Texas Front License Plate

texascurves · #1 (**permalink**) 10-06-2008, 02:46 PM

I purchased a 2008 SVT Shelby Cobra and when I got my plates I realized there is NO WHERE to put the front plate. I spoke to a dealer and he said it is the dealers or FORDS responsibility to make sure there is a spot and it should be on a bumper especially since Texas is the only state that requires a front plate.

What is the deal? I dont want some make shift howdy doody looking crap on my car. Is there a bumper that is designed with a plate holder? Any pics? I contacted my dealer and they said there were 2 dimples in the front to attach the hooks to.

Any thoughts or help would be appreciated.

Got the Bug · #2 (**permalink**) 10-06-2008, 03:16 PM

Many states require a front license plate, including California. There has got to be a factory bracket available to install the front plate. The dealer should have the correct PN. If you didn't buy the car from a dealer, you're probably on the hook to purchase bracket yourself.

hey,littlecobra · #3 (**permalink**) 10-06-2008, 03:16 PM

yes... the little dimples are there to drill through and attach the plate with small screws and washers and bolts. you have to look real hard to see the dimples, as at first i thought they were a flaw in the paint. i was mad! but.... they are there.
i certainly have not drilled them through, or attached the front plate, but the plate is in the back seat of my car. i have not been stopped yet. oh yes, i have been stopped for speeding once, but i guess the officer didn't go look at the front for the plate! whewww lucky! i've been meaning to get a couple of suction cups with the cup hooks on them to 'stick to the front windshield' in the hope that maybe if it is just sorta kinda visible it would pass enough. i think if the rake of the windshield was less, that would maybe work, but probably not. i know of 3 other folks with a 500 and none of them have the front plate. (i don't think they do, anyway) and i'm just crossing my fingers and hoping that it is a non issue when the cop sees my pretty car.
legally of course there SHOULD be a front plate attached and visible.
good luck on your decision!

Got the Bug · #4 (**permalink**) 10-06-2008, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hey,littlecobra

legally of course there SHOULD be a front plate attached and visible.
good luck on your decision!

I run front plates on my daily drivers...but not on my Superformance.

There's so many cars on the road with no front plate, it's unlikely that you'll get pulled over for that alone. If you do, it's just a "fix it" ticket.

hey,littlecobra · #5 (**permalink**) 10-06-2008, 03:38 PM

yes, my dailies have front plates. the cobra has an antique plate issued, (the DMV only issues one) and the 500 well..... nope!!

i'm thinking the same as you- there are so many without front plates that unless they have pulled you over for something else, you probably won't get stopped just for that.

when i got stopped, i was issued a warning and happy for it. Didn't even remember the front plate isn't attached! oops!!

Bwana Snake · #6 (**permalink**) 10-06-2008, 03:39 PM

http://www.finishlineaccessories.com...6b04e8632288bf

Try Finish Line and yes it is a requirement in Texas but the local and county guys don't seem to care its the DPMV / State Troopers / Highway Patrol that will stop you. I do not have a front plate and do not plan to just pay the fine, they mostly give warning tickets.

Gary

Seagull81 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-06-2008, 04:43 PM

It's $140 ticket. Ask my friends grandson. He got one along with the speeding ticket.
Steve

Got the Bug · #8 (**permalink**) 10-06-2008, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seagull81

It's $140 ticket. Ask my friends grandson. He got one along with the speeding ticket.
Steve

I don't think they ding you for a fine in CA. They didn't used to, but I could be wrong.

Seagull81 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-06-2008, 05:04 PM

I missed saying in Texas. Don't know about any other state.
Steve

FWB · #10 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 09:27 AM

the previous owner of my car was from nj, they have front plates also. the car never had a front plate on it. it was kept in a folder in the trunk, so it could be presented to law enforcement (used loosely) never got pulled over for it, or
cited along with other violation.

rms427 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 10:55 AM

Most states require a front plate. 19 do not. I live in California and have one on my cobra but do not have one on my Z06 Corvette. I have had the Z06 for 2 years without a problem here but got a ticket in Iowa that cost me $63. The corvette uses double sided tape to hold the front bracket. I don't like that idea and don't want to drill holes though the body so I will do without unless I get a ticket.

maxum_101 · #12 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texascurves

I purchased a 2008 SVT Shelby Cobra and when I got my plates I realized there is NO WHERE to put the front plate. I spoke to a dealer and he said it is the dealers or FORDS responsibility to make sure there is a spot and it should be on a bumper especially since Texas is the only state that requires a front plate.

What is the deal? I dont want some make shift howdy doody looking crap on my car. Is there a bumper that is designed with a plate holder? Any pics? I contacted my dealer and they said there were 2 dimples in the front to attach the hooks to.

Any thoughts or help would be appreciated.

hi there i live in canada and all cars here require a front plate, if you need i can get one for you from the dealer and ship to you.

CowtownCobra · #13 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 04:32 PM

In my experience, here in TX they generally leave collector cars alone.

Texascurves, as for your problem, go ask on some Mustang website. This is Club Cobra...

jdean · #14 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 04:49 PM

I dont have a front one on one of my daily drivers....been stopped twice for it over the years and only got warnings, both state troopers.

I guess the most annoying thing about not having it is it gives them a reason to chase you down if they are having a slow day.

Tim Brewer · #15 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 07:03 PM

Texascurves, don't worry about the front plate. The cops generally only stop kids in ricers for no front plates.

75coug · #16 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 07:14 PM

In twenty years of driving SVT Cobras, a GTO and various Corvettes in Texas without a front license plate, I have never been stopped. And even if it did cost me a couple hundred bucks once a decade, it's worth it to not mar the fronts of my cars.

RedSabre · #17 (**permalink**) 10-09-2008, 05:32 PM

I ended up adding the front plate as my inspection guy says that Williamson County sheriff's love to nail folks for this violation. Particularly as an add on offense after finding a light out, expired inspection or license plate. So I got a trailer mounting bracket at O'Reilly's for about $3. Modified it and mounted it between the turn signal light and body. Hate having it on the car, but love the freedom from worrying about this issue. Besides I am more worried about the lead foot syndrome violation. That can be real costly as we all know.

Mike

Great Asp · #18 (**permalink**) 10-09-2008, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CowtownCobra

In my experience, here in TX they generally leave collector cars alone.

Texascurves, as for your problem, go ask on some Mustang website. This is Club Cobra...

There isn't a restriction on who can post here.

What was it Mom always said?

E

gsharapa · #19 (**permalink**) 10-11-2008, 07:23 AM

Like others have said...moved to Texas and driving here for 18 years with 5 different Cobras, GT40, Pantera, Boss 302 and now a GT500 and never have run a front plate and never have been stopped. Again the state trooper are the only ones to watch out for.........

jshel1 · #20 (**permalink**) 10-11-2008, 07:50 AM

Mom always said "play nice." Did I win?