Lack of front license plate -- a moving violation?

[Astral]

Is failure to display a front license plate considered a moving violation in Massachusetts? (I.e. does it count against the SDIP step?)

Do cops outside of Massachusetts care, if you're a Mass driver with no front license plate? (CT, NH, NY?)

I am considering tempting the fate until I get a side-mount evo-style holder going

 

[chuyler1]

I don't think they care so much outside Mass unless that particular state requires both plates and the cop knows about the new Mass plates. However, in Mass if you are even the slightest bit suspicious they will pull you over. Most cops will only give you a warning though.

When I say suspicious I mean, having a car full of people, driving agressive (even though you obey traffic laws), driving late at night, driving with a plate light out, etc. If your car catches their eye and they don't see a plate and they don't have anything better to do...they will pull you over. After it happens 2 or 3 times you'll give in and put it on.

 

[Astral]

ok, looks like the violation would be MGL 90 section 6, and that's not in the list for the SDIP "minor traffic violations", so no insurance points even if they give a ticket.

I was just curious. I probably don't want to tempt fate, but I eventually want to do this relocation mod.

 

[chuyler1]

^^^
Sexy. I'd hold out for it and if you get pulled over say "Sorry officer but there is no way to mount a plate without blocking the grill and if this was your car, would you want to drill holes in the front end?"

 

[03MSP04EVO]

Virginia cops will hunt you down and give you a ticket for not having a front plate for an equipment violation. $86.00 ticket to be exact. Avoid this state.

 

[SlowPro98]

in CT, you can get away with putting your front plate on your dash, and just tell the cop that you've had problems with people stealing your plates in the past and they'll let it slide.

 

[03MSP04EVO]

We use the "went thru the car wash and the bracket broke" excuse around here

 

[altspace]

Heh...I have yet to put my plate on the front. But then again, things are a bit more relaxed around here. I hate front plates!

 

[snowblazin]

So let me get this straight, you guys need two plates in MA now? The RI nazi laws are wearing off. I don't think anyone outside of NH or RI would give you a prob as they prob don't know mass laws. Now RI cops on the other hand, they're a little more apt to be in the loop on MA laws...

 

[jred321]

that's where they put my license plate

 

[joka1]

i just took a small metal bracket. the L shapes one from home depot. i have 2 screwes that hold it onto the bottom of my lip, i can take it off in about 5 minutes at shows and you will never be able to tell it was their. i got a 101 dollars ticket for no front plate so i had no choice. i just figured i would share my install spot if you were interested!!

 

[Astral]

that's where they put my license plate

hehe, i just ordered your side mounting bracket

 

[ZoomThis]

I would remove my front plate.....but there be two holes in the front bumper

 

[ZoomVT]

yeah i would like to do that as well but the 3 has 2 holes in the front bumper and i dont know if it was mazda or the dealer but they put a plastic plate holder in the front. i was going to remove it but i would have holes in the bumper. i dont know whats worse.

 

[tsunami]

i so want to remove my front plate as well... damn cops would pull me over in a heart beat if i did... that is one of thier biggest pet peeves i guess... they pull over tourists (old folks and s***) all the time for not having a front plate... i am like they are from florida (or where ever) there isn't even a brackett for another plate besides teh fact they don't even have a second plate... why the hell do we need two anyways... ?

 

[Kansei]

i so want to remove my front plate as well... damn cops would pull me over in a heart beat if i did... that is one of thier biggest pet peeves i guess... they pull over tourists (old folks and s***) all the time for not having a front plate... i am like they are from florida (or where ever) there isn't even a brackett for another plate besides teh fact they don't even have a second plate... why the hell do we need two anyways... ?

We need it so they can make money shooting our cars with laser... err I mean protecting us from ruthless anarchists who think it's ok to go 70 on a straight wide highway!

Edit: as can be seen in my sig pic, I have my front plate off, the holes aren't that noticeable unless you are up close. Any time I am out of CT I remove my front plate NY cops don't care

 

[bazooka joe]

Virginia cops will hunt you down and give you a ticket for not having a front plate for an equipment violation. $86.00 ticket to be exact. Avoid this state.

i was born in VA, but this is got to be the worst state for driver to operate in or drive through!!!

 

[bazooka joe]

front plates are useless!! i had mine in the window for a few months and no issues...i;m going to do a low mount plate bracket this winter...something that can go on and off real quick....the miata guys have a bracket that bends down at high speed so it doesn't block the grill opening on the highway....http://www.teammiata.com/TM305.htm

 

[whitemp5seattle]

wow that's pretty nifty. you miata guys have got it down