I bought my car in Indiana, and just recently moved to Illinois. How do I mount the front license plate bracket? Do I just go to work with a drill and screwdriver? It seems criminal to ruin the fron bumper this way.

I bought my car in Indiana, and just recently moved to Illinois. How do I mount the front license plate bracket? Do I just go to work with a drill and screwdriver? It seems criminal to ruin the fron bumper this way.

Have a dealer do it for you.

Have a dealer do it for you.

+1

Any BMW dealer will install it for free if you are legally required to have a front plate on your car.

I was just wondering about the front plate this weekend as my plates just arrived. I hate to put one on even though it is the law here in California. It looks so good without.

330iMan, Carlson335,
I feel the same way about putting the front plate on. I had 2 Saabs for 9 years before this 335 and I didn't put plates on either. I got 1 fix-it ticket in that time and it didn't cost me anything as long as I proved that I fixed the issue within 30 days. Things may be different now with the cost but it's still a fix-it ticket.

I'll assume the risk rather than put the plate on. Not sure if there's any risk in IL but I know LA has the same as Norcal. I' leave it off. You both have beautiful cars. Why make them a little less so?

I was just wondering about the front plate this weekend as my plates just arrived. I hate to put one on even though it is the law here in California. It looks so good without.

+1

I was so glad when I moved from MD to DE where front plates are not required. The only front plates I think look sharp are european plates.

330iMan, Carlson335,
I feel the same way about putting the front plate on. I had 2 Saabs for 9 years before this 335 and I didn't put plates on either. I got 1 fix-it ticket in that time and it didn't cost me anything as long as I proved that I fixed the issue within 30 days. Things may be different now with the cost but it's still a fix-it ticket.

I'll assume the risk rather than put the plate on. Not sure if there's any risk in IL but I know LA has the same as Norcal. I' leave it off. You both have beautiful cars. Why make them a little less so?


CA Vehicle Code says that dealers have to install a front license plate bracket unless the buyer refuses installation and that he/she understands that CA law requires that a front license plate be displayed.

I don't see in the Vehicle Code where not having a front license plate warrants a ticket, so a fix-it ticket would probably still be issued.

TRMD

CA Vehicle Code says that dealers have to install a front license plate bracket unless the buyer refuses installation and that he/she understands that CA law requires that a front license plate be displayed.

I don't see in the Vehicle Code where not having a front license plate warrants a ticket, so a fix-it ticket would probably still be issued.

TRMD

I noticed most cars the front plate bracket has to be drilled into the front bumper. I don't like this and I asked my dealer not to install the front plate, he left it in the trunk ;)

in NY state, it's a ticket. But the ticket is a 'fix it' ticket if it's a first time in the county or town, if it's not "fixed" within 30 days, it becomes a ticket and the fine is $70 ($40 state, $30 local court fee)

I know this because I got one in my Camaro when I refused to have 3 holes drilled into the front grille and the violation was supposed to be for something else but the cop was being nice.

from July '99 to now, 130k on it currently...I only got two tickets for no front plates. One from local county cop (see above) and one from a state pooper. State pooper gave me no front plate and using a rear plate cover even with the old NY style plates before the update. Funny that the trail letter came in the mail 5 YEARS LATER!!! only to be post poned again (one of my tickets tatics :D )

But I have noticed after 9/11, cops aren't enforcing B$ laws on the road much anymore unless they pulled you over for something else...

The only way to get around this is to register your car out of state (nearby states preferrably so yearly inspection can be done) with a mailing address in that state. And drive your car in your home state or wherever you'd like. Other states cannot enforce laws from other than their home state.

For a fact, I know the state of DE is the cheapest to insure a car in :)

This is like FL reg'ed car, no front plates required.
Now if you drove to say like NY, you can have heavy tint, no front plate..etc and the police here can't do much about it, it's like you're grandfathered from your state.

My bro wanted to get a diesel jeep liberity, but the dealer wouldn't sell it to NY or CA due to the emissions or diesel laws (NY claims it will update the laws to allow it but we all know how slow and messed up Albany is...)

VW can't sell their Diesel TDI in NY, in fact the NY DMV knows about it and won't accept any reg request for it.

So here's what my bro did: He used his boss's address in NJ (he owns a few houses thru inheritance) and it worked that way, NJ plates. And he's living in NY currently in an appartment. But this requires you to convert your license to NJ which can be a bad part...

Playing games with fake addresses is just asking for trouble. Sure it sounds like a great idea until the day you have an accident, or a problem with vehicle title. What seems perfectly reasonable and 'acceptable risk' to one person is exactly the opposite to another.

Some decisions can really come back to haunt you later, and something like this not like risking a parking ticket because you don't feel like having to go make change for the meter.

-ace72

Playing games with fake addresses is just asking for trouble. Sure it sounds like a great idea until the day you have an accident, or a problem with vehicle title. What seems perfectly reasonable and 'acceptable risk' to one person is exactly the opposite to another.

It's not an fake address.
It's a legit address, it's just like using your parent's address but having the mail fowarded to the new address.

It's not an fake address.
It's a legit address, it's just like using your parent's address but having the mail fowarded to the new address.

It's also called Fraud. Just ask all the people in NJ and PA whose insurance rates are higher because all the people from NYC register their cars there instead of in NYC where they live.

It's also called Fraud. Just ask all the people in NJ and PA whose insurance rates are higher because all the people from NYC register their cars there instead of in NYC where they live.

I believe you're talking about that case where doctors and professionals would offer a ride to a few strangers, and go slamming on brakes causing rearending accidents...in return they offer to use their services and collect insurance claims this way...this has been going on for a few years until the police busted the case, all were charged with fraud.

I believe you're talking about that case where doctors and professionals would offer a ride to a few strangers, and go slamming on brakes causing rearending accidents...in return they offer to use their services and collect insurance claims this way...this has been going on for a few years until the police busted the case, all were charged with fraud.

No, I'm just talking about the simple Fraud of registering/titling/tagging/insuring a vehicle in a state you don't live in. At least twice a year there is a story on the Philly news where they go into NYC and confront drivers who have lived in NYC for YEARS and are registering their cars in PA. When these drivers have accidents, these claims get filed as Pennsylvania claims thus inflating claim numbers in PA and raising rates for those that actually live there.

Bottom line, register/tag/insure your car where you live. If you can't afford to then either sell the car or move.

[/end rant]

...snip

Other states cannot enforce laws from other than their home state.

...snip



WTF you been smoking ??

CA Vehicle Code says that dealers have to install a front license plate bracket unless the buyer refuses installation and that he/she understands that CA law requires that a front license plate be displayed.

I don't see in the Vehicle Code where not having a front license plate warrants a ticket, so a fix-it ticket would probably still be issued.

TRMD

I signed something saying I agreed to put on a front plate when I bought it. BUt at the time I didn't know there weren't even holes for it as I found out this weekend.

Well, I'm certainly not going to go around without a plate risking a ticket (no matter how benign) just because the plate is ugly. Having the dealer install is what I'll do. I can just see myself bitching up the whole thing for one reason or another. I'm about as handy as a broken brick, but at least I know this and won't temp fate.

Thanks for all the replies though.

I signed something saying I agreed to put on a front plate when I bought it. BUt at the time I didn't know there weren't even holes for it as I found out this weekend.

The dealer would have drilled some holes for the license plate holder. Not something you'd want to do on your own, IMHO.

TRMD

WTF you been smoking ??

I'm talking about Vehicle and Traffic Laws. Most of them can't be enforced in another state.

Other than:

Stolen
minimum driving age, permit issues

and a few more I can't remember offhand.


How's this one, VA even has VTL on ride height! They even measure the ride height on your car if you have VA plates and they suspect it's been modified...
The wording comes out to such as that it cannot be higher or lower than the factory specifications with a tolerance of 1/2"

Texas cops are anal about this but I refuse to ruin the look of my car to satisfy some idiotic need.

My RX-7 has never had one and I got ONE ticket.

The Supra had one installed already so no arguments to be made there.

since mine is already installed im wondering if i get europlates with the same digits of my license plate will this still be legal?

since mine is already installed im wondering if i get europlates with the same digits of my license plate will this still be legal?

Most likely not. Plates are federally issued. Therefore some random ass plate you had made holds no government power. It may sway the cop that pulls you over and notices no front plate. You could probably state it and maybe not get a ticket. But is it legal just cus it has the same numbers and letters? no. Everyone would be doing that.

most states require a front license plate
so if you dont wanna go to the dealer..just put it in far right bottom corner of your front winshield
and use two suction-cups to hold them up

most states require a front license plate
so if you dont wanna go to the dealer..just put it in far right bottom corner of your front winshield
and use two suction-cups to hold them up

Not to sound intolerant but that is ghetto. lol IMHO of course.

Not to sound intolerant but that is ghetto. lol IMHO of course.

+1

I'd mount it on the front if I had to before doing that.

In Illinois the front plate is required. However, my vehicle was purchased from, and registered in, Georgia so I will have Georgia plates on the car. Thus, I should be able to continue without the front plates. Hell, I had no intention of putting the front plate on either way, but it appears that I'll be fully within my rights. Plus, I'm probably moving back to Georgia soon now that I've graduated anyways...

Not to sound intolerant but that is ghetto. lol IMHO of course.

it's not really ghetto. @ least not out here in san francisco.
plenty of people do it. it actually doesnt look half bad.
it's a lot easier than just drilling in two holes into ur bumper by urself.
plus, its saves a lotta time and $$

Playing games with fake addresses is just asking for trouble. Sure it sounds like a great idea until the day you have an accident, or a problem with vehicle title. What seems perfectly reasonable and 'acceptable risk' to one person is exactly the opposite to another.

Some decisions can really come back to haunt you later, and something like this not like risking a parking ticket because you don't feel like having to go make change for the meter.

-ace72


I live in California but buy my vehicles in Washington and register them in South Carolina. Saves me on taxes and insurance, plus I can tint my windows which is illegal here. I have never had a single issue, if I have an accident my insurance will cover it, if I sell my car whoever buys it just has to pay 100 bucks for out of state title. I can see no way this would cause harm to anyone, I still have to obey the majority of IMPORTANT laws I just think some laws are silly. (like tint and plate laws)

I can see no way this would cause harm to anyone

Except to the actual citizens of South Carolina. Every time YOU file an insurance claim, it goes into the pool of total auto claims for South Carolina. When the actuaries calculate insurance rates, YOUR claim factors into their calculations and thus NEGATIVELY affects the rates of people who ACTUALLY live in South Carolina.

I live in California but buy my vehicles in Washington and register them in South Carolina. Saves me on taxes and insurance, plus I can tint my windows which is illegal here.

You said it all right here, as long as it's good for YOU, to heck with everyone else. IMO that's just sad.

I live in California but buy my vehicles in Washington and register them in South Carolina. Saves me on taxes and insurance, plus I can tint my windows which is illegal here. I have never had a single issue, if I have an accident my insurance will cover it, if I sell my car whoever buys it just has to pay 100 bucks for out of state title. I can see no way this would cause harm to anyone, I still have to obey the majority of IMPORTANT laws I just think some laws are silly. (like tint and plate laws)

If you have an accident and the insurance company finds out what you're doing, I'll bet your claim is denied. I'm also surprised your neighbors haven't turned you in for having SC plates.

TRMD

Well, I live in Texas but I buy my cars in Washington and register them in Kentucky and do all my driving in Oklahoma. My cars are insured in Delaware but my neigbors think I live in Utah and commute to Oregon. I get my Inspection Stickers in Florida but the IRS thinks I live in Ohio. My windows were tinted in New Mexico, but I rarely drive in Nevada. I have both front AND rear plates on my car.:)

Well, I live in Texas but I buy my cars in Washington and register them in Kentucky and do all my driving in Oklahoma. My cars are insured in Delaware but my neigbors think I live in Utah and commute to Oregon. I get my Inspection Stickers in Florida but the IRS thinks I live in Ohio. My windows were tinted in New Mexico, but I rarely drive in Nevada. I have both front AND rear plates on my car.:)


LOL!

NOOOOOOOOOOO DDDOOONNNNTTTT DO ANYTHING YET.... DONT DRILL.. Sorry I was unable to get back to your post sooo quick. I live in New Jersey and front and rear plates are required. Instead of drilling into that fine bumper of yours. Buy the no hole liscense plate frame. It screws directly into the tow hitch cover.

Well, I live in Texas but I buy my cars in Washington and register them in Kentucky and do all my driving in Oklahoma. My cars are insured in Delaware but my neigbors think I live in Utah and commute to Oregon. I get my Inspection Stickers in Florida but the IRS thinks I live in Ohio. My windows were tinted in New Mexico, but I rarely drive in Nevada. I have both front AND rear plates on my car.:)

And you buy all your gas in Louisiana ??

330iMan, Carlson335,
I feel the same way about putting the front plate on. I had 2 Saabs for 9 years before this 335 and I didn't put plates on either. I got 1 fix-it ticket in that time and it didn't cost me anything as long as I proved that I fixed the issue within 30 days. Things may be different now with the cost but it's still a fix-it ticket.

I'll assume the risk rather than put the plate on. Not sure if there's any risk in IL but I know LA has the same as Norcal. I' leave it off. You both have beautiful cars. Why make them a little less so?


we have an x5 and we didn't have the front plate on for a while. we got a fix it ticket when we were in san francisco all we had to do was to prove we fixed the problem and the ticket was signed off by an officer and was dismissed. nothing big deal. i hate the way a front plate robs the beauty of the car.

i know in california they dont allow you to put the plate inside the front windsheild. i think that if you had it in the front windsheild the cop if more likely to pull you over than if he actually didnt see one at all. i own a 06 Nissan Titan that i bought back in March of 06 and i have yet to put on any plates. i just kept the dealer tags on there.

IN AZ we don't have front plates, Ill have my Euro one on though :)

IN AZ we don't have front plates, Ill have my Euro one on though :)

Delaware doesn't require front plates either, but I would consider a Euro plate on the front. They look nice. Any leads on where to get good replica Euro plates (other than eBay)?

NOOOOOOOOOOO DDDOOONNNNTTTT DO ANYTHING YET.... DONT DRILL.. Sorry I was unable to get back to your post sooo quick. I live in New Jersey and front and rear plates are required. Instead of drilling into that fine bumper of yours. Buy the no hole liscense plate frame. It screws directly into the tow hitch cover.

Can you post a link to where this can be purchased? And/or pictures of it on yours?

The place to go is www.gominigo.com (http://www.gominigo.com) or here is the actual link. http://www.gominigo.com/18545.html Its called a no hole license plate.

Well, I live in Texas but I buy my cars in Washington and register them in Kentucky and do all my driving in Oklahoma. My cars are insured in Delaware but my neigbors think I live in Utah and commute to Oregon. I get my Inspection Stickers in Florida but the IRS thinks I live in Ohio. My windows were tinted in New Mexico, but I rarely drive in Nevada. I have both front AND rear plates on my car.:)

rjm this is great planning except that you should swap Florida and Ohio. Have the IRS think you live in Florida, Ohio has a high tax burden but Florida has no state income tax! Get your inspection sticker in Ohio, no wait ,we don't have an inspection, no fees and you can spew as much pollution as you like!:buttrock

The place to go is www.gominigo.com (http://www.gominigo.com) or here is the actual link. http://www.gominigo.com/18545.html Its called a no hole license plate.

How is that gonna work on a '07 328xi ?

Im not sure.

Is it safe for me to assume that since I am in PA, a state that does not require front plates, that BMW will not put the front plate on my car? I would hate them to put holes in my front bumper for a front plate that I do not need or want.

Thanks,

-Carl

My plate is under the passenger side floor mat. When I get pulled over I quickly relocate it to the corner of the windshield ;)

That said, the cops where I live and work don't care about front plates, only cops in crappy areas have pulled me over for it in the past.

Is it safe for me to assume that since I am in PA, a state that does not require front plates, that BMW will not put the front plate on my car? I would hate them to put holes in my front bumper for a front plate that I do not need or want.

Thanks,

-Carl

Request that the front plate is not to be installed on the car.

Is it safe for me to assume that since I am in PA, a state that does not require front plates, that BMW will not put the front plate on my car? I would hate them to put holes in my front bumper for a front plate that I do not need or want.

Thanks,

-Carl


Carl,
If you are buying a new car, that is correct. The front license plate bracket and screws are stored in the trunk under the little trap door on new cars shipped from the factory. The front license plate bracket does NOT come installed from BMW. The front bumper will be free from screw holes.

Cdotger, I am in PA too, I think I am going to call "just to make sure" no more holes are going to be put into my car then necessary. I would rather rather be safe then sorry! (I also told them no dealer labels on the car when I placed the order!)

Now, since I am doing a Performance Center Pickup, I am going to have to pray that they pass the word onto SC, and hope they do not do any drilling either!

Sea2Ski,

I did the same thing and asked the dealer not to put any of their dealer labels as well and they gave me a hard time. I confirmed with the dealer this morning and the dealer said they do not put the front plate on in PA unless the customer requests.

So rjm is correct.

-Carl

Good to know!!!

Wow - they gave you a hard time?? That stinks! >= $40K car, and they think they put their name on it? I do not think so; I paid for it! Now, if they want to pay for the car and let me drive it, then sure, they could put their label on it....

Sea2Ski,

I agree 100% and that is the same stance I took.

-Carl

Good to know!!!

Wow - they gave you a hard time?? That stinks! >= $40K car, and they think they put their name on it? I do not think so; I paid for it! Now, if they want to pay for the car and let me drive it, then sure, they could put their label on it....

I also bought my car from a PA dealer, possibly the same one as you guys, and while he in no way gave me a hard time about requesting the dealer name not be placed on the car, he seemed surprised that I asked. :rolleyes

Cdotger, I am in PA too, I think I am going to call "just to make sure" no more holes are going to be put into my car then necessary. I would rather rather be safe then sorry! (I also told them no dealer labels on the car when I placed the order!)

Now, since I am doing a Performance Center Pickup, I am going to have to pray that they pass the word onto SC, and hope they do not do any drilling either!

Dealers are still putting labels on cars ?? Here in California, AFAIK, they just put their license plate holder on the car.

TRMD

yep - sometimes they put on their little company logo on the back of the cars the sell, along with their name and slogans.... some are easy to take off, some are painted!

I can not believe that people do not flip out when they do it!

yep - sometimes they put on their little company logo on the back of the cars the sell, along with their name and slogans.... some are easy to take off, some are painted!

I can not believe that people do not flip out when they do it!


I certainly would have flipped out if my dealer have painted/decalled my new car. They would have had a nice time removing it...

TRMD

A few questions/statements regarding the front plate laws and what to do when you refuse to destroy your 40,000 dollar cars front end...

1. Does the No holes plate bracket from gominigo.com fit the tow hook threads in the front bumper of my 2007 328i?
1a. Do all BMW have the same dimension tow hooks/threads?

2. Anyone who does not maintain a residence (residing a minimum of 6 months of the year as well at said residence) is commiting insurance fraud by registering their vehicle(s) out of state and subsequently filing a claim with that false information.

3. I have searched many sites, but it took looking here to find help for this front plate dilemma, so thanks to all

...snip
Anyone who does not maintain a residence (residing a minimum of 6 months of the year as well at said residence) is commiting insurance fraud by registering their vehicle(s) out of state and subsequently filing a claim with that false information.
...snip


California didn't consider you a resident and used to make you wait until you lived in the state for six months before you could collect unemployment or welfare benefits. However, for state income tax purposes, you were a resident from the first day you lived here. A judge took exception to that and changed it. Bottom line, if you are living in the state, you are a resident. I know people who live in Manchester, NH and work in Boston, but they are residents of NH, becasue that is where they hang their hats at night. If you have a house in another state, you could always claim that you were a part-time resident if you spent time at your other house. If you do that, make sure your insurance company knows where you are housing your car, as your rates typically depend on it.

My .02.

TRMD

Answering my own question --

I just ordered my no holes front plate mounting kit from myminiparts.com. I called a few places trying to see if this device will fit BMW's, this was the first vendor who returned my call or email. In addition, the gentleman who assisted me (Pete) was not only helpful, but gracious. He was nice enough to go to a nearby BMW dealership and ask to test fit the device for me -- it fits (2004's anyway, and I suspect all)! Spread the word, save your front bumpers.

A direct link to the product would be nice since they have tons of stuff.

Answering my own question --

I just ordered my no holes front plate mounting kit from myminiparts.com. I called a few places trying to see if this device will fit BMW's, this was the first vendor who returned my call or email. In addition, the gentleman who assisted me (Pete) was not only helpful, but gracious. He was nice enough to go to a nearby BMW dealership and ask to test fit the device for me -- it fits (2004's anyway, and I suspect all)! Spread the word, save your front bumpers.

Ask pete if it will work on a '07 328xi ;)

A direct link to the product would be nice since they have tons of stuff.

It's been mentioned on page 2 of this thread....

The place to go is www.gominigo.com (http://www.gominigo.com/) or here is the actual link. http://www.gominigo.com/18545.html Its called a no hole license plate.

It's been mentioned on page 2 of this thread....

dont i look like a dumbass..

thanks man.

FYI-
My no holes plate kit was on, and it looked retarded. Sorry, just being honest. I took it off, replaced my tow hole cover and packaged this thing back up, I might send it back. Specifically the plate sticks out about 1 - 2 inches from the front of the car, and partially blocks the passenger side fog light.
I ended up mounting my plate with two molly's (think drywall mounting hardware) and two locking hex head bolts, to the front lower grill at a slight angle. It looks fine, but I am concerned it may impact the amount of cool air going into the radiator. Oh well, NYS is not a fun place to drive around without a front plate. I have had my car since November 11, and I have been pulled over 4 times for this thing, even with it in the front window. This might end up being temporary, but it actually looks decent. If someone has a website where I can put pics I will do so.

If someone has a website where I can put pics I will do so.

www.picsorban.com