Front License Plate Mounting?

Any input would be appreciated but a Cops input would be great.

Anyway, I saw that another Californian member of the forum chopped up and recessed his front license plate:



I like the look of it and would like to do it to mine but I'm not going to bother if it's something that will just get me instantly pulled over. All I could really find on the CA DMV site is:

5201. License plates shall at all times be securely fastened to the vehicle for which they are issued so as to prevent the plates from swinging, shall be mounted in a position so as to be clearly visible, and shall be maintained in a condition so as to be clearly legible. The rear license plate shall be mounted not less than 12 inches nor more than 60 inches from the ground, and the front license plate shall be mounted not more than 60 inches from the ground...

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I think it's clearly visible. A red light or security camera should still be able to make it out and there's no other info on the front plate since the expiration date is on the back. So what's the verdict?

 

Not a cop, but any "violation" is up to the cop's discretion. If, in his opinion, it's not clearly visible you can still get a ticket. Bottom line, it's all dependant on the cop's mood.

 

I also only have an opinion but would think that should be fine. Unless it is a violation to deface the plate for some reason, as it no longer list the state. Here in La your state must be visible, they have been known to give tickets for having a plate cover that's border covers the state.

 

^^^ It is against the law to deface the plate. When I was working at a local motorcycle shop several riders would "mold" the plates on their bike to conform to the rounded line of the rear fender. They talked about receiving tickets for modifying the plate which is considered property of the state.

 

i'm pretty sure that the state must be shown in original form

 

Just try it anyway. It looks cool.

 

X2

 

definitely illegal. You cant modify the plate in any way.

 

Thanks for the all of the input, had a feeling that would be the consensus.

Damn this state with their front plates and no tint allowed on the front windows. I'd like to do the plate mod and tint my windows but I'm not going to give them a reason to pull me over and ticket me so this broke state can make a couple bucks.

Since I'm in the military my home of record is WV. I could always drive cross country, register my vehicle there and then do away with the California laws. I think a trip may be in order...

 

Someone posted a front plate mount that was sleeker and less bulkier than the OEM mount. He was trying to produce it and sell it but I can't find the thread. It looked pretty nice, I may buy one if I can locate the dude!

 

I have my favorite way of mounting all my front plates...
1) Put 2 nails in the wall of my garage
2) Hang license plate
3) Walk away

Front license plates are stupid.