I am thinking of removing my front license plate. I live in Virginia, I was mainly wondering, law-wise, what are the penalties if you are stopped for not having it on? Can you be stopped 'just' for not having it on, or is it like a seat belt ticket, they have to stop you for something else?

Is it merely a fine, or do you get points on your record? Are state cops different from local? Anyone have experience with this? Thanks!!

 

I have no experience - just luck. I heard it was a $50 fine but, I can't imagine it would add points. I would also think that it would be a reason to get pulled over.

I always tailgate any police car that passes me so he can't see that my front plate isn't installed. Then I make an abrupt turn (from his bumper) so he still can't see that I don't have a front tag installed (on the front bumper that is - actually it's displayed nicely in the trunk!).

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 1MoreToy
[B]I always tailgate any police car that passes me so he can't see that my front plate isn't installed.

 

it has been a month or so, and i haven't been pulled... *knock on wood*

i am always scared when i see cops. A cop lives in my neighborhood, and he always eyes me and my roommate, since we both removed the front tags.

When i see one, i always try to avoid them looking at the front... so scared!!!

 

I took my plate off a few months ago, no issues yet.

FWIW, I ran with no plate on my '99 Lightning (it was big and "arrest me red" in color) for 2 years and never got pulled.

Laz

 

I've had my plate off for 2 or 3 months now. No problems so far. I am careful though if I see a cop. I don't think they will bust you for not having the front plate, but if they catch you speeding or you make another mistake they might add the no plate charge to your bill if they notice

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by VA S2K
[B]I've had my plate off for 2 or 3 months now.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by DaveZ
[B]

Off for 4 months - no ticket.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by DaveZ
[B]

Off for 4 months - no ticket.

 

Tickets? None for no front plate.
I have driven my 66 Elan around VA and most of the Mid Atlantic states without a front plate for over 10 years. There was no mount for a front plate and no place to put it except in the radiator air intake, which the plate nearly blocks completely. So once a year I attach the plate with wires, insert fake bolts, and take it in for the inspection.
I did get a ticket once for having an expired inspection sticker. The officer got me as I drove by the local police station right here in Fairfax County. He never noticed there was no front plate.
I think the VA police are so preoccupied looking at the county sticker and the inspection sticker, that they forget to look at the plate in front.