I know we're all legally supposed to have the front plate, but I talked to my dealer and he indicated there was a law that had passed that was repealing the front plate requirement sometime around Sept. Why September, I don't know, but I wanted to see if anyone else had heard of this, or to just put this in File 13 with all his other BS.

I haven't heard about that one. Unfortunately, even if it does pass, it'll be too late to save me from the chickensh1t ticket I picked up in Hutto yesterday.

I was in the wife's yellow Miata, and the Hutto cop pulled out from a side street and followed me for about a mile, sitting off my RL corner were he thought he was in my blind spot. When the little yellow sports car didn't oblige him by speeding though or out of his two-bit town, he pulled me over and handed me an $86 citation for no front plate. A$$hole.

What a jerk. Both of my parents got pulled over last weekend for the same thing (they were driving two different cars too) - but they did better, they only got warnings. I guess the small towns have to make money somehow... like LaGrange, or Ellinger.....

I asked a car dealer and he said that the Dept of Transportation (ftp://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/vtr/misc/vtr450forms.pdf) requires that you have a plate on the front and back.

However the Dept of Public Safety only requires the plate on the back....go figure...(I havent found evidence about the DPS yet so correct me if im wrong)

Texas Legislature Online -

§ 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, that have been:

(1) assigned by the department for the period; or

(2) validated by a registration insignia issued by the department that establishes that the vehicle is registered for the period.

(b) A person commits an offense if the person operates on a public highway during a registration period a passenger car or commercial motor vehicle, other than a vehicle assigned license plates for the registration period, that does not properly display the registration insignia issued by the department that establishes that the license plates have been validated for the period.

(c) A person commits an offense if the person operates on a public highway during a registration period a road tractor, motorcycle, trailer, or semitrailer that does not display a license plate, attached to the rear of the vehicle, that has been:

(1) assigned by the department for the period; or

(2) validated by a registration insignia issued by the department that establishes that the vehicle is registered for the period.

(d) Subsections (a) and (b) do not apply to a dealer operating a vehicle as provided by law.

(e) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $200.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

So KillJoy, you're saying.... totally legal, go for it?

At least thats what I heard....

Uhh, it says you must have front and rear plates (unless you consider the RX-8 a farm tractor). And now that you actually have yours, I'm sure that's not the case :D

My friends and I have been getting state inspections approved with out front license plates for some time. Does that say anything? Or is it totally irrelevant?

well .. consider that I have been getting my RX-7 inspected without a cat for about 3 years.. i'd say the relevance factor to the cops is 'null' :D

I had been planning on going without the front plate, but damn - this car attracts so much attention that I might just leave iton for a couple months until the heads quit turning.

Bah! front plate nothin'... My plate holder was off in less than 12 hrs, and it wont make a reappearance unless johnny law decides to intervene with more than a warning.

Boozehound, when you removed your front plate was there anything left behind - ugly drill holes for instance, or some mounting hardware? Or does it return exactly to the way it should be? :)

Just worried that if my dealer installs one, I'll end up with some nasty remnant after removing it... (such as what happens on an S4, you have to buy a new bumper insert).

I removed my front plate holder and there doesn't appear to be anything left behind. It seemed to be held on with a single screw.

I noticed that the plate bracket sits against the paint and looks like it would leave a mark if left on for a long time. The paint on my Miata was rubbed a little funny by the front plate bracket.

I plan to keep the front plate in the trunk. If I ever get pulled over I'll say it fell off and I haven't had a chance to put it back on yet. That'll work, right? ;)

my plate frame was screwed into the grille with 2 bolts and a screw. If you get down level with it, and you know what you're looking for, you can see a hint of brass from the nuts on the other side of the grille. Other than that, you'll never know. I guess that the dealer picks the spot for installation, so I asked repeatedly for them to NOT install it.

What did they do? Installed it. Claimed some liability BS - it was more of my salesman being a jerk and not letting anyone know what was up for the PDI. He also had it in the showroom too, which I specifically requested NOT to happen, but that's just a dealer for you.

If it were me, I'd breathe down my salesman's neck about it. Worst case senario would be two big ugly bumper holes that wont go away without a body shop.

what dealer?

Roger Beasley NORTH in Austin. So along with my previous complaints... to anyone looking to buy in Austin - GO TO ROGER BEASLEY SOUTH they are by far and away better with customer service and overall treatment during the process.

Ok, I'm done.

I was in the wife's yellow Miata, and the Hutto cop pulled out from a side street and followed me for about a mile, sitting off my RL corner were he thought he was in my blind spot. When the little yellow sports car didn't oblige him by speeding though or out of his two-bit town, he pulled me over and handed me an $86 citation for no front plate. A$$hole.

You should never drive through Hutto in a sports car. When I bought my 300zx last summer, I opened the glove box and about 6 speeding tickets fell out. All of them were from hutto, and all of them were for between 3 and 8 mph over the speed limit. My uncle has told me stories about getting pulled over there every time he drove through back when he had his c3 vette, but never encountering any trouble when he traded it in on an f150. Lagrange should be off limits as well, but its kinda hard to do that considering 71 runs right through it. Cops pull people over there and blatantly LIE about their speed when they give them a ticket. I was doing 70 through there, with my cruise control on, and got a ticket for doing 85. one of my friends here in austin had it happen to him in his BMW, and a couple of my friends from houston had it happen to them as well. It never happened to me during any of the 213094820394820394823 times I drove through in my saturn, but the 2nd time I drive through in my Z, I get pulled. Rural Texas highway patrol officers suck donkey scrotum.

Originally posted by evoandy
Rural Texas highway patrol officers suck donkey scrotum. Actually, I don't have any issues with Highway Patrol officers. It's the revenue collection arms of the 2-bit city councils that I find to be the biggest a$$holes.

Come on guys, local economies *need* the most up to date radar and laser speed detection equipment to protect their precious speed limits....

i see a lot of corvettes in texas with out the front plate. what's up with that?

I think it's called respect for the classic American sportscar.

I dunno.. (it sounded like a good asnwer at the time)

I've been riding around in my rx7 without a front plate for a pretty long time now. Its still illegal, and will likely never be repealed.

The reason is stop light cameras rely on a front plate to get you. Front plates are required.

Also, with laser, the user needs to bounce it off a flat surface. The 2 choice spots are you license plates or your light glass. If they are aiming from the front, and you have flip up headlights, they can't really get you from the front during the day.

So, basically it'll always be a law to have a front plate, but its easy to get around without it. To me, the fine is worth the risk of not being laser tagged from the front. Not that I speed a lot, but a red rx7 is going to be singled out in a pack of cars. And 2, its UGLY :)

I can tell you that at Jeff Haas Mazda we are not putting the front plate on. It just doesn't look good, but being the law, we will put it on at customer request. Other than that, were just turning our heads :D

Do what my buddy did with his Miata. Intentionally strip the screw holes for the bracket, then keep it in the trunk. He's been pulled over for it at least once, but a simple demonstration to the officer avoided the ticket...

i was gonna either break the bracket or strip the screws and throw it in my truck too...haha

I've been driving without a front plate in texas since October, 1990 when I picked up my first Miata and I am continuing the tradition with my RX-8. We've travelled all over the state as well as to many other states without a problem.:p

Originally posted by boowana
We've travelled all over the state as well as to many other states without a problem.:p Don't drive through Hutto! All our cars have been driven sans front plate for years, and we've both been stopped by DPS and APD, and until last month, not a single cop has even mentioned the lack of a plate, let alone cited us for it. But Hutto apparently needs to pay for their shiney new courthouse building. :mad:

There is an online petition effort underway to revoke the state law concerning Front License Plates. If your against the front plates please take a moment and sign the petition.

Thanks.

http://www.petitiononline.com/txplate/petition.html

Done and done.

I'm in.

On da list.

Me too!

Listo!

i am all for this!

signed

me, my wife, and kids (they have E-mail addresses too!) :D

Done.

Also, I was having trouble finding a definitive answer to the legality of clear side markers as to whether or not you have to have amber bulbs. Anyone clear as to whether you have to have amber or can use white bulbs for the sides?

Thanks for the help

Signed.

Originally posted by Visa
Done.

Also, I was having trouble finding a definitive answer to the legality of clear side markers as to whether or not you have to have amber bulbs. Anyone clear as to whether you have to have amber or can use white bulbs for the sides?

Thanks for the help

Buried in the law is the requirement that the side marker lights "must reflect amber".

However, it is not an inspectable item.

And I and all my family members have signed the petition.

Sweet, I signed.

I'm in.

Originally posted by Q121825
Buried in the law is the requirement that the side marker lights "must reflect amber".
You are right.

§ 547.353. COLOR REQUIREMENTS. (a) A clearance lamp,
identification lamp, side marker lamp, or reflector mounted on the
front, on the side near the front, or in the center of the vehicle
must be or reflect amber

EEEEEEERADICATOR!

In.

Did it

Wish I lived in Texas...:(

how do we do the same thing in other states?

Done!

I guess we should try to get ppl on other cars' forums to jump in.

You know the WRX, EVO, G35 and all other lesser cars :)

Yeah...when's the last time you saw a front plate on a Corvette?
What a silly law!! Just signed up!

I'll sign it, although it won't do any good.

If you want to try something that MIGHT have an effect, write an actual letter and snail mail it to a representative.

I signed along with my wife!!!

I've signed but I haven't had one since 1997 and I've never been pulled over.

My wife and I signed.

Now as Fan indicated, if you want the petition to have any teeth, start writing your state representative and complain about it. Ask me with your county and district if you don't know who to write. I have a copy of the Texas State Directory with everyone's name, their spouse's first name, address, phone, fax, occupation, educational information, committee info, office number at the capitol, religious affiliation, web sites when one exists and email when available.

Or buy your own;
Texas State Directory - $29.95 - ISBN 0-934367-47-7

Thanks for posting the petition. I signed.

Woot my wife signed too.

Signed

The wife got pulled over last night for not having a front plate on her Jeep. Luckily she got off with a warning...what a joke...don't the police have more important things to do?

Originally posted by allstate
I've signed but I haven't had one since 1997 and I've never been pulled over.

You better knock on wood... :( it sucks... I learned from a constable freind of mine last week that there will be increased "awareness" of non-moving violations through Memorial Day weekend.

So watch out for all those little things seat belts, taillights, and of course the infamous license plates.

I signed it a while back,

any idea how to start one of these? WE need one in our state! PM me if u know.

goto http://www.petitiononline.com/ and you should find all the details you need.

Gigolo...your avatar says it all...any Texas symbol (including license plates) looks better on a nice REAR END :D
HOOK 'EM!!

Originally posted by yanksfan1_67
Gigolo...your avatar says it all...any Texas symbol (including license plates) looks better on a nice REAR END :D
HOOK 'EM!!

:D ;)

done.l

I'm liking this thread more and more... haven't seen too many longhorns round the board...

Oh yes, and to remain topical - front plates suck. I don't run them and won't until I'm forced to.

I'm Renesis' little brother (20) and I drive a lightning. I have the same problem, and also don't have the plate on. I don't plan on putting it on, just keep it with me just incase. And I'm a longhorn...hehe

Hook 'Em Horns

I signed this thing a long time ago, we have the link going on the lightning boards

horns suck, go tech!

LOL

I'm in.

DONE!!!!!!! i wish this will pass................

DONE!!!!!!! i wish this will pass................

The wife and I are moving to Abilene from Wichita, KS in mid-June. We both signed!!

Im in..... the 8 would look much sexier

Write or repeatidly call your state representative if you really want to get some action.

Signed. After getting my RX-8 i just had to take off the front plate and I plan to keep it off until told otherwise by the fuzz.

I just signed it. I'm #8575. How many do you need to get it passed?

Originally posted by dirtylittlepaws
Signed. After getting my RX-8 i just had to take off the front plate and I plan to keep it off until told otherwise by the fuzz. Me too. Since I first saw this thread, I have kept an eye out for other cars with no front plate and I have seen a lot of them.

Just sign me as naked in front.

I've signed too!

Although I won't have my RX-8 for a few more years... although right after I moved to Texas (6 years ago from Southern California), I was told by the DMV that I needed to have a front plate on my 1990 Probe. I spent money to have a bracket installed, put on the plate, went to a car wash, didn't notice that it had broke off until a day later – never got stopped for not having one on ... as long as I had the car until last year January when the car was totaled out from being car #6 in a 8 car pile up on 114.

Hello Peeps! A few months ago I signed my name to the front plate eradication petition that was posted here on this site. Can anyone tell me when we might know wether or not the petition worked and if we will someday loose the rabbit tooth that plagues or 8's?

Expect the yearly bill submission to come up in Texas Congress (later when the session starts) don't expect much change.

If you want to affect change, contact your local State Representative.

Hello Peeps! A few months ago I signed my name to the front plate eradication petition that was posted here on this site. Can anyone tell me when we might know wether or not the petition worked and if we will someday loose the rabbit tooth that plagues or 8's?

What rabbit tooth? I'm no dentist, but I managed to extract that tooth in no time at all... :D

Nuts. There was a petition for this?! I would love to get the buck teeth off my car legally (see the pics from the Houston RX-7 Club meet). :o

This is how to e-mail your state Senator and Rep.
Go to texas.gov
click on Texas Legislature
on left click on who represents me
put in zip code
each Senator and rep. should have a send e-mail button

This is what I sent minus salutation and names.

I would like to see legislation passed that would remove the requirement for a front plate on cars in Texas, or the requirement for a front plate on sports cars that do not come with a mount for a front plate.
Thanks in advance for your help.


This is the best way to get this requirement removed.

This is the time to send this message if you are a voter, or not.

I got a letter from State Senator saying--
1. They tried to pass a no front plate law for state vehicles in 2003 and it did not pass. :eek:
2. Concerns were raised by the Office of Homeland Security as well as the toll road authorities. :eek:

Looks like there is no chance for a change in the law. :(

Has anyone in Texas taken off their front license plate? I would like to because it is an eyesore, but according to state law you are supposed to have 2 license plates (one back and one in the front) unless there is not a mounting for it in the front. I know that you can get a ticket for not having the front license plate. Somebody suggested taking off the bracket and trying to make it look like it never had one. What do other people do about this?

I've never had a problem driving in Dallas for 11 years without a front license plate. When I venture out to east texas I put one on, I have had problems when leaving the city. :rolleyes:

I was going to post the same question san7380. I drove my last car around for 2 years in TX w/o a front license plate and never had a problem. Got pulled over twice for speeding and the cops never said anything.

I have not received my tags yet and was thinking about taking the brackets off the front, but have not decided yet.

I think its one of those things where you're probably going to be fine but if you go by a cop on a bad day it just gives them an excuse to pull you over.

I took the brackets off about 3 days after i got the car...and will only put them on if i get a ticket...of course they will come right back off...

I've had my car for a year and a half, without a front plate, and have never had a problem. I travel around a lot of officers and they've never said a word about the front plate missing. They do make comments about how nice the RX-8 looks.

There's been quite a bit of discussion on this board about Harris County (Houston). If you look carefully at the club event pics from Houston, they almost all have front plates.

If I drive to Harris County, I put mine on. Otherwise, it stays off. The only person ever to notice is the worker in the County Clerk's office who wanted to see my car when I picked up my plates.

FYI: the search feature works great! :D

Try this thread: http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=6527&highlight=texas+plates

Link to official bill website: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/db2www/tlo/billhist/Hmatrix.d2w/report?LEG=79&SESS=R&CHAMBER=H&BILLTYPE=B&BILLSUFFIX=03540&SORT=Asc

If you kids are serious about this you need to call your local state representative and let them know it.

Here is the section of the bill regarding plates: (Which will most likely be stricken from the final proposed bill)



SECTION 9.01. Subchapter A, Chapter 502, Transportation
Code, is amended by adding Section 502.010 to read as follows:
Sec. 502.010. ISSUANCE AND DISPLAY OF LICENSE PLATE. (a)
Notwithstanding anything in this code to the contrary, including
Section 502.180, the department shall issue only one license plate
for attachment at the rear of the vehicle for which the plate is
issued.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in this code to the contrary,
including Section 502.404(a), a person is entitled to operate on a
public highway a vehicle that displays only one license plate if the
plate is attached at the rear of the vehicle. A person may operate
on a public highway a vehicle that displays two license plates if
both plates were assigned by the department for the registration
period as a set of plates.
(c) In any provision of this code that relates to the
issuance or display of "license plates," "plates," or a "set of
plates," the term means only one license plate.
SECTION 9.02. The change in law made by this article
regarding the issuance of license plates by the Texas Department of
Transportation applies only to the issuance of license plates by
the department for a registration period beginning on or after the
effective date of this article. For a registration period that
begins before the effective date of this article, the department
shall issue license plates as required by the law in effect
immediately before the effective date of this article, and the
former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 9.03. This article takes effect September 1, 2005.

Link to official bill website: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/db2www/tlo/billhist/Hmatrix.d2w/report?LEG=79&SESS=R&CHAMBER=H&BILLTYPE=B&BILLSUFFIX=03540&SORT=Asc

If you kids are serious about this you need to call your local state representative and let them know it.

Here is the section of the bill regarding plates: (Which will most likely be stricken from the final proposed bill)



SECTION 9.01. Subchapter A, Chapter 502, Transportation
Code, is amended by adding Section 502.010 to read as follows:
Sec. 502.010. ISSUANCE AND DISPLAY OF LICENSE PLATE. (a)
Notwithstanding anything in this code to the contrary, including
Section 502.180, the department shall issue only one license plate
for attachment at the rear of the vehicle for which the plate is
issued.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in this code to the contrary,
including Section 502.404(a), a person is entitled to operate on a
public highway a vehicle that displays only one license plate if the
plate is attached at the rear of the vehicle. A person may operate
on a public highway a vehicle that displays two license plates if
both plates were assigned by the department for the registration
period as a set of plates.
(c) In any provision of this code that relates to the
issuance or display of "license plates," "plates," or a "set of
plates," the term means only one license plate.
SECTION 9.02. The change in law made by this article
regarding the issuance of license plates by the Texas Department of
Transportation applies only to the issuance of license plates by
the department for a registration period beginning on or after the
effective date of this article. For a registration period that
begins before the effective date of this article, the department
shall issue license plates as required by the law in effect
immediately before the effective date of this article, and the
former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 9.03. This article takes effect September 1, 2005.

Link to official bill website: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/db2www/tlo/billhist/Hmatrix.d2w/report?LEG=79&SESS=R&CHAMBER=H&BILLTYPE=B&BILLSUFFIX=03540&SORT=Asc

If you kids are serious about this you need to call your local state representative and let them know it.

Here is the section of the bill regarding plates: (Which will most likely be stricken from the final proposed bill)



SECTION 9.01. Subchapter A, Chapter 502, Transportation
Code, is amended by adding Section 502.010 to read as follows:
Sec. 502.010. ISSUANCE AND DISPLAY OF LICENSE PLATE. (a)
Notwithstanding anything in this code to the contrary, including
Section 502.180, the department shall issue only one license plate
for attachment at the rear of the vehicle for which the plate is
issued.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in this code to the contrary,
including Section 502.404(a), a person is entitled to operate on a
public highway a vehicle that displays only one license plate if the
plate is attached at the rear of the vehicle. A person may operate
on a public highway a vehicle that displays two license plates if
both plates were assigned by the department for the registration
period as a set of plates.
(c) In any provision of this code that relates to the
issuance or display of "license plates," "plates," or a "set of
plates," the term means only one license plate.
SECTION 9.02. The change in law made by this article
regarding the issuance of license plates by the Texas Department of
Transportation applies only to the issuance of license plates by
the department for a registration period beginning on or after the
effective date of this article. For a registration period that
begins before the effective date of this article, the department
shall issue license plates as required by the law in effect
immediately before the effective date of this article, and the
former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 9.03. This article takes effect September 1, 2005.

Link to official bill website: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/db2www/tlo/billhist/Hmatrix.d2w/report?LEG=79&SESS=R&CHAMBER=H&BILLTYPE=B&BILLSUFFIX=03540&SORT=Asc

If you kids are serious about this you need to call your local state representative and let them know it.

Here is the section of the bill regarding plates: (Which will most likely be stricken from the final proposed bill)



SECTION 9.01. Subchapter A, Chapter 502, Transportation
Code, is amended by adding Section 502.010 to read as follows:
Sec. 502.010. ISSUANCE AND DISPLAY OF LICENSE PLATE. (a)
Notwithstanding anything in this code to the contrary, including
Section 502.180, the department shall issue only one license plate
for attachment at the rear of the vehicle for which the plate is
issued.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in this code to the contrary,
including Section 502.404(a), a person is entitled to operate on a
public highway a vehicle that displays only one license plate if the
plate is attached at the rear of the vehicle. A person may operate
on a public highway a vehicle that displays two license plates if
both plates were assigned by the department for the registration
period as a set of plates.
(c) In any provision of this code that relates to the
issuance or display of "license plates," "plates," or a "set of
plates," the term means only one license plate.
SECTION 9.02. The change in law made by this article
regarding the issuance of license plates by the Texas Department of
Transportation applies only to the issuance of license plates by
the department for a registration period beginning on or after the
effective date of this article. For a registration period that
begins before the effective date of this article, the department
shall issue license plates as required by the law in effect
immediately before the effective date of this article, and the
former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 9.03. This article takes effect September 1, 2005.

Link to official bill website: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/db2www/tlo/billhist/Hmatrix.d2w/report?LEG=79&SESS=R&CHAMBER=H&BILLTYPE=B&BILLSUFFIX=03540&SORT=Asc

If you kids are serious about this you need to call your local state representative and let them know it.

Here is the section of the bill regarding plates: (Which will most likely be stricken from the final proposed bill)



SECTION 9.01. Subchapter A, Chapter 502, Transportation
Code, is amended by adding Section 502.010 to read as follows:
Sec. 502.010. ISSUANCE AND DISPLAY OF LICENSE PLATE. (a)
Notwithstanding anything in this code to the contrary, including
Section 502.180, the department shall issue only one license plate
for attachment at the rear of the vehicle for which the plate is
issued.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in this code to the contrary,
including Section 502.404(a), a person is entitled to operate on a
public highway a vehicle that displays only one license plate if the
plate is attached at the rear of the vehicle. A person may operate
on a public highway a vehicle that displays two license plates if
both plates were assigned by the department for the registration
period as a set of plates.
(c) In any provision of this code that relates to the
issuance or display of "license plates," "plates," or a "set of
plates," the term means only one license plate.
SECTION 9.02. The change in law made by this article
regarding the issuance of license plates by the Texas Department of
Transportation applies only to the issuance of license plates by
the department for a registration period beginning on or after the
effective date of this article. For a registration period that
begins before the effective date of this article, the department
shall issue license plates as required by the law in effect
immediately before the effective date of this article, and the
former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 9.03. This article takes effect September 1, 2005.

FYI - multiple threads related to the same subject were merged.

it's about time!
nice find Dr.K :)

What does this mean?

It's basically like this: if you were issued 2, you should wear two. If you were issued one, you should wear one and on the back. Now, how is the cop to know if you were issued one or two? EX: Aggietiff was only issued one. I was issued 2. In addition, the law states that you must wear a plate if you have a plate holder. Solution? Remove the plate holder from the front. The internally threaded screws are behind the grill and cannot be seen unless up close. From personal experience, I removed my front plates and have been in the position where a copy could EASILY see that I didn't have front plates and nothing has been done (knock on wood) so far.

I'm not advocating doing anything illegal, I'm simply pointing out what I consider loop holes in the law.

Its not enforced in brazoria co. much or I would have been pulled over long ago but I'll just wait for my first warning and not worry to much until then ;) later folks

I took my front L.P. off a week ago, and every time a cop is in front of me... I just avoid him. So far I haven't been pulled over. If so... I'll just throw in the "My L.P. Holder came off... and I was on my way to the store to buy the screws" (Got that from Jenkin's) :D

KNOCK ON WOOD that it doesn't happen late at night when i'm out whoring .. .i mean..
out shopping.. Whatever...

:eek: I read that!!!

<<<< whistling...

Wha? me? who?

come on, its whoring and you know it.......... :rolleyes:

IM lost?

Inside joke im guessing?

No no... i meant to say .. "sporting... "
Yeah sporting my car... yea yea!

<<< whistling looking around

sportings good!! :p

EX: Aggietiff was only issued one. I was issued 2.
FWIW - unless this law passes Tiff' is still in volation of the state law. If the dealer didn't give her two plates that were her failure to obtain, rather than the dealers fault to give. (I know that sounds screwed up)

Anyhow, word is that if the law passes there will be a slightly "restyled" plate issued.

So if you have one of the old style plates or a pre Sept 1st 2005 vanity plate you will still be required to "sport" two. Otherwise you will have a fresh newly designed plate.

This whole front license plate issue sucks!!

To make a long story short, I got pulled over for not having a front license plate. I told the cop that I was recently in an accident and upgraded to a body kit and it didn't come with a license plate holder (all true). He says TX law states that you have to have two plates and blah blah blah... so I'm being good and say that I understand and yada yada yada and then he says -- and here's the kicker -- that he knows the RX8 comes with a front license plate holder on the stock bumper (yes, he said "stock) because HE OWNS ONE! I'm fairly sure that I got pulled over simply because he owns one too and was hoping to get more out of me (fat chance!) than not having a front license plate. Fortunately, I was let go with a warning.

Just place the license on the dash.

Just place the license on the dash.
This idea is not only illegal.. but dangerous as well.

Well it was easily passed in the House 109-31. Now it just needs to pass in the Senate and Perry has to sign it.

I did the license plate thing in my WRX.

I did the license plate thing in my WRX.
If you would have ever been in a wreck your chances of loosing your head increase dramatically.

Ever seen what a severed head looks like?

and the front windsheild does not constitute the "front" of your vehicle. It is considered the cabin.

A co-worker was reading the Dallas Morning News the other day, and said that the legislature was considering repealing the law to cut down on costs. I don't think it has passed yet or anything.

so would this law basically eliminate us having to have a front plate or what?

This whole front license plate issue sucks!!

... I got pulled over for not having a front license plate...Fortunately, I was let go with a warning.


Where was this Tiff? So I can stay away from that area! :rolleyes:

Hulen and Sycamore School Rd. Still ticks me off... ass.

I am just going to get a retractable license plate fabricated....

-- posted deleted: mis-information.

This has not passed into law as of 5/9/2005

It still has to pass the Senate and then be Signed. It's got a ways to go yet.

so would this law basically eliminate us having to have a front plate or what?
.....................?

.....................? Need a baby spoon too? j/k

Put your mind around this, I don't think anyone needs to explain it much further.

SECTION 9.01. Subchapter A, Chapter 502, Transportation
Code, is amended by adding Section 502.010 to read as follows:
Sec. 502.010. ISSUANCE AND DISPLAY OF LICENSE PLATE.

(a)Notwithstanding anything in this code to the contrary, including
Section 502.180, the department shall issue only one license plate
for attachment at the rear of the vehicle for which the plate is
issued.

(b) Notwithstanding anything in this code to the contrary,
including Section 502.404(a), a person is entitled to operate on a
public highway a vehicle that displays only one license plate if the
plate is attached at the rear of the vehicle. A person may operate
on a public highway a vehicle that displays two license plates if
both plates were assigned by the department for the registration
period as a set of plates.

(c) In any provision of this code that relates to the
issuance or display of "license plates," "plates," or a "set of
plates," the term means only one license plate.
SECTION 9.02. The change in law made by this article
regarding the issuance of license plates by the Texas Department of
Transportation applies only to the issuance of license plates by
the department for a registration period beginning on or after the
effective date of this article. For a registration period that
begins before the effective date of this article, the department
shall issue license plates as required by the law in effect
immediately before the effective date of this article, and the
former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 9.03. This article takes effect September 1, 2005.

SUBNOTE: IF APPROVED, this article will take effect Sept. 1, 2005.

why is this an issue? they say it is to cut costs, though it seems the registration fee is increased every couple of years or so anyway.
besides whats so bad about a front plate law? it serves a good purpose.
and dont give me any BS about cops pulling you over and writing tickets. they do use it as an excuse to pull you over and check you out, and sometimes give you a ticket. but there are plenty of other excuses for a cop to pull you over, check you out, and write you a ticket

Hollywood7, your user title under your name is inappropriate. Please change it or we will for you.

So I bought my car in Georgia when I lived there, and it (legally) didn't come with a front plate bracket. My reg has since lapsed and I've renewed in Texas, but now I'm faced with the dilemma of not having a way to mount a front plate.

Good news is I'll only be around through August, but I'd hate to screw my nice front bumper up trying to hack something together for a law that might be repealed in Sept anyway.

Anyone have specific issues in Houston? How about a way to mount a front plate that does not require me to drill holes in my stock front bumper?

You dont have to drill into the bumper

Anyone have specific issues in Houston?
Stay away from U-turns under the major freeways and any "low income" neighborhoods after dark!

Lofl!

You dont have to drill into the bumper

So is there a trick to this? I inspected the bumper and found no holes where I've seen front plates on other Texas cars. There appear to be dimples in the plastic between the diamond ribbing in places, and they appear to be about where US and Euro-style plate holders might mount.

I looked at one of the brackets and it had these horrible looking pointy screws included, not flat-ended bolts that would indicate the real mounts are hidden under removable caps.

Am I missing something here?

Oh! I didnt know they werent pre-cut. I guess you would have to cut then. My bad

There will still be the hole in the grill, if not drilling holes in the grille will not be noticeable, then get some correct length bolts and some nuts and there you go. I think you will be fine with out it for that long though....

Look at the TSB's. There is instructions on how to drill and mount front plate holder. :eek: My dealer did not mount mine so no front plate untill I remember to tell the dealer to mount it. I am older than dirt and my memory is very bad. ;)

why not bolt a couple of strong magnets onto the grill and have it so you can pull the plate on and off?

double sided tape? :)

I don't think strong magnets will hold when driving 80+ mph. And what if it slips and flies up into the windshield? Or into another car? I think this issue would apply to with double sided tape.

lol@ double sided tape! :p

What's next? Velcro? .... hmmm..... (thinking) :cool:

If duct tape and crazy glue can't hold it on, nothing can.

I don't think strong magnets will hold when driving 80+ mph. And what if it slips and flies up into the windshield? Or into another car? I think this issue would apply to with double sided tape.


the dealers use them all the time, it's trapped up inside the bumper opening, the magnets I'm referring too aren't like those things you stick on your refrigerator, it would take a lot of force to remove a steel plate from a good set of magnets, I'd be more concerned that the plastic grill might break or give way

FFLP's! Don't have one on either of my cars. Never saw the use.

The law passed by 70 votes I heard.

The law passed by 70 votes I heard.
Do you people make up these numbers or what???

Do some research or even check the news for god's sake.

Currently the vote is:

Ayes=19 Nays=1 Present Not Voting=3 Absent=6

Do you people make up these numbers or what???

Do some research or even check the news for god's sake.

Currently the vote is:

Ayes=19 Nays=1 Present Not Voting=3 Absent=6

As I stated a couple pages back, it did get through the house by a 70-vote (about) margin. 109-31.

I see where you're getting your information, but I believe those are the last recorded votes to get it out of Committee, which happened some time ago.

Killjoy will kill you!

Killjoy will kill you!Not exactly, but I will clear up misinformation.

Yes, "House Bill 3540" passed the house, this happened on the 5th of May. It has not however, been signed into law.

Note also in the post I made 2 pages ago, I said quote:

"It still has to pass the Senate and then be Signed. It's got a ways to go yet."

sub-note: I was reffering to RX-Hawk's post. :)

You guys don't seem to be too concerned and may have a legislation that is enlighted, but here in CA the law is as wacky as everyone else so there is no hope that I won't have to put than ugly white tooth on my grill. I saw a side mount Eclipse solution. I was wondering if anyone had been succesful with trimming down a plate so that it is smaller and at least somewhat less offensive.

Never mind - I found the thread and it looks to be illegal to 'mutiliate' a plate. Where's the law against mutilating my front end with your stupid plate?

Since I got the Cobra, I have never had the front plate on, and haven't been hassled yet. I hope that law passes. :)

i drove a celica (before i got my 8) around for about 3 yrs with no plate on front and only got pulled over when the cop was really bored....but a quick "fell off last week and havent had time to put it back on" would net me a warning every time! :D

but yeah, im removing the front plate on my 8 as soon as i get the free time to take care of a few other things too, and i signed the petition as well.

also of note, i try looking up "house bill 3540" and all i got were references to a tax change for property taxes.... any links?

You can mutiplate the Texas plate if you like however they will pull you over faster for doing that since the Texas flag and Texas logo have to be visible. I think the best course of action is to either slap that ugly piece of metal on the front, or just driving without it and take the risk. Hopefully it won't be much longer and we will be in the clear on it.

I've been following the progress of this bill through the House and Senate. Everything seemed to be OK until a couple of days ago when a Senate commitee seems to have substituted it for a more "favourable" one. Unfortunately the part about reduction to 1 license plate appears to have disappeared. It was Article 9 of the bill but it has now been substituted with something else.

I could be mistaken since, being British, I don't know the first thing about Texas legislature. Maybe someone else would like to check this out and give their opinion. The bill number is HB3540.

Damn, I was looking forward to being legal again!!!

Article 9 was struck by Ogden in an amendment in the Senate committee. So, its still two plates :(

Still aint gonna put the front one on either of my cars!
Come and get me coppers!

Anyone have the mailing address of that a**hole that amended the bill?

The front license plate law is so ridiculous

Hook' em class of 04

Well I got a ticket for it, I went to court yesterday and showed the judge a picture with the plate back on it. He still fined me but I ended up paying $72 instead of $92 if I had just sent it in.

That actually used to be a $120 ticket. Weird that they actually lowered the fine. We'll never see that happen again. They gotta get their pay checks somehow.

Well I got a ticket for it, I went to court yesterday and showed the judge a picture with the plate back on it. He still fined me but I ended up paying $72 instead of $92 if I had just sent it in.
So the next time someone says "just take a picture and it will get dismissed..." tell them to shove it. :confused:

I've gotten pulled over once so far, cop was more or less checking me and my car out and using the plate as a means to stop me. Unless I get nailed a bunch of times or something or the law gets stricter it's staying off, anyone see the Best Motoring vid where they did the "Enduro challenge"? to make a long story short, they ran full speed for 30 minutes straight or something like that, one series w/o the front plates on all the cars, one with the front plates on. Even thought the 8 got crushed in both races, the second series with the plates back on made the 8 heat up a lot quicker, to the point where they had to adjust strategy etc.. just to complete the challenge. After seeing that there's no way I'm putting my front plate on, even if those wre different circumstances it was still a little eye opening to see how that thing cooked with the front plate on.

I haven't had a front plate on my cars since 1985; I've gotten one ticket and one warning. And this is all on red sports cars, mostly rotaries (see sig.) My wife hasn't had a front plate during the same period, white Miata and white BMW; no tickets, no warnings.

The ticket was in Richardson, the warning in Dallas. I live in Plano.

Well I got a ticket for it, I went to court yesterday and showed the judge a picture with the plate back on it. He still fined me but I ended up paying $72 instead of $92 if I had just sent it in.

Where did you get pulled over? I drive from Huffmeister and HWY 290 to UH almost everyday and I have yet to be pulled over (knock on wood). Hell I was even driving around Hobby Airport to get to Shuttle Burger (best chili burgers and chili cheese fries ever!) and there's police crawling all over. I've even had some close encounters with state troopers, sheriffs and the like, and they really don't seem to care.

I really do think it's one of those "probable cause" deals, this is one of those laws they use to give them a reason to pull you over so they can check out other stuff etc. (dui,dwi, drugs in the car, suspicious behavior, however you want to put it) so I would venture a guess that a large majority of them don't give a hoot, but only use laws such as these for investigative purposes, not to mention some extra revenue here and there....which could be made just as easily by eliminating the front plates altogether :D

If you live in Texas, read on and spread it around.

Governor Perry vetoed a $35B education budget and called a special session, so we may have another chance to get Article 9 of the original House Bill 3540 considered to help fund some of the education budget.

I would suggest contacting your senator and house representative and pointing out that their own fiscal analysis showed a $5M/year savings associated with not requiring a front license plate. That fiscal note assumed the savings would go back in to the transportation budget, but there is no reason some can't go to education also.

This time, I also copied our local news investigation team at WFAA. Not sure they will care much about this, but I would have to think that $5M/year will get someone's attention. Please have a look at your own local news website and see if they have an email ID you can copy. It just might yield interesting results.

Details on the bill can be found here:

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/db2www/tlo/billhist/billhist.d2w/report?LEG=79&SESS=R&CHAMBER=H&BILLTYPE=B&BILLSUFFIX=03540

In case this is new for you, it was passed by the House and sent to the Senate, where it was also passed, but Senator Steve Ogden introduced an amendment to remove Article 9 (see last item on last page). The House & Senate versions were different and both sides didn't reach agreement before running out of time. Never went to the governor, but wouldn't have mattered to us with Article 9 removed.

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/data/docmodel/79r/amndtext/pdf/HB0354023F1.PDF

My email is short and to the point. I'm not counting on much attention from my legislators, but wanted them to see that the news team was copied also. I'm hoping that triggers a reaction.


To: steve.ogden@senate.state.tx.us; brian.mccall@house.state.tx.us; florence.shapiro@senate.state.tx.us
Cc: investigates@wfaa.com

Senators & Representatives,
If in any way possible, please consider including the original article 9 from HB3540. Per the fiscal note, "Regarding the issuance and display of license plates in Article 9, the Department of Transportation estimates net savings in Fund 006 of approximately $5,000,000 each year for reduced license plate manufacturing costs; however, it is assumed that any savings realized from the implementation of the bill would be used for other eligible transportation related expenditures.", maybe some of the savings can be applied to school funding.

Here's what I wrote

Senators and Representatives,

I'm writing about HB3540. Please consider including the original Article 9 from HB3540. The Department of Transporation has estimated that the net savings in Fund 006 of would amount to approximately $5,000,000 each year, due to reduced license plate production costs.

Not only does this free up state funds for other DoT needs, any surplus dollars could go towards our education funding. License plates have also been shown through empirical research to be one of the leading causes of fatal pedestrian injuries in low speed frontal collisions.

Retaining the original Article 9 of HB3540 saves the government money, saves the taxpayer money, decreases pedestrian fatalities, and pleases your constituents. A complete win win situation politically, socially, and economically.

Sincerely,

I say keep the law, the new bill will make it easier to get away with a hit and run and other crimes. who is backing this bill, what lobbyist? surely its not a street racing lobby, there is no money in it for them. Could it be the insurance lobby, they could use the new law as an excuse to raise their rates.

I sent an email as well:

Senators and Representatives,

This letter is in regards to HB3540. I respectfully request the consideration to include the original Article 9 from HB3540 in the final bill. According to the Department of Transportation (DoT), reducing license plate production costs would result in an estimated net savings in Fund 006 of approximately $5 million each year. These funds can be applied towards other DoT needs or used towards funding the education budget.

Retaining the original Article 9 of HB3540 would save the government money, save the taxpayer money, and please your constituents. The result is win-win situation politically, socially and economically.

Sincerely,

Concerned taxpayer and registered voter

If we could only get like a million people to do that

You guys are welcome to copy my message and send it on behalf of yourselves. I don't think the exact verbiage matters, as long as many citizens are concerned about the same issue.