enough for no front plate that it's just not worth it for me, anymore.
Not a CA specific reply, just every state has it's cops willing and able to do just this.
So, even if you aren't speeding or driving erratically, if you are breaking any other laws that they may be disposed to ignore, then this may just what they need to pull your *** over and say smell your breath, check to make sure your registration is current, your proof of insurance is current, your driver's license is on your person, your….
I've been pulled over often enough for no front plate that it's just not worth it for me, anymore.
Not a CA specific reply, just every state has it's cops willing and able to do just this.
#9
I happen to agree with this philosophy. It's like driving in the #3 & 4 lane instead of the #1 lane. Limit your foot print and enjoy your ride. Pat
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Frank P. (02-19-2017)
#10
Pro
No front plates on 4 Corvettes, 2 Miatas, and a Nisson Z. I only got a fix it ticket for one of the Miatas when I was pulled over for something else.
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Frank P. (02-19-2017)
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Frank P. (02-19-2017)
#12
Safety Car
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St. Jude Donor '12
I never displayed a front plate on my corvettes or Shelby/Saleen Mustangs and was never stopped. I did receive a fix it ticket while parked on Los Angeles County property and it was $35 for correction. Most LEO's do not seem to care about it.
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Frank P. (02-19-2017)
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Frank P. (02-19-2017)
#14
Melting Slicks
Just use the aero plate. You have to drill holes in the aeroplate to mount the front plate to it but that's easy. I think there's no holes from the factory as it's legally too low to the ground by a couple inches. The way it mounts to the grill is non invasive as well. Looks about as good as a front plate can. Won't overheat unless you track it, so take it off beforehand. One less reason to get pulled over.
If for some reason you did not get the aeroplate and only the regular one, (that will damage the paint) your dealer probably stole it out of your car and sold it on eBay.
If for some reason you did not get the aeroplate and only the regular one, (that will damage the paint) your dealer probably stole it out of your car and sold it on eBay.
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Frank P. (02-19-2017)
#15
Instructor
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Haven't had a front plate on my C6 or now my C7. I don't drink alcohol so I'm not to worried about getting pulled over. If I was to get a ticket I would just ziptie the plate onto the car, get the ticket signed off and take the plate back off after.
#16
Burning Brakes
In Merced, CA if you park at the Mall or on a public street and the meter maid sees your car, you will get a ticket. First one is $10, second one is $185... Just another tax
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Frank P. (02-19-2017)
#17
Burning Brakes
I've owned 7 corvettes in California since 1970. Never have put on the front plate. Only got hit 1 time, by a meter maid in SF. Was pulled over about 1 year ago by CHP, for not having front plate. I asked the officer: "If this was your C7, would you hang a plate on it's nose?" His reply: " Ugh, no, I wouldn't. Have a nice day."
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Frank P. (02-19-2017)
#18
Team Owner
Been daily driving my C7 in SoCal for over a year with no front tag, tinted windows and lights and have had no problems (knock on wood). OTOH, six months aft moving to SoCal, I was pulled over in my Mini Cooper S specifically for window tint and then the officer added no front tag after checking for that. A large proportion of drivers run no front tag and tint here so it's at the officer's discretion - it's a target-rich environment so the revenue stream is constant and convenient whenever the need arises or a reason to pull a car over is needed. Gotta' pay to play.
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Frank P. (02-19-2017)
#19
I've never had a problem in CA either. No plate on my Firebird, G8, TLX, MDX, GS350, RX350, or my Corvette... only time I've ever gotten a ticket is when I was pulled over for speeding and the cop let me go with a front plate ticket instead.
I've had much worse luck with side window tint. I have been pulled over just for that quite a few times.
I've had much worse luck with side window tint. I have been pulled over just for that quite a few times.
Last edited by 95bat; 02-19-2017 at 01:19 PM.
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Frank P. (02-19-2017)