Front License Plate Infraction VC5200

[mej16489]

today i saw a tesla with a licence plate on the front i think its my first

Our Model 3 had a front plate when we were still in California...I put it on after I started getting a hard time from USAF Security Forces at a gate.

[Oldmandan]

Someone approached me to sign off a cite with a Tesla (which I did not), he told me he could not put a front plate because it would affect sensors for the auto pilot. I found that interesting. I don?t know much about those cars, but if those vinyl plates become a thing I guess that would be a great application for it.

That is BS, the guy was making stuff up.

It uses 8 cameras to compile the data it needs to operate. None of them are on the bumper/grill area

[mdr110]

My local department cruise around our Costco looking for front plate violators. PEO does that same. The look on them shoppers when returning is . . . . priceless.

[Warbonnet]

I wish there was more FLP enforcement actually. That and tinted windows and illegal tail pipes too.

Call me crazy, but I believe those all to be good vehicle codes.

[joefrank64k]

I don't know how they can even write these tickets being that a Tesla or a Corvette doesn't even come with the option to mount a front license plate any longer

Teslas absolutely come with front plate mounts. They stick on with the 3M VHB adhesive tape.

I have two 2020 Model Y?s, they both came with the Tesla factory plate mounts. They weren?t mounted when we took delivery.

I have them both mounted (I like the way they look better with the front plates on).

[Dutch3]

I wish there was more FLP enforcement actually. That and tinted windows and illegal tail pipes too.

Call me crazy, but I believe those all to be good vehicle codes.

That and oversize tires sticking out of the wheelwells. That used to be an instant cite 40 years ago.,

I lost my windshield last week to an oncoming bro-dozer that picked up a bolt with its left rear tire and launched it through my windshield. I saw it coming, but there was nothing I could do.

[shojivic]

VC 5200, no front plate, should be a "fix-it" type of ticket; a correctible violation.

One way to handle it is to put the correct plate onto the vehicle. Use whatever bracket brand/model you want. As long as the license plate wasn't falling off, you could probably even "hot glue" or silicon seal it onto the front.

Try to get any Calif. LEO to sign-off the ticket. Hopefully, the sign-off will be at no-charge/free, but some departments will want to have the person pay for that "service" if they go to a police headquarters or some such place. Perhaps find an LEO walking to or from the patrol car at a Starbucks. The sign-off could be from any LEO in the state, not just the jurisdiction where the ticket was written.

Once the ticket is signed off, I believe the appropriate traffic court will want ~$25 along with the signed off ticket to settle the initial violation.

After all that, the OP can decide to just keep the original plate on the car or take a chance by putting the foreign plate copy back on, at the risk of getting another fix-it ticket or even pulled over while probably going somewhere. Or is it simpler just to pay the fine/bail forfeiture amount, which could be $150+ for all I know (again, at the risk of getting the same violation over & over).

California has several laws and rules which are just tiresome...

This man knows his stuff and has given you PLENTY of friendly great advice & food for thought. Should be the only real relevant response to consider.

Lastly, parking enforcement can also cite for vehicle code correctable violations as the infraction doesn't require testimony in a court of law nor the temporary detention of a violator. The "privilege" to drive also requires maintaining a vehicle properly & adhering to law, per the DMV.

[Che762x39]

Background: I got a violation at a parking meter in SF. I have a front plate, but it's not a CA plate (vanity european plate).

You do know why you need a front plate?

[Che762x39]

today i saw a tesla with a licence plate on the front i think its my first

I am a retired LEO and I notice the Teslas that have front plates

[Bullets&Whitewalls]

That is BS, the guy was making stuff up.

It uses 8 cameras to compile the data it needs to operate. None of them are on the bumper/grill area

No he wasn?t. My coworker has issues with cruise control and auto due to her husband mounting a plate on her Tesla. Once removed by the dealer the problem went away. They ended up finding a company that made a wrap vinyl version of the plate to try and stay ?legal? lol fwiw Some Toyota trucks have this issue as well when installing winch bumpers. It affects the cruise control somehow I believe by the front camera angle causing the truck to brake.

[sitruc]

No he wasn?t. My coworker has issues with cruise control and auto due to her husband mounting a plate on her Tesla. Once removed by the dealer the problem went away. They ended up finding a company that made a wrap vinyl version of the plate to try and stay ?legal? lol fwiw Some Toyota trucks have this issue as well when installing winch bumpers. It affects the cruise control somehow I believe by the front camera angle causing the truck to brake.

New Tesla owner here. True and not at the same time. The newer version of the 3 uses only cameras, which was redesigned in 2021. Prior versions came with sensors in the front bumper.

First thing I had the service center do is install the front plate bracket after arguing with them that they are trying to sell me a vehicle that is illegally configured to be operated on California roads. I had to then mount my own temporary license plate in the hot sun while because they wouldn't do it. Great delivery experience. /s

[sigstroker]

You do know why you need a front plate?

I don't. 'Splain it to me.

Some states don't even issue front plates.

[ugimports]

You do know why you need a front plate?

? The only reason I need a front CA plate in California is because you get a ticket without it..

[Citadelgrad87]

In 2004, I bought a brand new Nissan Frontier.
They gave me the bracket.
I never mounted it, because I'm lazy.
When I sold it in 2019, I still hasn't mounted it.
Never got a ticket.
Went through several "impaired driver check points" in those years, never had an officer mention it.
Got a speeding ticket in it once at a speed trap (fought and beat it), officer never mentioned the plate.

Don't be a stupid, mouthy peckerhead at a traffic stop and you'll probably never have to worry about it.

That being said, if you don't mount it, it is a legal reason for a cop to stop you, even if you do nothing else wrong.

Your mileage may vary.

I got my one and only while parked in a city operated garage.

[bohoki]

saw 3 teslas today all had front plates the white one for a second i thought the white one didnt have the plate but they had it installed low over the grill instead of on the upper "lips"

i think there has been some "enforcement" or something has changed