NW Indiana and South Chicago Suburb Looking for club members to have gatherings, cruises, and to help each other out.

Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 19, 2016 | 07:59 PM
  #1  
florida_gators's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: Odessa, FL
Car: 1990 Firebird
Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

I'm possibly moving from Florida to the Chicago area. My Firebird's always been in rear plate only states, so I don't have the front bumper holes for a front plate. I really don't want to drill into my front bumper since my car is almost restored. Is there a front plate exception for AV plates in Illinois (or for antique cars)? The DMV wasn't helpful when I called them.
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2016 | 03:32 PM
  #2  
xpndbl3's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,622
Likes: 5
From: Orland Park, IL
Car: 1984 Z28
Engine: SLOW carbed ls
Transmission: TH400 with brake, 8" PTC converter
Axle/Gears: moser 9" 4.11
Re: Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

Nope just a ticket tax when they pop you for it
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2016 | 05:43 PM
  #3  
TTOP350's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,211
Likes: 1,135
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

Yeah, it sucks having to have a front plate here in IL.
I made a bracket that comes off the bottom of the bumper to mount the plate.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2016 | 07:28 AM
  #4  
Thirdgen89GTA's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
Liked
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,902
Likes: 239
From: Chicagoland Suburbs
Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: LT1, AFR 195cc, 231/239 LE cam.
Transmission: M28 T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23 10bolt waiting to explode.
Re: Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

This is what I would have done if my bumper didn't already have holes drilled. Heck. Even though the holes are there is still love to ditch the plate.

Some people get away without front plates here. Others can't. Depends on where you park. If you live in a complex or area with street only parking you will get tickets overnight. If you have a driveway then you likely won't. You might still get the occasional ticket if you get pulled over for something else. Anything to feed the bankrupt state.
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2016 | 10:09 PM
  #5  
jmd's Avatar
jmd
Supreme Member
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,513
Likes: 87
From: Aridzona
Car: `86 SS / `87 SS
Engine: L69 w/ TPI on top / 305 4bbl
Transmission: `95 T56 \ `88 200-4R
Re: Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

Register in another state.
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2016 | 10:49 PM
  #6  
chazman's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 9,937
Likes: 636
From: Chicagoland
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

Originally Posted by xpndbl3
Nope just a ticket tax when they pop you for it
Exactly.
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2016 | 11:31 PM
  #7  
t/aws61985's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 621
Likes: 149
From: Chicago
Car: 85-6 TA 85 IROC 82-86 MSE 83 Pace
Engine: Slow ones
Transmission: Noisy ones
Axle/Gears: Weak ones
Re: Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

I live in IL and do not have a front plate. Just the rear. I actually have been pulled over once for it. Told the cop It was in the mail, and this is the project car blah blah blah(which it really was but anyways). He let me go but its really all just a big scam. Just a way for the city/state to make more money through red light cams etc. In actuality I do not have a problem with the plate. But I am not drilling holes in my 30 year old bumper. Especially when Illinois roads suck, we have a lot of tolls, and they never fix them. So they dont need anymore of my money lol.
Reply
Old May 13, 2016 | 09:50 PM
  #8  
Tibo's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,028
Likes: 78
From: Desert
Car: 1991 Z28 Vert
Engine: 383 single plane efi
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: 8.8 with 3.73s
Re: Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

During college and a few years after college I lived in Illinois and drove with no front plate and I only remember being pestered about it by an officer once. I was confronted far more times about my tint (before the current tint law) and exhaust. College in southern Illinois, worked in central Illinois and then Chicago suburbs. I had the least amount of trouble for anything in the Chicago suburbs--The officers even told me they have better things to worry about. Chicago the city might be a different story with enforcement.
Reply
Old May 13, 2016 | 10:07 PM
  #9  
thtanner's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 89
From: Temecula, CA
Car: 1989 Pontiac Formula 350
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: BorgWarner 3.27 Posi
Re: Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

No front plate here.. there are no holes in my car's bumper and they won't get me to put any in either. It's an older car so they usually give them a pass here.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2016 | 01:31 PM
  #10  
BradS(IL)'s Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Re: Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

I would rather pay a ticket than put the ugliest plate in the country on the front of my IROC.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2016 | 12:02 AM
  #11  
QwkTrip's Avatar
COTM Editor
20 Year Member
iTrader: (22)
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 10,396
Likes: 2,067
Car: '89 Firebird
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: T56
Re: Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

You are required to run a front plate in Illinois, unless the car never had a factory provision for front plate. Technically Firebirds did not have a factory provision. The plate was added by the dealer using an add-on bracket. But no reasonable person will listen to that excuse so you just need to man up and accept the consequences if you don't run a front plate.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2016 | 10:01 AM
  #12  
Thirdgen89GTA's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
Liked
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,902
Likes: 239
From: Chicagoland Suburbs
Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: LT1, AFR 195cc, 231/239 LE cam.
Transmission: M28 T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23 10bolt waiting to explode.
Re: Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

Originally Posted by QwkTrip
You are required to run a front plate in Illinois, unless the car never had a factory provision for front plate. Technically Firebirds did not have a factory provision. The plate was added by the dealer using an add-on bracket. But no reasonable person will listen to that excuse so you just need to man up and accept the consequences if you don't run a front plate.
I would like to see the legal bits on the "provision for front plate" bit.
Would be nice.

My Focus doesn't have a provision, nor does the GTA. Would be nice to find the legal loophole there if it exists.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2016 | 02:05 PM
  #13  
rarebmx's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 914
Likes: 16
From: Imperial, Missouri
Car: 89 IROC/89 Vert/87 Vert/89 GTA Vert
Engine: 5.7/5.0/5.0/5.7
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9" 2.77/9" 3:23/9" 3:42
Re: Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

Just add the flip down/up plate bracket. The manual ones are about $45 & power ones are $140
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2016 | 02:09 PM
  #14  
rarebmx's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 914
Likes: 16
From: Imperial, Missouri
Car: 89 IROC/89 Vert/87 Vert/89 GTA Vert
Engine: 5.7/5.0/5.0/5.7
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9" 2.77/9" 3:23/9" 3:42
Re: Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

Reply
Old Jul 6, 2016 | 04:03 PM
  #15  
Tibo's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,028
Likes: 78
From: Desert
Car: 1991 Z28 Vert
Engine: 383 single plane efi
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: 8.8 with 3.73s
Re: Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

That's impressive
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2016 | 08:50 PM
  #16  
jmd's Avatar
jmd
Supreme Member
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,513
Likes: 87
From: Aridzona
Car: `86 SS / `87 SS
Engine: L69 w/ TPI on top / 305 4bbl
Transmission: `95 T56 \ `88 200-4R
Re: Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

Originally Posted by QwkTrip
You are required to run a front plate in Illinois, unless the car never had a factory provision for front plate.
I welcome you to cite the IL vehicle code that leads you to believe this. It reads a bit differently, FYI.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2016 | 10:40 PM
  #17  
mdtoren's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 114
Likes: 2
From: Chicago, Il
Car: 1986 Iroc Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

Im with JDM, I do believe that you are responsible for creating the provisions for the plate. I ran with no front plate on my daily for years and years, never had a cop blink twice at me (for that, at least)...Then parked, in the Ohare parking lot, at 3AM, some cop with obviously NOTHING better to do, took it upon himself to walk in between cars to see that I didnt have a front and ticketed me for it. Bogus, but I paid my tax.

If you qualify (1991 this year for antique status) and you dont daily your camaro, look into the Antique plates..normal plates are like $105 a year, Antique plates, which have some loosely enforced "Restrictions" cost $30 something dollars and you only renew every 4 years. essentially saving you $390..then, do yourself a favor, know mechanic shops around the area and look up cruise nights, and if you ever get pulled over, just say your going to or home from a shop or a show and you have no issues! Im also fairly positive that there is no front plate requirement on the antique plates.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2016 | 10:56 PM
  #18  
Thirdgen89GTA's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
Liked
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,902
Likes: 239
From: Chicagoland Suburbs
Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: LT1, AFR 195cc, 231/239 LE cam.
Transmission: M28 T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23 10bolt waiting to explode.
Re: Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

Originally Posted by mdtoren
Im with JDM, I do believe that you are responsible for creating the provisions for the plate. I ran with no front plate on my daily for years and years, never had a cop blink twice at me (for that, at least)...Then parked, in the Ohare parking lot, at 3AM, some cop with obviously NOTHING better to do, took it upon himself to walk in between cars to see that I didnt have a front and ticketed me for it. Bogus, but I paid my tax.

If you qualify (1991 this year for antique status) and you dont daily your camaro, look into the Antique plates..normal plates are like $105 a year, Antique plates, which have some loosely enforced "Restrictions" cost $30 something dollars and you only renew every 4 years. essentially saving you $390..then, do yourself a favor, know mechanic shops around the area and look up cruise nights, and if you ever get pulled over, just say your going to or home from a shop or a show and you have no issues! Im also fairly positive that there is no front plate requirement on the antique plates.
I have never been ticketed for no front plate while driving.

Its always been an overnight parking ticket.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2016 | 11:02 PM
  #19  
rarebmx's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 914
Likes: 16
From: Imperial, Missouri
Car: 89 IROC/89 Vert/87 Vert/89 GTA Vert
Engine: 5.7/5.0/5.0/5.7
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9" 2.77/9" 3:23/9" 3:42
Re: Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

In MISSOURI I run year of Manufacture plates and they are the same as Historic Plates but the catch here is: if they issued two plates in that year, you must run both frobt & rear plates. 1972 was tge first year for front & rear plates. I saw this because Missouri & Illinois have similar laws on plates. Another beautiful thing on Missouri is, the plates are married to the car & no inspection, & one time fee of $28.50 FOREVER
The car on the left is the 1st one I've done this with but the other 2 IROCs are getting year of Manufacture plates too

Reply
Old Jul 7, 2016 | 10:28 AM
  #20  
TylerSteez's Avatar
Supreme Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 98
From: CT
Car: 86 Trans Am WS6
Engine: 383 stroker
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 9 Bolt Torsen 3.70
Re: Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

I see people prop up their plates in the windshield all the time here in CT. I'd at least try that before drilling into your bumper (which I would never do).
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2016 | 03:40 PM
  #21  
Thirdgen89GTA's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
Liked
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,902
Likes: 239
From: Chicagoland Suburbs
Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: LT1, AFR 195cc, 231/239 LE cam.
Transmission: M28 T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23 10bolt waiting to explode.
Re: Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs...62500050K3-413
(a) Registration plates issued for a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle, autocycle, trailer, semitrailer, truck-tractor, apportioned bus, or apportioned truck shall be attached thereto, one in the front and one in the rear. The registration plate issued for a motorcycle, autocycle, trailer or semitrailer required to be registered hereunder and any apportionment plate issued to a bus under the provisions of this Code shall be attached to the rear thereof. The registration plate issued for a truck-tractor or an apportioned truck required to be registered hereunder shall be attached to the front thereof.
Cliffs: Front plate mounted in front, or else.

Thankfully it says nothing about height, but displaying it in the on the dash is not the "front" of the car. So you'd get a ticket if the cop felt like it. And around me? They feel like it.
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2016 | 11:14 AM
  #22  
chickenhawk's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 271
Likes: 2
From: Plainfield, IL
Car: 86 Monte SS
Engine: LS2
Transmission: 4L65E
Re: Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

When I re-did the Formula I filled in the front bumper holes.. Never got a ticket.. Even when I got hassled for my darkened tail lights.. But probably didn't because I didn't leave it sit any place where it would happen.
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2016 | 12:06 PM
  #23  
Tibo's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,028
Likes: 78
From: Desert
Car: 1991 Z28 Vert
Engine: 383 single plane efi
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: 8.8 with 3.73s
Re: Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

Originally Posted by chickenhawk
When I re-did the Formula I filled in the front bumper holes.. Never got a ticket.. Even when I got hassled for my darkened tail lights.. But probably didn't because I didn't leave it sit any place where it would happen.
You were in close to the same boat I was, I lived in the western suburbs. I too was once pulled over at night for the tail light covers (Just outside Bloomington IL) and they never said anything about the lack of a front plate. Like has been said, it probably matters most where you park it. Any place that is patrolled by the parking police (or if your'e pulled over for driving like a yahoo) you're likely to get a ticket otherwise you'll be ok.
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2021 | 01:39 AM
  #24  
badgta's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 4
From: KY
Car: 1991 FORMULA
Engine: ZZ4 + LT4 HT CAM 430HP
Transmission: 700-R4 COMING T56
Axle/Gears: 9" 4.56's (COMING)
Re: Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?





Last edited by badgta; Feb 27, 2021 at 01:44 AM. Reason: PLEASE DELETE THIS POST, BADGTA
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2021 | 09:03 PM
  #25  
3rdgenzroc's Avatar
Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 250
Likes: 33
From: IL
Car: 86 Iroc-Z
Engine: 383 HSR
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Possibly Moving - Front License Plate Law in IL?

Is the blue car in the garage Brad's car in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High"?
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
TVIROCZ
Body
18
Jan 9, 2012 07:29 PM
Ozz1967
Auto Detailing and Appearance
3
Mar 30, 2008 01:38 AM
mike_c
Body
6
Oct 6, 2006 11:23 PM
Dingley
Auto Detailing and Appearance
17
Dec 30, 2003 06:57 PM
nolanr0413
Body
16
Mar 26, 2003 09:26 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:27 PM.