Front License Plates - TX Requirement?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

May 2, 2000 | 02:42 PM

TTim

Thread Starter

New Member

Joined: May 2000

Posts: 15

Likes: 0

Front License Plates - TX Requirement?

Hello, I'm planning on picking up my Green 2000 180FWD on Thursday. The dealer has asked me if I wanted the front license plate on the car. I live in Austin, Texas, and from what I understand it is a requirement. However, as I drive around, I notice all sorts of cars that don't have the front license plate. From Hondas to Corvettes.

Does anyone know if it is a state requirement? Is it enforced? Thanks.

May 2, 2000 | 03:34 PM

TTR Kevin

New Member

Joined: Apr 2000

Posts: 79

Likes: 0

Re: Front License Plates - TX Requirement?

In Texas, as most border states, it is required. In Dallas, the feeling I get is that it becomes a selective enforcement tool. You probably won't get pulled over for it by itself. However, if the officer who pulled you over is having a bad day, or he doesn't like your attitude, expect to have a ticket written for it, as well as whatever he pulled you over for. Of course in Dallas I am a bit farther from the border, and it may make a difference in the enforcement level.

On the other hand, way back in my college days, I was pulled over for excessive accelleration. After talking with him for a while, he wrote the ticket for a failed tail lamp instead. I wonder if the same sort of ticket downgrade could work with the license plate.

One more observation. I never had a 1999 registration sticker displayed on my truck. Between when I obtained the sticker, and when I remembered that I should put it on, the windshield cracked on the passenger side. By the time I replaced the windshield, I had the 2000 sticker in hand. So, in ~18,000 miles I was pulled over 3 times. Every time they looked at the crack, looked at the registration sticker that I had over the sun visor, and let me go... Just a statement about how carefully they pay attention around here.

May 2, 2000 | 05:25 PM

MichaelTT

Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2000

Posts: 6,636

Likes: 2

Re: Front License Plates - TX Requirement?

Having a similar 'state' requirement (Va.) suggest just keeping your 'spare' tag (as in the one that would normally be on your front) under a floor matt and basically issue is that you aren't 'tagging' another vehicle. Agree with previous post...unless really cranky they won't bother you. I know...as they say...been there and done that....stopped at least 3 times on tag issue and never been ticketed. Your call...
MichaelTT<p>2001 Amulet Red 225TTQC
AMULETT

May 2, 2000 | 05:48 PM

Janet

Junior Member

Joined: Mar 2000

Posts: 999

Likes: 0

I'm in Houston.....(more)

Tim,

I've had my 180Q coupe since mid-October and have never put on the front plate. No problems so far...but I have to admit that I contributed to the "100 Club" just for safety's sake. I suspect that having their sticker on my back glass *might* save me a ticket someday for not displaying my front plate.

I carry it with me, though, just to prove that it's not on another vehicle.

Good luck...

Janet
'00 180Q Coupe

May 2, 2000 | 07:38 PM

SAF

AudiWorld Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2000

Posts: 789

Likes: 0

From: TX

Yes it is the law...

no, they rarely enforce it. I have been pulled over twice for speeding (62 in a 45, and 74 in a 40) and not only did they not site me for the missing plate, but I got away with warnings on the speed! BUT....in the little west Texas town of Hondo, I did get pulled over once for no front plate on my Jeep pick-up, and that was the only reason he stopped me. I told him I had just moved here from Penna. where no front plate is required (therefore no mounting bracket), and he told me to go buy one at HI-LO when I got back to Houston (which I did).

I'll pay the fine before I drill the front end!