TX law clarification
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 0
From: Dallas (Richardson), TX, USA
I've never had a front plate on my car. This resulted in one warning because some cops were pulling over every single person driving out of a parking lot that if they had something wrong with their stickers, plates, etc. No big deal.
I also received a ticket for it. However, I was tearing *** down a street and deserved to be pulled over. The officer was extremely cool and gave me the front plate ticket instead of the other tickets I rightfully deserved.
Not only that, I got that ticket dismissed. I put the front plate on, drove to the court house, and they dismissed it for me. Of course, I had to stop and take it off on the way home because the car was overheating!
I also received a ticket for it. However, I was tearing *** down a street and deserved to be pulled over. The officer was extremely cool and gave me the front plate ticket instead of the other tickets I rightfully deserved.
Not only that, I got that ticket dismissed. I put the front plate on, drove to the court house, and they dismissed it for me. Of course, I had to stop and take it off on the way home because the car was overheating!
Obey the law if not the letter of it. Says front and back of the car. I have a front bumper and a front windshield so Im within what the law states. Dont mean to be a smartass about it but if a cop pulls me over, tells me what I did wrong Im going to look it up if I know nothing about it. If I want clarification of what the law states I will ask my lawyer. I have had a friend get pulled over for not using her blinker to turn in the first 100 yards. Last I looked it was 100 feet and she got a ticket for it. Not to count the number of times I have been pulled over and had to correct the officer. Wasnt being a bad *** to them, I was just stating what is written. Took a lot of defensive driving for all of the tickets I got for speeding so I learned what the law stated pretty well.
Last edited by Jwright41; Jun 15, 2009 at 02:02 PM.
it's really kinda a catch 22. i keep mine on the passenger side so it's out of my way so i can see, but of course the oncoming cops can't see it way over there. still haven't had any problems though
mine is on my airdam also.. Havn't had any problems.. I was actually pulled over Because i had a headlight out and the cop told me that it was a good idea putting my plate down their.. Ha said he couldnt stand the look of a front plate on a nice car.. I dont care if its law or not.. I dont like the look of it so its not going on.. Just me though..
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Teching In
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Little Elm, TX
so, do we need front license plates?
i've seen both sides of the argument and both quote references saying no its no longer a law and others saying that its still in place and you'll get ticketed.
so whats the final? because i'd really like to get a new grille and ditch the front plate
i've seen both sides of the argument and both quote references saying no its no longer a law and others saying that its still in place and you'll get ticketed.
so whats the final? because i'd really like to get a new grille and ditch the front plate
I did get pulled over for this last week though, first time to be pulled over for it in at least 4 years.
Mines about a low as anyone and I only occasionally scrape it. I have it on the airdam. Its no big deal.
I had a state trooper question me about it...but he gave me a ticket for no insurance card instead.
That sucks that the bill was introduced but it isnt going anywhere. This comes up every couple years, and it always gets dropped. I wonder why?
I had a state trooper question me about it...but he gave me a ticket for no insurance card instead.
That sucks that the bill was introduced but it isnt going anywhere. This comes up every couple years, and it always gets dropped. I wonder why?
here's more info direct from tx DPS. note the bold text for the people debating the windshield placement.
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/vi/Misc/faq/faq_item.htm
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/vi/Misc/faq/faq_item.htm
State law requires that you display two (2) license plates, one to the front and one to the rear. Placement or mounting of license plates is not defined.
*This guidance is referenced in TXDOT's requirements to properly display the registration certificate. DPS does not inspect the license plate itself, but instead inspects the license plate lamp.
View Transportation Code
View Sec. 502.404. OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT LICENSE PLATE OR REGISTRATION INSIGNIA
View Department Rules/Regulation Inspection criteria
View 04.20.00 Details of Inspection & Search for 20.18 License Plate Lamp
*This guidance is referenced in TXDOT's requirements to properly display the registration certificate. DPS does not inspect the license plate itself, but instead inspects the license plate lamp.
View Transportation Code
View Sec. 502.404. OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT LICENSE PLATE OR REGISTRATION INSIGNIA
View Department Rules/Regulation Inspection criteria
View 04.20.00 Details of Inspection & Search for 20.18 License Plate Lamp
Since I put mine on my windshield I have not been pulled over. And it falls under the term listed "front of the vehicle" seeing how it is my FRONT windshield. Lawmakers want us to be politically correct so that is all Im doing
putting the rear license plates in the REAR window because it falls under the terms "rear of the vehicle".
see how stupid that sounds !?!?
My first Sensi, who was in law enforcement, taught me to question authority for half the time people dont know what they are talking about. And I have tested the cops. Funny thing is 95% of the time I have come out on top for I know more and wasnt a dick to the cop when I was talking with him. Had a few that were pissed off when they pulled me over. They have cameras in their cars and wont be hard to nail them to a wall if they get out of line. Granted I have nothing but respect for them - married a probation officer - so I know how things go.
Funny that I see pickups that put them in their back windows and no cop pulls them over.
Doesnt sound stupid at all now does it.
Well, not sure where I read it - but part of the law states that your license plate cannot have any "covering" (ie. plate covers, clear or tinted)... and to some that might include the windshield.
Also, I wouldnt want to be in a car wreck with a metal license plate banging around inside the cabin jabbing itself into my fleshy parts. When you go to defensive driving they even warn about tissue boxes on the rear package shelf and sun visors in the partially down position.
Also, I wouldnt want to be in a car wreck with a metal license plate banging around inside the cabin jabbing itself into my fleshy parts. When you go to defensive driving they even warn about tissue boxes on the rear package shelf and sun visors in the partially down position.