here are two links after careful searching thru the Vehicle Codes. I researched this on the California DMV website under publications.



About front plates



Positioning of plates



ok here's the dirty details.



Basically you have to have it. no way around it. There is a slight loop hole but it doesn't apply to motor vehicles per say. On the first link it states that if two plates are issued then both MUST be displayed. one in front and one in back.



Now here is where you can lie and say you only got one. (However I doubt any one will believe you) I think the only case a single plate is issued is for motor cycles and a duplicate for a trailer.



Now in terms of positioning and mounting look at the 2nd link. (under the table of contents for the Vehicle Codes positioning and mounting both go to the same page as I linked for you)



If you read the laws surrounding a front plate, they are very vague. It seems all that is required is that . . .



1. It is at least between 12 to 60 in above the ground.



2. It doesnt swing



3. Clearly visible.



So, Do you need a front plate? yes



Can you put it on your dash? Maybe if it is clearly visible. So say you use suction cups and stick it to your front window then it is ok.



Check out the laws on "covering" the license plate. It only cares if something is covered up so you cant see it.



If you see the part about "security cover" you can argue that your window is a security cover.



also cutting a plate smaller or such, read this



altering plates.



and this



Contents of plates



some of the comments made here are jsut my own observations and estimations. If I have wrongly interpreted the laws, do not complain and say that I misled you. I am just telling you my interpretation of the laws. I am not responsible for what you do and if you get in trouble for it.

 

This might be more pertanant in the west coast forum. Here in Maryland the cops don't give a **** if you display the front tag or not. I choose not to.

 

Especially in Cali!!!



Even when your car is parked on the street with no plates, you'll get a ticket. I have received two no front plates ticket within 6 days of each other. Both violations were between 1 to 3 am in the morning!!

 

its just cuz your Name is Dino.. thats why..



on another nOte.. I have the cali front plate on the B2600i now.. but it is in Nicaragua.. so thats not much good is it..

 

yeah its bullshit. i dont know y they do that crap. i suppose its because of the picture taking camera set up aruond town now

 

I have been running mine in the widshield for years and never had a problem with the cops

 

Guess its time to put my front plate back on.

 

i was speeding along to work on day in my TII and got pulled over. i thought it was for speeding but it was for my front plate. i told the officer i was borrowing the car from my brother and didnt know where the plate was. then i open up the glove box and **** fell on the floor. i found the plate under the seat and put it up there. he didnt care. he still wrote me a fix it ticket. so i just drilled the plate in and cleared the ticket before i sold my car

 

Damn you suck at posting fool!

 

unfortunately this is not quite the case



it also says "The installation of a license plate security cover is not a violation of this subdivision if the device does not obstruct or impair the recognition of the license plate information, including, but not limited to, the issuing state, license plate number, and registration tabs, and the cover is limited to the area directly over the top of the registration tabs. No portion of a license plate security cover shall rest over the license plate number."



so a cover can only cover the mounting hardware, not the numbers on the plate