Front license plate or no?

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54
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Location
Hayward, CA
#1
I'm installing my M-tech II front and rear bumpers today [:D] and the question came up as to whether I wanted to have the front license plate bracket mounted. I told them not to install yet until I come by to pick it up later today.

What do you guys in California think? Don't install the front plates and risk getting stopped and paying the fine or go with the install but with the front looking less cool [???1]
 
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Location
Herndon Virginia
#2
Well its not a BMW and I don't live in Cali - but on my S4 i keep the plate in the window - passenger side so as not to block air flow to the intercoolers and because it looks better....I've never had a problem - and the one ticket I've gotten in the car the (Virgina) cop never questioned it or said anything. Occasionaly I've noticed cops look the car over as I drive past - but when they see the plate in the winshield they seem satisfied...
 
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Location
Lincoln, CA
#3
Don't do it. If you don't have red light cameras in your area, it should still be a fix it ticket. Then, if you need to reattach it to prove you "fixed" it, just use double sided tape so you can rip it off again right afterwards.

Technically, I believe putting it on your dashboard is legal in CA, but try arguing with a cop on that point.
 
Messages
54
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Location
Hayward, CA
#4
codex57 said:
Don't do it. If you don't have red light cameras in your area, it should still be a fix it ticket. Then, if you need to reattach it to prove you "fixed" it, just use double sided tape so you can rip it off again right afterwards.

Technically, I believe putting it on your dashboard is legal in CA, but try arguing with a cop on that point.
Thanks for the comments.

The problem is the red light cameras are all over these days. The body shop folks told me that they get you to pay $50 up front for the fix it fine anyway. I think if they catch you a second time without fixing it, it fine will likely be higher or something.

Still have 4 hours to decide..... [unsure]
 
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Location
New Jersey
#5
I know this is a totally different response, but when I was gonna get the 330Ci, I was planning on ordering a Euro plate in the front. Looks great (doesn't hide the front spoiler or anything) and if a cop stops me for it, at least I can say that it reads the same characters as the real license plate should.
 
#6
MrElussive said:
I know this is a totally different response, but when I was gonna get the 330Ci, I was planning on ordering a Euro plate in the front. Looks great (doesn't hide the front spoiler or anything) and if a cop stops me for it, at least I can say that it reads the same characters as the real license plate should.
Dude, thank you! I live in NJ too and hate these aweful plates - location on the car and the color of the plates. I dont know why I never thought of getting the euro-style plates with the same characters as what I have on the back. I know it's probably not legal but its sort of legal and looks good (works for me).
 
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6,984
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Location
New Jersey
#7
Yeah man, definitely go for it. For my G35C, the front bumper of the car is designed to house a US license plate so it's no problem for me at all. Plus, the black car and yellow license plates and yellow brake calipers is a nice combo that works very well! Friends have told me that the NJ license plates actually look good on my car, lol.
 

Kin

Member
Messages
59
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Location
LA
#8
I have put it on my car. It may not look as nice, but I would rather pu tit on and save some trouble and money. I got pull over one time because I had no front plate on, and cost me $100+ to fix it. The ticket itself was $70, and the police department charged me $40 to just inspect it. I tried to go to different police stations, but the ticket specifiy indicated which station I need to go.
 
Messages
54
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0
Location
Hayward, CA
#9
I went with the license plate as I didn't want to have the possibility of getting a ticket be on my mind.

Oh well, won't look as cool but at least I get peace of mind. Still, the M-tech kit looks sweet.
 
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Location
Orange County, California
#10
in cali you need a front licence plate...its illegal not to...but the cops will only pull you over if they have nothing else to do to pull you over for that violation...my cuz lives in Newark next to Hayward and i dont think the cops would care if u didn't have one in the front
 


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