Last time I got pulled over by a cop and posted something about my experience I was jumping mad. Just got pulled over by a state patrol officer this weekend but this time I really can't be too mad cuz he got me for not having a front license plate. So I have one of those Washington State required Correction tickets. Like a lot of you guys I asked the dealer not to mount the plate up front and I'd preffer to keep my Z like that.

I've spoken to a couple of people about Washington State's laws (none of them being law enforcement or lawyers) on front license plates and I've heard an asortment of different things. I'm hoping some of you guys could clarify or debunk some of the info that I've gotten so far concerning this particular mater.

- The first time you get caught is the only time that you can correct the problem, the next time you're caught you can not waive the fine.
- If the viloation goes uncorrected in the time allotted not only are you fined but you get points on your license. (This was told to my by the pig that pulled me over. This doesn't make much sense since it's not a moving violation, but hey pigs will be pigs right?)
- Having the license plate on your dash or directly visible through your windsheild is acceptable. What are the rules for displaying the front plate?

How do some of you guys keep from getting pulled over for this, or did I Bad Luck just make me it's b***h again?

 

I called up the Washington State Legislature to get the ruling on what is required to display a front license plate. The law is pretty vauge (probably because it's useful for cops when they want to use it against you). They brought me to the following URL:

http://www.leg.wa.gov/rcw/index.cfm?...tion=46.16.240

For the most part it sounds like it has to be on the front bumper on the Z. Bummer!

 

I haven't had one since I got the car in Feb, no problems yet. My current plan of action is to say the dealer has the license plate bracket on order.....the worst that could happen is a correction ticket right? If it comes to that I'm putting the plate down in the grill instead of on the bumper, but I hope it never comes to that.

 

I personally don't want to give any cop a reason to pull me over, but also didn't want to mount the plate on the bumper. I ordered/installed the plate adapter that mounts to the grill. Looks great, but I still wonder how much it constricts/disrupts air flow to the engine compartment.

 

Like WA, plates are required on the front in OR. Unfortunatley the dealership attached their wonderful plate holder to the front of my car on delievery and put holes in the bumper all ready.

 

Don't worry, they did that to many of us Z owners...

 

It's an annoying law, isn't it? On my previous cars, I put mine behind the passenger-corner of the windshield -- which a lot of people do -- and have had no problems. On the Z, though, that's a little too "backyard", so I'm planning to make/buy a bracket for the grill area.

And my dealer mounted the bracket, too; only in this case, they didn't follow the instructions (which are even in the owner's manual) for the bracket kit -- they didn't use the grommets. So the license plate screws actually tightened against the bumper and ground the paint away. Morons!

 

Same thing on mine, had my dealer fix it. You have a legitimate claim if you should choose to get the problem rectified.

 

Actually, the dealer was willing to fix it. I had them touch up the scratches, but they were going to take to the body shop to remove the fascia, fill the holes and respray the affected area. I said no thanks, I don't want any respraying dome on my brand-new car. So, I'll be managing the hole repair myself.