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Front License Plates

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by JLuce, May 3, 2012.

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  1. JLuce

    JLuce Karting

    Feb 12, 2012
    73
    #1 JLuce, May 3, 2012
    I was having a conversation with the guys at Competizione today about possible requirements to display the front license plate. My car is registered in VA and I've heard that DC, MD and VA don't shy away from pulling cars over that don't have a tag attached to the front. I had intended to simply keep the front plate in a clear plastic sleeve which I could toss up on the dash if I was pulled over.

    Questions for the attorneys out there: First, can DC or MD successfully prosecute me if I"m issued a citation for no front plate or is there a defense I can invoke? Second, can VA or any state force you to attach a front plate if the vehicle you're driving doesn't have the mounting features for a front plate, vis-a-vis, screw holes in the bumper or grille?

    Richard noted that the engines on these cars need every square inch of grille for adequate airflow through the radiator and engine compartment and, like everyone else, I don't want to butcher the front end of my car with a license plate.

    Appreciate any experiences/thoughts - many thanks!
     
  2. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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    Barry Wolinsky
    #2 308 GTB, May 3, 2012
  3. maranello72

    maranello72 Formula Junior

    Jul 4, 2009
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    Munich, Germany
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    Stefano
    #3 maranello72, May 4, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    WOW!!

    Mine was butchered with two screws in the plastic just below the grille. European plates have smaller height than US plates, so my front plate does not interfere much with the airflow, at least at slow speeds when cooling is more critical.

    Stefano
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  4. dsd

    dsd F1 Rookie
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    Nov 19, 2006
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    #4 dsd, May 4, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I use the tow hook bracket. I live in VA, and I was tired of being pulled over. Usually just a warning, but I have gotten tickets. May move to the other mount, centered under the grille...
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  5. G. Pepper

    G. Pepper Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #5 G. Pepper, May 4, 2012
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  6. soucorp

    soucorp F1 Rookie

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    #6 soucorp, May 4, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    No. If you live in one of the thirty-two states where you are required to have two plates displayed, then you will need to display the plate securely on the vehicle front as well as in the back, not on the dashboard. The only exceptions are generally antique or special interest cars, so a car not designed for a front plate could well fall under the exception rule. To find out if your car qualifies for an exception, ask your local motor vehicle office. If your car did not come with a front license plate holder, you can install one yourself. These are also called license plate brackets or mounts and come in kits with the appropriate screws. You may need a drill to install yours.

    However, if you live in one of the eighteen states that don’t require two plates, then you don’t need to worry about displaying the front plate at all. Just make sure the back one is secured.
    The states requiring two plates are:

    Alaska
    California
    Colorado
    Connecticut
    District of Columbia
    Hawaii
    Idaho
    Illinois
    Iowa
    Maine
    Maryland
    Massachusetts
    Minnesota
    Missouri
    Montana
    Nebraska
    Nevada
    New Hampshire
    New Jersey
    New York
    North Dakota
    Ohio
    Oregon
    Rhode Island
    South Dakota
    Texas
    Utah
    Vermont
    Virginia *** <------ ***
    Washington
    Wisconsin
    Wyoming


    I have one of these and they work great: http://chairpilotproducts.com/index.php/products/model-v2/ferrari-575
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  7. Elsi

    Elsi Formula 3
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    Sep 26, 2010
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    Markus
    #7 Elsi, May 4, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    It’s even better (smaller) in Switzerland :)

    Markus
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  8. JLuce

    JLuce Karting

    Feb 12, 2012
    73
    #8 JLuce, May 4, 2012
    That's it - I'm moving to Switzerland!

    Seriously, I really appreciate feedback. You guys confirmed that I will be pulled over and need to address it. I like those brackets and will get a set. Once again, a wealth of information in this forum - many thanks to all of you who responded!
     
  9. roadracer311

    roadracer311 Formula 3

    May 6, 2009
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    #9 roadracer311, May 5, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  10. Red575

    Red575 Karting
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    Apr 8, 2011
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    Jimi C.
    #10 Red575, May 5, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Hill Engineering in the UK make a excellent front mounting plate bracket that can adapt to many Ferrari's. Here's one on my 575M. It keeps the plate in just the right place, not too low and yet not restricting the airflow to front grill. Very solid construction mounted with 2 screws to lower splitter.
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  11. JLuce

    JLuce Karting

    Feb 12, 2012
    73
    #11 JLuce, May 6, 2012
    Jimi,

    That's one sweet photo of your 575M! I like that look - just need to get the US to change the profile of their plates to match the height of the European's plates!

    Thanks, all!
     

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