Front License Plate Infraction VC5200

[RickD427]

From what I read windshield isn't a valid location and likely I still would have received the ticket. Perhaps an LEO can clarify? If windshield IS valid, I'll leave my standard CA plate there when I park.

It's nearly impossible to properly display a license plate on a windshield for the following reasons:

1) The license plate may not be covered by the windshield (VC 5201(c)) - This rules out placing the license plate on the dashboard, to show through the windshield.

2) The license plate must be securely fastened to the vehicle (VC 5201(a)) - But even if you bolt it to the dashboard, you still can't cover it with the windshield.

3) The letter must display "Upright" (VC 5201(a)) - Every license plate that I've seen displayed through a windshield has sat at the angle of the dashboard, or windshield. Neither of which is "upright."

[M1NM]

Back in the 60s I got so many fixit tickets I just signed them myself....... I doubt any checks even today.

[223556]

I don't have a front plate either but have had maybe 2 tickets over the years I've been driving.
Front plates are hideous IMHO.

[Russian Bot]

You can stick it in the windshield. Grill is fine.

I actually got a ticket for that, cop said it wasn't properly mounted.
That said it was a $10 fix it ticket.

[Citadelgrad87]

Not quite. It is required to be "securely fastened" and I don't think sitting on the dashboard meets that standard

See 5201 VC

Sitting on the dash board would not be securely fastened. Total agreement, and I should have described my setup in detail.

I put tiny rubber bumper feet on it and inserted it between the dash and windshield, so that it conforms to the windshield and is not only visible from the front but also so secure I would challenge an officer to remove it, has worked for me for years.

[Citadelgrad87]

It's nearly impossible to properly display a license plate on a windshield for the following reasons:

1) The license plate may not be covered by the windshield (VC 5201(c)) - This rules out placing the license plate on the dashboard, to show through the windshield.

2) The license plate must be securely fastened to the vehicle (VC 5201(a)) - But even if you bolt it to the dashboard, you still can't cover it with the windshield.

3) The letter must display "Upright" (VC 5201(a)) - Every license plate that I've seen displayed through a windshield has sat at the angle of the dashboard, or windshield. Neither of which is "upright."

If a reader can still read it, isn't a cover permitted?

(c) A covering shall not be used on license plates except as follows:

...
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.

[Rickybillegas]

I ran around for years without a front plate in ignorance. Didn't even realize it was required. Then, I began to wonder about it and decided to look it up online. Sure enough, it's the law and says 'up to $186.00 fine'.
I began looking around town as I was driving and noticed about 1/10 cars also don't have at least in my neighborhood. Probably like me, don't even know or don't care.


Never been pulled over for it, and I have a feeling most LEO's have better things to do. Anyway, I finally took care of it and got my front plate.
One less thing to worry about

[ugimports]

I actually got a ticket for that, cop said it wasn't properly mounted.
That said it was a $10 fix it ticket.

My fine was $121.., but after I submitted evidence of the front plate they refunded me back $111 to my surprise..I thought the $10 was on top of the $121... so all in all I only had to pay $10 and I didn't have to get an officer signature. A photo uploaded online was sufficient.

[RickD427]

If a reader can still read it, isn't a cover permitted?

(c) A covering shall not be used on license plates except as follows:

...
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.

It's gonna depend on the particular windshield. Most windshields, including the one on my personal cars, have a black band around the edges that is not transparent. If the plate is fully visible through the windshield, then there may not be a violation. It's really gonna depend on whether the "Windshield" is intended to be a "Security Cover" for the plate, or something designed to protect the driver from the wind. My personal vote is for the latter, but it's the court's vote that counts.

You still gotta deal with the issue of the plate not being "upright" (which I'm reading in context as being close to 90 degrees to the ground).

As a practical matter, I've never seen much concern given to the finer details of license plate positioning except as providing a source of lawful standing to make a pretextual investigative traffic stop.

[ugimports]

It's gonna depend on the particular windshield. Most windshields, including the one on my personal cars, have a black band around the edges that is not transparent. If the plate is fully visible through the windshield, then there may not be a violation. It's really gonna depend on whether the "Windshield" is intended to be a "Security Cover" for the plate, or something designed to protect the driver from the wind. My personal vote is for the latter, but it's the court's vote that counts.

You still gotta deal with the issue of the plate not being "upright" (which I'm reading in context as being close to 90 degrees to the ground).

As a practical matter, I've never seen much concern given to the finer details of license plate positioning except as providing a source of lawful standing to make a pretextual investigative traffic stop.

Is there a potential that you could be written up for obstructing the windshield? (completely separate from the license plate issue)

I remember a long time ago (25 or so years ago) I had the original reg sticker on the windshield (4"x4"). A CHP officer ripped it off (much to my horror) during a traffic stop and told me he could cite me with some VC related to obstructing the windshield even though it was on the passenger side as far to the bottom right of the windshield it could be and still be visible from the outside. Instead I just got my traffic ticket and went along my way...

[RickD427]

Is there a potential that you could be written up for obstructing the windshield? (completely separate from the license plate issue)

I remember a long time ago (25 or so years ago) I had the original reg sticker on the windshield (4"x4"). A CHP officer ripped it off (much to my horror) during a traffic stop and told me he could cite me with some VC related to obstructing the windshield even though it was on the passenger side as far to the bottom right of the windshield it could be and still be visible from the outside. Instead I just got my traffic ticket and went along my way...

Please see Vehicle Code section 26708. The short answer is "yes", the potential is there.

If the license plate were placed flat on the dashboard, as I have seen commonly done, I don't see a violation because there is no obstruction of view through the windshield.

But if one were to place the license plate upright, so as to comply with VC 5201(a), then they would likely violate VC 26708 by so doing.

Which really illustrates the point that when one tampers with the traditional equipment lay-out of the vehicle, you can invite a host of unintended issues.

[mej16489]

(c) A covering shall not be used on license plates except as follows:

...
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.

There are limitations on what the security cover may actually cover...see bolded text above

[bohoki]

this is crazy i saw 4 white teslas today non had a front plate how are they allowed off the lot

[ugimports]

this is crazy i saw 4 white teslas today non had a front plate how are they allowed off the lot

Sign the same waiver I did and was quoted above.

11713.17.
(a) Following the retail sale or lease of a motor vehicle for which the department issues two license plates, a dealer may not deliver the motor vehicle unless either of the following occurs:

(1) The motor vehicle is equipped with a bracket or other means of securing a front license plate.

(2) The dealer obtains a signed written acknowledgment from the person taking delivery of the motor vehicle acknowledging both of the following:

[esy]

A “license plate security cover” is also not allowed. That blocks the reflective properties of the plate.