When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Here in Texas, technically they can't stop you for no front plate - it's an add-on if they stop you for something else. They will give you a fix-it ticket for it (you have 30 days to fix the problem and get the car inspected). I say "technically" because I have been pulled over and that was the excuse they gave me - although when I asked them how, as they passed me going to other way, did they manage to see my Texas plate in their rear view mirror, they later admitted a white guy in a sports car with a brown girlfriend heading towards the border (my wife and I were on our way to Big Bend National Park) was considered "suspicious". In other words, I was profiled. But they let me go once they spoke to my wife in Spanish and she answered in Tagalog.
NH does have a front plate law. Mine is mounted, but under the cover, which is held on with Velcro.
Never stopped for that reason, and wasn't mentioned when I was. If I ever am, I can comply within seconds.
In 1998 I became friendly with a C5 owning state trooper. He told me I should remove my front plate because it looks better that way. He said it is an unwritten rule that troopers don't stop Vettes for no front plate. Haven't run a front plate since. I don't run one on my daily driver either. At inspection the woman running the facility told me that they don't care if Vettes have no front plate, they just ignore it. Apparently I guess no one here knows you can put on the front plate and the "Corvette" cover will reinstall right over it. That's how I run mine, it's always on should I need it. Just pull off the cover!
Most of us know that. Mine was kept under the cover. It still is against the law.
I live in Cali and have installed this clear plate cover. I think it looks good. Obviously, the best-case scenario would be to not have a plate on the front; however, I don't want to give police a reason to pull me over.
Thanks for posting up this link I live in NorCal also. & its only a matter of time before they get me.
Used to live in Maryland which requires a front plate. Some jurisdictions there, the cops are just looking for reasons to pull you over in the hope they will find something - especially if you are a younger driver.
Moved across the river to WV, got my new rear plate and took great delight in fitting the front cover.
Last edited by jackthelad; 07-24-2018 at 11:00 AM.
I'm in Ohio where the plate is required. I used to drive without it and was never stopped. However, I use the car as my daily driver in good weather and drive it on long trips (180,000 miles now). The license plate trim cover got beaten up constantly and I was tired of filling pits and repainting it so now I drive with the plate on. I put the cover on when I want it to look good. As you might guess with 180,000 miles it's no show car
WA. state here.I've had the car for 15 years without a front plate. Big caveat... I live in the SE corner of the state, which doesn't do things the same as the libnazis on the west side of the mountains.
Here in Texas, technically they can't stop you for no front plate - it's an add-on if they stop you for something else. They will give you a fix-it ticket for it (you have 30 days to fix the problem and get the car inspected). I say "technically" because I have been pulled over and that was the excuse they gave me - although when I asked them how, as they passed me going to other way, did they manage to see my Texas plate in their rear view mirror, they later admitted a white guy in a sports car with a brown girlfriend heading towards the border (my wife and I were on our way to Big Bend National Park) was considered "suspicious". In other words, I was profiled. But they let me go once they spoke to my wife in Spanish and she answered in Tagalog.
Tagalog is simply Filipino Spanish, so makes sense!
No front plates on any of my cars here in Texas. I think I’m a hold over from all the years I lived in PA where no front plate is required.
Just got my C5 Z06 and I really hate to put the front plate on it because it looks so much better with the cover on it. But I live in IL where front plate is required and I see cops all the time. I feel like it's just a matter of time before I get hassled and pulled over so I might just go ahead and put it on. So do any of you get hassled much that live in a state that requires one?
I live Northwest of Chicago, in Lake County, and I roll without my front plate. It does look a lot cleaner. If I get pulled over, I doubt it will be for not having a front plate, but for driving the way that I do.
Another Illinois resident here and I used to run my car without a front plate. Then one day I was pulling off the main street onto my block and there was a cop at the corner doing speed traps. F*cker followed me to my house and pulled into my driveway to ticket me. Not even a warning, just immediate ticket.
Since then, I've run the front plate. It's hideous but I don't want to be hassled and worried everytime I drive. This is my daily and I'm always running around to various parts of the town so it would only be a matter of time before they get me again. It's not worth the tickets and record.
I'm not running a front plate either even though it is the law in Ida Ho. I ran into a female officer at the gas station right after I got the car 5 months ago... I said "How long will it be before I get pulled over for no front plate?" She said "Honestly most cops don't hassle Vettes for some reason, as long as you aren't speeding or driving recklessly they will most likely leave you alone."
I have been pulled over for not having a front plate in my Porsche 4 times with warnings, twice in my GTR, and once in my truck.. but I have yet to get a ticket. I have the plate and frame in the trunk just in case I do though.
I'm in Virginia (NoVa). They don't care for the most part but if you're parked on the street pretty much anywhere in Arlington County they will ticket you for no front plate (yes, while it's parked). Que all you old geezers "Well who parks their Corvette on the street, its a national treasure?!?". Street parking is very common, you see plenty of 6 figure cars on the street as it's a city and parking is scarce. I do think it's criminal to get a ticket for no front plate while literally PARKED and not being in the car. Go to a bar for some wings and beer? Hope you enjoy that no front plate ticket when you get out! Ridiculous.
I live in Ohio where front plates are required and I have been lucky so far. In four years, no ticket yet. In fact I would estimate about 70% of the C5 owners in Ohio do not run them. I found my car in Sycamore Illinois, and the previous owner said he had never had front plates on her. I remove the cover a couple times per year to remove bug carcasses and detail.
I do not understand all the ruckus about front license plates in states that require them. So what if the plate may not cosmetically blend into the C5 appearance. It is the friggin law folks. . If your state does not require a license plate, why not put one on showing your patriotism while driving and supporting a made in America sports car. I have to but also
proudly display my tag showing folks my dedication to this wonderfully country in the front and back of my avatar. How about you?
07-24-2018, 09:15 AM
