Front License Plates
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
From: Savannah Ga
Originally Posted by Logansar
I can speak with some knowledge on this subject. I have been a police officer in Texas for 25 years. Yes a front plate is required in Texas. Yes, I have written a "No Front Plate" tickets. Some cities are much harder than others. Some officers are harder than others. All that is true… with that said, let me explain.
Have I stopped vehicles for no front plate... absolutely! I have done so when they are leaving a known dope house, at 3am in the morning driving in an area when cars, houses and buildings are having burglary problems and anytime something is not "right". It is the discretion of the Officer to give a warning or write the citation. When you make the stop, and you things are not right flags are raised in the officer’s mind. When the driver doesn’t have insurance, no driver’s license and suddenly doesn’t know the owner of the car as well as stating “they are just driving around” is a sure road to a citation. This is done so that that person is documented as being in the area. So when a fellow Forum member makes the report that his Vette was broken into, the Detective has some information to work with. That is simple solid and good police work that is expected by every citizen in my city and throughout the nation and from me as a supervisor.
With that said, I have NEVER written a vehicle (driver) for no front plate when after stopping the person all their information is in order and there are no suspicious circumstances. In 99.9% of the police world, a “no front plate” citation is a chicken s#*t citation by it self.
With that said, I too am looking at options to either make the front of my C5 look better (it currently has a front plate) with a better looking plate frame, or take it off and take the same chance as everyone else in being stopped.
Be safe
Sgt Paul
Have I stopped vehicles for no front plate... absolutely! I have done so when they are leaving a known dope house, at 3am in the morning driving in an area when cars, houses and buildings are having burglary problems and anytime something is not "right". It is the discretion of the Officer to give a warning or write the citation. When you make the stop, and you things are not right flags are raised in the officer’s mind. When the driver doesn’t have insurance, no driver’s license and suddenly doesn’t know the owner of the car as well as stating “they are just driving around” is a sure road to a citation. This is done so that that person is documented as being in the area. So when a fellow Forum member makes the report that his Vette was broken into, the Detective has some information to work with. That is simple solid and good police work that is expected by every citizen in my city and throughout the nation and from me as a supervisor.
With that said, I have NEVER written a vehicle (driver) for no front plate when after stopping the person all their information is in order and there are no suspicious circumstances. In 99.9% of the police world, a “no front plate” citation is a chicken s#*t citation by it self.
With that said, I too am looking at options to either make the front of my C5 look better (it currently has a front plate) with a better looking plate frame, or take it off and take the same chance as everyone else in being stopped.
Be safe
Sgt Paul
I appreciate the hard work most officers put forth. It is a tough job and it must be hard not to become cynical of people and their lame excuses.
Even though the little boy in me may get upset for getting pulled over for an infraction, I suppose I deserve them for the times I didn't get caught.That won't stop me from trying to come up with some lame excuse to try and get out of a ticket.
Probably the worst experience with a "Cop" I ever had was when my Dad pulled me over for speeding...in Moms car.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 606
Likes: 1
From: Richmond Texas
Originally Posted by Logansar
I can speak with some knowledge on this subject. I have been a police officer in Texas for 25 years. Yes a front plate is required in Texas. Yes, I have written a "No Front Plate" tickets. Some cities are much harder than others. Some officers are harder than others. All that is true… with that said, let me explain.
Have I stopped vehicles for no front plate... absolutely! I have done so when they are leaving a known dope house, at 3am in the morning driving in an area when cars, houses and buildings are having burglary problems and anytime something is not "right". It is the discretion of the Officer to give a warning or write the citation. When you make the stop, and you things are not right flags are raised in the officer’s mind. When the driver doesn’t have insurance, no driver’s license and suddenly doesn’t know the owner of the car as well as stating “they are just driving around” is a sure road to a citation. This is done so that that person is documented as being in the area. So when a fellow Forum member makes the report that his Vette was broken into, the Detective has some information to work with. That is simple solid and good police work that is expected by every citizen in my city and throughout the nation and from me as a supervisor.
With that said, I have NEVER written a vehicle (driver) for no front plate when after stopping the person all their information is in order and there are no suspicious circumstances. In 99.9% of the police world, a “no front plate” citation is a chicken s#*t citation by it self.
With that said, I too am looking at options to either make the front of my C5 look better (it currently has a front plate) with a better looking plate frame, or take it off and take the same chance as everyone else in being stopped.
Be safe
Sgt Paul
Have I stopped vehicles for no front plate... absolutely! I have done so when they are leaving a known dope house, at 3am in the morning driving in an area when cars, houses and buildings are having burglary problems and anytime something is not "right". It is the discretion of the Officer to give a warning or write the citation. When you make the stop, and you things are not right flags are raised in the officer’s mind. When the driver doesn’t have insurance, no driver’s license and suddenly doesn’t know the owner of the car as well as stating “they are just driving around” is a sure road to a citation. This is done so that that person is documented as being in the area. So when a fellow Forum member makes the report that his Vette was broken into, the Detective has some information to work with. That is simple solid and good police work that is expected by every citizen in my city and throughout the nation and from me as a supervisor.
With that said, I have NEVER written a vehicle (driver) for no front plate when after stopping the person all their information is in order and there are no suspicious circumstances. In 99.9% of the police world, a “no front plate” citation is a chicken s#*t citation by it self.
With that said, I too am looking at options to either make the front of my C5 look better (it currently has a front plate) with a better looking plate frame, or take it off and take the same chance as everyone else in being stopped.
Be safe
Sgt Paul
The way I see it, is that there will always be someone bigger, faster, and louder than me...but -I- am the one with the C-O-R-V-E-T-T-E...I dont HAVE to be bigger, louder or faster than them...
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,987
Likes: 26
From: Kerrville, Texas USA Hook 'em Horns!
CentralTX Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Originally Posted by AC54ME
Yes, it's the Law, and I break it
If you are caught (by the LEO) and get a ticket, it DOES NOT take points, but does take $$$ from your pocket.
It will be necessary to have the car inspected (by a LEO) and have the ticket 'signed off' for it to be final in the eyes of the law.
Some cities are 'harder' on this matter than others.
Be aware that having no front plate is an excellent reason for being stopped by a LEO - so be careful.
If you are caught (by the LEO) and get a ticket, it DOES NOT take points, but does take $$$ from your pocket.
It will be necessary to have the car inspected (by a LEO) and have the ticket 'signed off' for it to be final in the eyes of the law.
Some cities are 'harder' on this matter than others.
Be aware that having no front plate is an excellent reason for being stopped by a LEO - so be careful.
The local LEO's in Austin aren't too keen on enforcing the law. I have been driving a Vette (part time) for 5 years without being stopped. I have heard that the DPS will pull you over for this.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: New York NY
Originally Posted by hardtop
Sweet write up.
I appreciate the hard work most officers put forth. It is a tough job and it must be hard not to become cynical of people and their lame excuses.
Even though the little boy in me may get upset for getting pulled over for an infraction, I suppose I deserve them for the times I didn't get caught.That won't stop me from trying to come up with some lame excuse to try and get out of a ticket.
Probably the worst experience with a "Cop" I ever had was when my Dad pulled me over for speeding...in Moms car.
I appreciate the hard work most officers put forth. It is a tough job and it must be hard not to become cynical of people and their lame excuses.
Even though the little boy in me may get upset for getting pulled over for an infraction, I suppose I deserve them for the times I didn't get caught.That won't stop me from trying to come up with some lame excuse to try and get out of a ticket.
Probably the worst experience with a "Cop" I ever had was when my Dad pulled me over for speeding...in Moms car.
did you pay the ticket??
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 222
Likes: 1
From: Brenham Texas
Front Plate
I also do not like the looks of the car with the front plate on.
And do not have it on the car.
I know most of the local officers and have the only Nassau Blue car in the area.
That might help, have never had a problem.
I also drive the car at time to Houston, College Station, Katy and Pearland.
I'm sure they can stop me any time.
So far
I do have the plate in my car just in case.
And do not have it on the car.
I know most of the local officers and have the only Nassau Blue car in the area.
That might help, have never had a problem.
I also drive the car at time to Houston, College Station, Katy and Pearland.
I'm sure they can stop me any time.
So far
I do have the plate in my car just in case.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
From: Brenham Texas
I've been driving 3 years w/o my front plate on this car. Last week was pulled over for a slight speeding infraction, got a ticket for speeding, and the front plate missing. I was courteous to the officer and had all my information in order and have not been pulled over in more than 5 years. He was only interested in writing as many infractions as he could, even asked me about window tinting and I don't even have my windows tinted. It was 10:30 at night on Westheimer around the beltway and I guess it looked dark. Of course he asked if I'd been drinking - which I had NOT.
So now I get to take Defensive Driving to get rid of the speeding violation, how do I get the front plate ticket dismissed?
So now I get to take Defensive Driving to get rid of the speeding violation, how do I get the front plate ticket dismissed?
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio TX
Front Plate
I have a vanity plate that makes it a little easier to look at.
I purchased a car from a local police chief (not a vette). I asked him if they stop a lot of vettes. He said "not too many, but we always check for the front plate."
I purchased a car from a local police chief (not a vette). I asked him if they stop a lot of vettes. He said "not too many, but we always check for the front plate."
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,334
Likes: 4
From: Midland TX
I put the front plate on mine and I HATE IT!
I was pulled over once because I had the plate in the windshield.
The GM bra did not have a way to cut out for the plate. I got a written warning and lost 20 minutes.
Some of my friends put them on the passenger visor and flip it down when they see a LEO. Some put them on the dash. LEOs tend to be ambiquous on the issue. Some say they must be affixed to the front bumper. Some say it must be visible from the front of the vehicle.
IMHO - I think the inconvenience of getting pulled over for no front plate outweighs the benefits of good looks. It really doesn't make sense if you get a ticket.
A bunch of us were on an out of town cruise and 1 Vette was pulled over for no front plate. We wasted 30-45 minutes waiting up the road while the LEO ran his plate and drivers license. I don't remember if he got a ticket or just a warning.
Years ago (actually decades now )- I got a ticket for speeding and no front plate. I was being a jerk to the LEO because I knew he was going to give me the ticket for the plate and whatever else. (He had it in for me anyway) I had a USA-1 plate
on the front of my car. The judge threw out the plate ticket and told me to put it on my car. It would have been $200 then. I don't know what they do now.
I was pulled over once because I had the plate in the windshield.
The GM bra did not have a way to cut out for the plate. I got a written warning and lost 20 minutes.Some of my friends put them on the passenger visor and flip it down when they see a LEO. Some put them on the dash. LEOs tend to be ambiquous on the issue. Some say they must be affixed to the front bumper. Some say it must be visible from the front of the vehicle.
IMHO - I think the inconvenience of getting pulled over for no front plate outweighs the benefits of good looks. It really doesn't make sense if you get a ticket.
A bunch of us were on an out of town cruise and 1 Vette was pulled over for no front plate. We wasted 30-45 minutes waiting up the road while the LEO ran his plate and drivers license. I don't remember if he got a ticket or just a warning.
Years ago (actually decades now )- I got a ticket for speeding and no front plate. I was being a jerk to the LEO because I knew he was going to give me the ticket for the plate and whatever else. (He had it in for me anyway) I had a USA-1 plate
on the front of my car. The judge threw out the plate ticket and told me to put it on my car. It would have been $200 then. I don't know what they do now.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,190
Likes: 0
From: canada
do whatever you want...but if you do happen to get a ticket,, dont start whining like a little B!tch. YOU took the chance. (havent had my coffee yet
)
but it is a chickensh!t charge tho....
ALSO,
if you're lightin' em up behind the bar, had a few too many, dont have your insurance card, not wearing you seatbelt, and have a **** poor attitude, YEAH, you might receive a citation too for 'no front plate'.
'most' cops, when they stop 'good' people will say "what's with you Vette guys??,,,dont wanna put your front plate on",,, and will usually have a laugh w/ ya.
)but it is a chickensh!t charge tho....
ALSO,
if you're lightin' em up behind the bar, had a few too many, dont have your insurance card, not wearing you seatbelt, and have a **** poor attitude, YEAH, you might receive a citation too for 'no front plate'.
'most' cops, when they stop 'good' people will say "what's with you Vette guys??,,,dont wanna put your front plate on",,, and will usually have a laugh w/ ya.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 1
From: Dripping Springs Texas
I'm sorry, I hate the look of having the plate up there. To me any tickets for the missing plate are just part of the costs of driving the Vette. My truck and Taurus have front plates but no way on my sports cars.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Austin Texas
Originally Posted by Mo'Phat
You didn't hear it from me...but...
Some people I know will put on the front license plate, then attach the license plate cover over it using Velcro to hold it down. The upper tabs and the Velcro hold it securely for driving. If they are ever pulled over for it, here's the rap:
"Aw geez, officer! I was taking some pictures of it this weekend (or I was in a parade, or car show, or music video) and completely forgot to take it off. Look, it's just held on with Velcro [rrrrrrip]. I NEVER drive it with the cover on...I just forgot."
I wouldn't be surprised if the policeperson followed through with the citation, but at least it's a probable excuse.
Some people I know will put on the front license plate, then attach the license plate cover over it using Velcro to hold it down. The upper tabs and the Velcro hold it securely for driving. If they are ever pulled over for it, here's the rap:
"Aw geez, officer! I was taking some pictures of it this weekend (or I was in a parade, or car show, or music video) and completely forgot to take it off. Look, it's just held on with Velcro [rrrrrrip]. I NEVER drive it with the cover on...I just forgot."
I wouldn't be surprised if the policeperson followed through with the citation, but at least it's a probable excuse.
I'm a hippocrit though, because I drive mine without the front plate.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 606
Likes: 1
From: Richmond Texas
Originally Posted by aus10cop
That's still a Texas Transportation Code Violation. Instead of citing you for "No Front LP", he/she would just cite you for "Obscured LP". Texas Law states that the plates must be visible from at least 50', which is another reason why "throwing it on the dashboard" will not work.
I'm a hippocrit though, because I drive mine without the front plate.
I'm a hippocrit though, because I drive mine without the front plate.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 598
Likes: 1
From: Vinton VA
Originally Posted by Logansar
I can speak with some knowledge on this subject. I have been a police officer in Texas for 25 years. Yes a front plate is required in Texas. Yes, I have written a "No Front Plate" tickets. Some cities are much harder than others. Some officers are harder than others. All that is true… with that said, let me explain.
Have I stopped vehicles for no front plate... absolutely! I have done so when they are leaving a known dope house, at 3am in the morning driving in an area when cars, houses and buildings are having burglary problems and anytime something is not "right". It is the discretion of the Officer to give a warning or write the citation. When you make the stop, and you things are not right flags are raised in the officer’s mind. When the driver doesn’t have insurance, no driver’s license and suddenly doesn’t know the owner of the car as well as stating “they are just driving around” is a sure road to a citation. This is done so that that person is documented as being in the area. So when a fellow Forum member makes the report that his Vette was broken into, the Detective has some information to work with. That is simple solid and good police work that is expected by every citizen in my city and throughout the nation and from me as a supervisor.
With that said, I have NEVER written a vehicle (driver) for no front plate when after stopping the person all their information is in order and there are no suspicious circumstances. In 99.9% of the police world, a “no front plate” citation is a chicken s#*t citation by it self.
With that said, I too am looking at options to either make the front of my C5 look better (it currently has a front plate) with a better looking plate frame, or take it off and take the same chance as everyone else in being stopped.
Be safe
Sgt Paul
Have I stopped vehicles for no front plate... absolutely! I have done so when they are leaving a known dope house, at 3am in the morning driving in an area when cars, houses and buildings are having burglary problems and anytime something is not "right". It is the discretion of the Officer to give a warning or write the citation. When you make the stop, and you things are not right flags are raised in the officer’s mind. When the driver doesn’t have insurance, no driver’s license and suddenly doesn’t know the owner of the car as well as stating “they are just driving around” is a sure road to a citation. This is done so that that person is documented as being in the area. So when a fellow Forum member makes the report that his Vette was broken into, the Detective has some information to work with. That is simple solid and good police work that is expected by every citizen in my city and throughout the nation and from me as a supervisor.
With that said, I have NEVER written a vehicle (driver) for no front plate when after stopping the person all their information is in order and there are no suspicious circumstances. In 99.9% of the police world, a “no front plate” citation is a chicken s#*t citation by it self.
With that said, I too am looking at options to either make the front of my C5 look better (it currently has a front plate) with a better looking plate frame, or take it off and take the same chance as everyone else in being stopped.
Be safe
Sgt Paul
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 785
Likes: 0
From: Hutschenhausen
Originally Posted by Logansar
I can speak with some knowledge on this subject. I have been a police officer in Texas for 25 years. Yes a front plate is required in Texas. Yes, I have written a "No Front Plate" tickets. Some cities are much harder than others. Some officers are harder than others. All that is true… with that said, let me explain.
Have I stopped vehicles for no front plate... absolutely! I have done so when they are leaving a known dope house, at 3am in the morning driving in an area when cars, houses and buildings are having burglary problems and anytime something is not "right". It is the discretion of the Officer to give a warning or write the citation. When you make the stop, and you things are not right flags are raised in the officer’s mind. When the driver doesn’t have insurance, no driver’s license and suddenly doesn’t know the owner of the car as well as stating “they are just driving around” is a sure road to a citation. This is done so that that person is documented as being in the area. So when a fellow Forum member makes the report that his Vette was broken into, the Detective has some information to work with. That is simple solid and good police work that is expected by every citizen in my city and throughout the nation and from me as a supervisor.
With that said, I have NEVER written a vehicle (driver) for no front plate when after stopping the person all their information is in order and there are no suspicious circumstances. In 99.9% of the police world, a “no front plate” citation is a chicken s#*t citation by it self.
With that said, I too am looking at options to either make the front of my C5 look better (it currently has a front plate) with a better looking plate frame, or take it off and take the same chance as everyone else in being stopped.
Be safe
Sgt Paul
Have I stopped vehicles for no front plate... absolutely! I have done so when they are leaving a known dope house, at 3am in the morning driving in an area when cars, houses and buildings are having burglary problems and anytime something is not "right". It is the discretion of the Officer to give a warning or write the citation. When you make the stop, and you things are not right flags are raised in the officer’s mind. When the driver doesn’t have insurance, no driver’s license and suddenly doesn’t know the owner of the car as well as stating “they are just driving around” is a sure road to a citation. This is done so that that person is documented as being in the area. So when a fellow Forum member makes the report that his Vette was broken into, the Detective has some information to work with. That is simple solid and good police work that is expected by every citizen in my city and throughout the nation and from me as a supervisor.
With that said, I have NEVER written a vehicle (driver) for no front plate when after stopping the person all their information is in order and there are no suspicious circumstances. In 99.9% of the police world, a “no front plate” citation is a chicken s#*t citation by it self.
With that said, I too am looking at options to either make the front of my C5 look better (it currently has a front plate) with a better looking plate frame, or take it off and take the same chance as everyone else in being stopped.
Be safe
Sgt Paul
Smash
Pro
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 561
Likes: 2
From: Arlington TX
Originally Posted by steck
do whatever you want...but if you do happen to get a ticket,, dont start whining like a little B!tch. YOU took the chance. (havent had my coffee yet )
but it is a chickensh!t charge tho....
ALSO,
if you're lightin' em up behind the bar, had a few too many, dont have your insurance card, not wearing you seatbelt, and have a **** poor attitude, YEAH, you might receive a citation too for 'no front plate'.
'most' cops, when they stop 'good' people will say "what's with you Vette guys??,,,dont wanna put your front plate on",,, and will usually have a laugh w/ ya.
)but it is a chickensh!t charge tho....
ALSO,
if you're lightin' em up behind the bar, had a few too many, dont have your insurance card, not wearing you seatbelt, and have a **** poor attitude, YEAH, you might receive a citation too for 'no front plate'.
'most' cops, when they stop 'good' people will say "what's with you Vette guys??,,,dont wanna put your front plate on",,, and will usually have a laugh w/ ya.
I think STECK has summed it all up in this post!
Be safe
Sgt Paul
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 773
Likes: 44
From: San Francisco Bay area CA
Hope to meet up with you and say 'hi' some day, Sgt. Paul, but preferably not while you are in your cruiser 
(I do have my front plate on, tho). Also, what's up with the new (literally) black and white's? Are those Malibu's? Looking kinda ugly IMHO...
(I do have my front plate on, tho). Also, what's up with the new (literally) black and white's? Are those Malibu's? Looking kinda ugly IMHO...