Makes NO DIFFERENCE if you stop...

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by cwend

You can be stopped for any traffic offense, including that one. Im not sure what you mean by primary offense. A traffic offense is a traffic offense and not having a plate affixed to the front and rear of the vehicle is one. It does not have to be affixed to the bumper, but there is case law that supports that 'front and rear of the vehicle' does not include in the window or on the dash. And I dont know how long the law has been in effect, but TX has been a 2 plate state since at least 92, but regardless if your car came with a bracket on the front, it is required.

Primary vs Secondary:
The New Florida Seat Belt Law: Primary vs. Secondary Enforcement and What it Means - Legislation & Policymaking - FindLaw Blotter

The difference lies in what is called "primary" versus "secondary" enforcement. Under prior Florida law, only secondary enforcement was allowed. Thus, police could give someone a ticket for not wearing their seatbelt, but only if they had a separate reason for stopping that person's vehicle. For example, if a driver got pulled over for speeding, then they could also get a ticket for not wearing a seat belt.

Yes, this is an example from FL but is/was true in pretty much every state.

Is there an actual LEO in this thread or is it all just interpretation so far?

[groovyone]

Looks like 2010 may have been the first official decision that said bumper:

Court's forward-thinking decision: Plates belong on front bumper | Editorials & Opinions | Fo...

Meh, I'll risk the fine. Been good to go for 8+ years on one car, and bought the other used from a dealer without any way to mount it, and the previous owner bought it new from the dealer also in this area, with no way to mount it.

Interesting how a comment I made in jest has become a dominant topic in the thread.

[cwend]

Originally Posted by groovyone

Is there an actual LEO in this thread or is it all just interpretation so far?

Yes, there is at least one with 12yrs experience. TX does not have primary or secondary or any of that and Ive never heard that it did. Like I said, a traffic offense is a traffic offense and you can be stopped for any of them. All are actually even arrestable except for two(speeding/open container). And although I've rarely written a ticket for no front plate, I stop for it all time time looking for other things (drunks/dope/etc)

[Flores]

I've been pulled over for no-front-plate.

I had the plate in the trunk. the older miatas don't have the 'dimples' in the bumper, nor is there any way to mount it without causing a big disruption in airflow to the radiator.

and there is no way in hell I'm sticking a sharp piece of metal inside my car, sure as hell not on the windshield, where it will fly at me the next time I get rear ended by someone who doesn't see me stopped at a light.

The LEO that stopped me was kind enough to write me a 'fix it' ticket for the transgression, told me I could have it dismissed by taking a photo of the car with the plate 'somehow attached' to it, and complimented me on my ride.

I like LEOs :)

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by cwend

Yes, there is at least one with 12yrs experience. TX does not have primary or secondary or any of that and Ive never heard that it did. Like I said, a traffic offense is a traffic offense and you can be stopped for any of them. All are actually even arrestable except for two(speeding/open container). And although I've rarely written a ticket for no front plate, I stop for it all time time looking for other things (drunks/dope/etc)

Fair enough! You have my respect for doing a tough job.

[Ty_]

Best revenge is to sneak up on a parked police car, steal the plates, mount them on your car, and then have at all of the parking cameras in town.

(You know I'm kidding, don't you, cwend?)