Front Plate Issue..again
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
A cover of any kind is "technically" against the law (it's in the RCW) but a smoked or tinted cover may be more likely to get you pulled over where a clear cover may not.
As far as the Collector Plate, you do only get one, but there are restrictions on driving with it. IIRC, it's only to and from events, activities, service work, or things like that. You could get ticketed and possibly lose the plate if the car would be used as a daily driver.
It seems like a no front plate ticket is always at the discretion of the LEO. Some cops will jump on anyone and other will not pay any attention at all. Maybe it's just some of the rookie LEO's that want to write tickets
As far as the Collector Plate, you do only get one, but there are restrictions on driving with it. IIRC, it's only to and from events, activities, service work, or things like that. You could get ticketed and possibly lose the plate if the car would be used as a daily driver.
It seems like a no front plate ticket is always at the discretion of the LEO. Some cops will jump on anyone and other will not pay any attention at all. Maybe it's just some of the rookie LEO's that want to write tickets
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Hello, I'm new to the forum. We just purchased an 04 and there is no front plate. I would bet that there will more enforcement in the Portland metro region because of the tickets generated by the red light cameras in Salem, Beaverton and Portland. They will not be able to get a mailing address or ID without a front plate.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 925
Likes: 24
From: Wenatchee WA
Also, Keep In Mind That Many Cities Are Now Installing Cameras To Catch Both Red Light Runners And Speeders. There Needs To Be A Front Plate So That The Owner Can "contribute" To The Overall Fund.
I To Have Collector Plates On My 65' And Drive It Alot In The Summer Months. Never Once Have I Been Stopped To See If I Was On My Way To A Parade Or Car Show. If I Ever Am, Then I Suppose I Am On My Way To One Of These. It Would Be Very Difficult For Them To Prove I Was Not.
I To Have Collector Plates On My 65' And Drive It Alot In The Summer Months. Never Once Have I Been Stopped To See If I Was On My Way To A Parade Or Car Show. If I Ever Am, Then I Suppose I Am On My Way To One Of These. It Would Be Very Difficult For Them To Prove I Was Not.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver WA
So here's another question.
I have my front plate mounted in the factory position, but I have a slightly tinted cover over it. It looks good on the Pewter color but I've heard that I could get a ticket for it that costs MORE than having no plate at all.
Any truth to this? Does anyone know?
I have my front plate mounted in the factory position, but I have a slightly tinted cover over it. It looks good on the Pewter color but I've heard that I could get a ticket for it that costs MORE than having no plate at all.
Any truth to this? Does anyone know?
Although, it sure seems like they let that slide more. Sometimes I can't believe how hard it is to evem read some plates under tinted covers. Especially bad when the cover gets scratched up or discolored.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,123
Likes: 0
From: Issaquah WA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,320
Likes: 2
From: Salem Oregon
I hate the front plate. I put a plastic cover over it, and still got stopped.
The law is based on common sense.
Imagine how you would feel if, your family was hurt by a drive by shooting, and the only witness, said: I saw the car it was blue. It did not have a plate on the front, and by the time I got up off the ground, it was around the corner.
Food for thought.
I hate the front plate, but if something involving my family, and a auto, my chances double that they will be found with 2 plates.
To each their own.
Security has a price.
Randy
The law is based on common sense.
Imagine how you would feel if, your family was hurt by a drive by shooting, and the only witness, said: I saw the car it was blue. It did not have a plate on the front, and by the time I got up off the ground, it was around the corner.
Food for thought.
I hate the front plate, but if something involving my family, and a auto, my chances double that they will be found with 2 plates.
To each their own.
Security has a price.
Randy
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,320
Likes: 2
From: Salem Oregon
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
From: Brinnon Washington
For information about collector plates here are some of the restrictions.
Collector vehicles may be driven:
"to and from auto shows, circuses, parades, displays, special excursions, and antique car club meetings.
for testing purposes.
for the pleasure of others without compensation."
Collector vehicles may be driven:
"to and from auto shows, circuses, parades, displays, special excursions, and antique car club meetings.
for testing purposes.
for the pleasure of others without compensation."
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 124
Likes: 1
From: LAKE STEVENS WA
Bottom line is either install the front plate to comply with the law or run without one and be willing to suffer the consequences. We have three and not one of them sports a front plate. It's not a moving violation so who gives a rats behind? 
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 7
From: WA
HERE'S THE SOLUTION!!!! heh heh heh (James Bond 007 style)
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
From: N Seattle WA
Pro
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 634
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
I read about a spray that you apply to your plates that when hit by radar light it makes the plate unreadable from all directions except straight on so when the man looks at you s/he can read the plate like nothing is on it.
Not sure if it works or not. I never used the product because I go to Canada a few times a year and while in custom's line coming back to the states they take a picture of the back of your car. I'm sure if they can not read the plate you'll be pulled over for inspection.
This doesn't help with the front plate issue but if you have to run a front plate this stuff might be worth a try. You can find it on the net.
I don't run a front plate either. It's my understanding (from an Oregon Cop) that it's a 250$ fine for no front plate or putting a cover over your plate making it hard to read the plate.
Not sure if it works or not. I never used the product because I go to Canada a few times a year and while in custom's line coming back to the states they take a picture of the back of your car. I'm sure if they can not read the plate you'll be pulled over for inspection.
This doesn't help with the front plate issue but if you have to run a front plate this stuff might be worth a try. You can find it on the net.
I don't run a front plate either. It's my understanding (from an Oregon Cop) that it's a 250$ fine for no front plate or putting a cover over your plate making it hard to read the plate.
Last edited by 884fun; Mar 14, 2008 at 11:44 PM.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 607
Likes: 0
From: Olympia Washington
So here's another question.
I have my front plate mounted in the factory position, but I have a slightly tinted cover over it. It looks good on the Pewter color but I've heard that I could get a ticket for it that costs MORE than having no plate at all.
Any truth to this? Does anyone know?
I have my front plate mounted in the factory position, but I have a slightly tinted cover over it. It looks good on the Pewter color but I've heard that I could get a ticket for it that costs MORE than having no plate at all.
Any truth to this? Does anyone know?
The thing about not running a front plate is it gives them an reason to pull you over.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 761
Likes: 335
From: Charlotte NC
I bought my car from a dealer about 5 months ago and it didn't come with a WA state front plate. In it's place was a generic Corvette plate (viewable in my sig). I'm relatively new to WA, how do I go about getting a front plate? Considering I already paid the tax,title, licensing, etc.. fees, I don't think I should pay out of pocket for it. Should I talk to the dealer?
I hate front plates, but I'd rather not deal with the hassle of being pulled over and getting a ticket..
I hate front plates, but I'd rather not deal with the hassle of being pulled over and getting a ticket..
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
If the car had WA plates on it, the previous owner would have had a front plate. He probably didn't put it on. You can check with the dealer to see if the PO has the front plate. Because WA plates go with the car and not the owner, and the dealer didn't catch it, you are probably on the hook for a new plate if the existing one can't be found.
You can go to any licensing office to get a set of replacement plates. Here's a link on the how, where and the costs.
WA has some nice digital plates for various organizations if you want to look into them, go here to check them out. If you want personalized plates, you can get them on the standard design plate or they are available on any of the specialized plate backgrounds.
You can go to any licensing office to get a set of replacement plates. Here's a link on the how, where and the costs.
WA has some nice digital plates for various organizations if you want to look into them, go here to check them out. If you want personalized plates, you can get them on the standard design plate or they are available on any of the specialized plate backgrounds.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Issaquah WA
Been living on the Eastside for 15 years and have never run a front plate. Pulled over once and given a warning. I continue to run with no front plate (on any of my cars) and never will. I'd rather pay the fine than disfigure the appearance of the cars.
Besides why are front plates required in WA? Is it so they can identify you when they look in their rearview mirror, or as you try to get away in reverse. lol. Naw, license plates are nice flat reflective targets that are more easily tagged by traffic enforcement equipment.
Besides why are front plates required in WA? Is it so they can identify you when they look in their rearview mirror, or as you try to get away in reverse. lol. Naw, license plates are nice flat reflective targets that are more easily tagged by traffic enforcement equipment.
I continue to run no front plate in areas that I typically have no trouble in. If I am planning on travelling any significant distance or being on the freeway for long then I toss the plate on just for peace of mind.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Issaquah WA
I hate the front plate. I put a plastic cover over it, and still got stopped.
The law is based on common sense.
Imagine how you would feel if, your family was hurt by a drive by shooting, and the only witness, said: I saw the car it was blue. It did not have a plate on the front, and by the time I got up off the ground, it was around the corner.
Food for thought.
I hate the front plate, but if something involving my family, and a auto, my chances double that they will be found with 2 plates.
To each their own.
Security has a price.
Randy
The law is based on common sense.
Imagine how you would feel if, your family was hurt by a drive by shooting, and the only witness, said: I saw the car it was blue. It did not have a plate on the front, and by the time I got up off the ground, it was around the corner.
Food for thought.
I hate the front plate, but if something involving my family, and a auto, my chances double that they will be found with 2 plates.
To each their own.
Security has a price.
Randy
Randy,
I 100% respect your opinion on this, especially when it involved something as important as family or safety, however I do not feel that a front plate is very significant in most relevant situations. If someone is intending on doing a drive-by, I would be surprised if they had any plate on at all let alone a front one. Additionally, unless they are driving in reverse, the rear plate is going to be the one you will be looking for after the car passes by, not the front.