Front license plate in texas?
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Banned
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: East Texas
Car: 1985 Z28
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700-R4
Front license plate in texas?
I refuse to drill holes in my camaro, will hanging it in the window work? I read the law and it said it had to be displayed from the front...window will work right?
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: houston tx.
Car: 92 camaro rs
Engine: 305 tbi
Transmission: 7000r4
yeah you can put the liscence plate in your frond windshied. as long as its visible fron the front of the car, i have had mine wedged between the window and the dash on the passenger side so it doesn't obstruct my view. i have pulled over a couyple of times and every time i got let go b/c they overlooked it when they pulled me over
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 520
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From: Amarillo, Tx
Car: 1986 Z28
Engine: 355TPI 380hp
Transmission: Rebuilt 700r w/ Transgo Shift Kit
That's exactly where I keep mine, in the window. Of course, I only did that because after several years, a robocop finally pulled me over and gave me a warning.
That's where mine is. I found some suction cups at Pep Boys near the license plate brackets and they work great. Before I only had it suctioned on the top and the bottom cracked my dash.
My windows are also too dark, so I keep a copy of both laws in the car along with a Drs. note saying I have light sensitivity. Tell you what though, it really pisses off DPS when they pull you over. I think I get away with it because I'm a girl... I tried to find the link for the specific code, but I can't. It's somewhere in the Transportation Code at www.capital.state.tx.us The window tint thing is under TTC chapter 7 section 547.609 and 547.613
My windows are also too dark, so I keep a copy of both laws in the car along with a Drs. note saying I have light sensitivity. Tell you what though, it really pisses off DPS when they pull you over. I think I get away with it because I'm a girl... I tried to find the link for the specific code, but I can't. It's somewhere in the Transportation Code at www.capital.state.tx.us The window tint thing is under TTC chapter 7 section 547.609 and 547.613 Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 788
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From: San Antonio, TX
Car: '99 HO Z28 / '03 Trailblazer
Good luck getting scalped when you get into a serious car accident. 
best place for it is on the front airdam. If you can get down close to ground level and see it from the front - then it's legal...according to a texas cop that posts on another website.
HTH!

best place for it is on the front airdam. If you can get down close to ground level and see it from the front - then it's legal...according to a texas cop that posts on another website.
HTH!
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 788
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From: San Antonio, TX
Car: '99 HO Z28 / '03 Trailblazer
Originally posted by zap89
I thought that if it, did not have FACTORY installed mounting brackets then you didn't have to have a front license plate ?
I thought that if it, did not have FACTORY installed mounting brackets then you didn't have to have a front license plate ?
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: San Antonio, TX
Car: '99 HO Z28 / '03 Trailblazer
Originally posted by zap89
Is this in writing some where ? I don't want to drill holes in my bird either if I don't have too.
Is this in writing some where ? I don't want to drill holes in my bird either if I don't have too.
§ 502.404. Operation of Vehicle Without License Plate or Registration Insignia
(a) A person commits an offense if the person operates on a public highway during a registration period a passenger car or commercial motor vehicle that does not display two license plates, at the front and rear of the vehicle,
(a) A person commits an offense if the person operates on a public highway during a registration period a passenger car or commercial motor vehicle that does not display two license plates, at the front and rear of the vehicle,
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 788
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From: San Antonio, TX
Car: '99 HO Z28 / '03 Trailblazer
You actually dont have to drill holes though. Mount the plate to the fron airdam (under the front bumper). You can use zip ties or the like. It may scrape from time to time, but it is considered the front of the car.
HTH!!!
HTH!!!
Supreme Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,500
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From: Dallas/Fort-Worth
Car: 1988 Camaro IROC-Z
Engine: 350 TPI (L98)
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt 3.45
Here's a petition for getting rid of the front license plate law. 9,300+ people signed it the last time I checked.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 401
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From: Fort Worth, Tx
Car: 92 RS 25th Anniversary
Engine: 3.1
Transmission: 700r4
hmm mines between the seat and the console...when i got pulled over... on 2 seperate occasions(no tickets written) they both **SUGGESTED** i move it cuz if i wrecked it could in fact potentially harm me.. so inbetween it went....this was when i boght my bullit grill becuase it had no mounting holes for a license plate
Supreme Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,500
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From: Dallas/Fort-Worth
Car: 1988 Camaro IROC-Z
Engine: 350 TPI (L98)
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt 3.45
I have mine under the seat today, is that ok?
I haven't had a front plate on for a couple years now, only got a warning one time, but I looked at the cop wrong and he just needed a reason to pull me over.
Under the seat:
Incase you are wondering, and before I get flamed... I just got new plates when I went in for my registration, just when I remembed the other one!!!
I haven't had a front plate on for a couple years now, only got a warning one time, but I looked at the cop wrong and he just needed a reason to pull me over.
Under the seat:
Incase you are wondering, and before I get flamed... I just got new plates when I went in for my registration, just when I remembed the other one!!!
Supreme Member

Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,085
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From: DFW
Car: 1992 Z28
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: G80 3.23
Question - how can a cop radar you from in front if you dont have a license plate in front?
If they cant... in theory, you could hawl your *** as fast as possible down the highways, and if the cop cant radar you, then if he does decide to pull you over, the best you would get is a ticket for no plate (revoked when you put one on) since he couldnt determine how fast you were going (unless I guess he turned around real quick and got you from behind).
If they cant... in theory, you could hawl your *** as fast as possible down the highways, and if the cop cant radar you, then if he does decide to pull you over, the best you would get is a ticket for no plate (revoked when you put one on) since he couldnt determine how fast you were going (unless I guess he turned around real quick and got you from behind).
Originally posted by Pro
Question - how can a cop radar you from in front if you dont have a license plate in front?
If they cant... in theory, you could hawl your *** as fast as possible down the highways, and if the cop cant radar you, then if he does decide to pull you over, the best you would get is a ticket for no plate (revoked when you put one on) since he couldnt determine how fast you were going (unless I guess he turned around real quick and got you from behind).
Question - how can a cop radar you from in front if you dont have a license plate in front?
If they cant... in theory, you could hawl your *** as fast as possible down the highways, and if the cop cant radar you, then if he does decide to pull you over, the best you would get is a ticket for no plate (revoked when you put one on) since he couldnt determine how fast you were going (unless I guess he turned around real quick and got you from behind).
Dont need a front plate for RADAR, as it just bounces off of the largest moving object in its path. Although a LASER does need a reflective surface, it does not have to be a plate. Headlight, turn signal, even a bling, bling grill will work. I have even gotten a reading from a flat, nicely painted hood. Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 788
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From: San Antonio, TX
Car: '99 HO Z28 / '03 Trailblazer
Originally posted by Maroon-IROC-Z
I have mine under the seat today, is that ok?
I have mine under the seat today, is that ok?
2) if you get into a big accident and it comes out of there...it will shave the back of your legs for you. (ouch)
Just mount it to the airdam UNDER the front bumper. Its still visible from the front and therefore technically legal.
I just take my chances. I will and have paid the $135 ticket if the cop insists that he wants to be a jackass. Usually most officers will not give you a ticket for no plate unless your being a jackass yourself. I received my ticket because I was also close to being over the intoxication limit, so the slew of tickets I received was the "warning" of not to drink and drive.
My other warnings have been from pulling out of the bar after only 1 or 2 drinks, presumably to check on my intox level. I wasn’t drunk so I didn’t get a ticket.
My car lived in AZ for 12 years, Ill be damned if I am going to put holes in nor endanger my person by putting it in the window. I will pay the ticket again if I get one for this asinine law.
My other warnings have been from pulling out of the bar after only 1 or 2 drinks, presumably to check on my intox level. I wasn’t drunk so I didn’t get a ticket.
My car lived in AZ for 12 years, Ill be damned if I am going to put holes in nor endanger my person by putting it in the window. I will pay the ticket again if I get one for this asinine law.
Supreme Member

Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 4
From: DFW
Car: 1992 Z28
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: G80 3.23
Isnt there like a bracket or something you can buy to hold it in? Thats what mine has, with no drilling required. I have never put it on though because a)I hardly ever drive the car, b)Im not in an area where cops patrol that often c)I just dont care
Check out eBay. There is a guy that sells a bracket that mounts under the bumper, to the bumper supports or something. No holes to drill in your bumper cover.
Just fab some sheet metal up in a "L" shape and mount the plate. Better then drilling holes and getting a ticket. Or you can check out Autozone's HELP section to see what they have.
Just fab some sheet metal up in a "L" shape and mount the plate. Better then drilling holes and getting a ticket. Or you can check out Autozone's HELP section to see what they have.
Last edited by 88txiroc; Oct 5, 2004 at 07:34 AM.
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,500
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From: Dallas/Fort-Worth
Car: 1988 Camaro IROC-Z
Engine: 350 TPI (L98)
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt 3.45
Originally posted by DURTYBIRD
1) its not legal, and;
2) if you get into a big accident and it comes out of there...it will shave the back of your legs for you. (ouch)
Just mount it to the airdam UNDER the front bumper. Its still visible from the front and therefore technically legal.
1) its not legal, and;
2) if you get into a big accident and it comes out of there...it will shave the back of your legs for you. (ouch)
Just mount it to the airdam UNDER the front bumper. Its still visible from the front and therefore technically legal.
As for not having the front plate, at least it's not lying when I say I don't have the front plate.
Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 247
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From: Oklahoma
Car: 92 Rally
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
I live in OK and here we don't have to have a front license plate. But, my car did come equipped with the factory front license plate option. The grille insert is the black louvers with a factory plate. I recently switch to the IROC/Z28 grille with the fog lights. If someone wants the other grille let me know, I'd be willing to part with it. It's an easy switch and you shouldn't need to drill any holes. I can post a pic of it, if needed.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 788
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From: San Antonio, TX
Car: '99 HO Z28 / '03 Trailblazer
Another option is if you know someone who lives in LA or NM and you use their address to register in that state - then you not only have the one rear license plate - you also don't have to worry about the stupid windshield sticker or vehicle inspection sticker.
Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 401
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From: Fort Worth, Tx
Car: 92 RS 25th Anniversary
Engine: 3.1
Transmission: 700r4
my friend got a written warning for no front plate so he mounted it right quick, took a pic, took the pic to the courthouse, and had the ticket dropped.... then unmounted the plate again
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 81
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From: Houston, TX
Car: 91' Z28
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700r-4
my car had no front plate when i bought it, went for nearly 6 months without getting pulled over for it. then one day i got pulled over by a local cop, just a warning. 1 week later got pulled over by a state troop, same thing just a warning. 2 days later, got pulled over by local cop again, another warning. 1 week later, got pulled over by another local cop, another warning. about 2 weeks later i got pulled over by the same cop that pulled me over the first, was very close to getting a ticket, but i told him i was on my way home so that i could put the plate on. so i went home and put the damn thing on because i was tired of getting pulled over, made me late for work 3 times. my car already had holes drilled in it so, no big deal for me.
oh and appearently you can't have it in the window as i had the state troop and one the other cops tell me that.
oh and appearently you can't have it in the window as i had the state troop and one the other cops tell me that.
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 206
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From: Amarillo, Texas
Car: 88 Formula 350
Transmission: 700R4
I used to get pulled over in my 79 TA all the time with it in the windshield and was also told it is not legal there. So i put it on hinges under the front of the car. Even though it stays pushed up out of sight I havent been pulled over since.
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