Advice for fix it ticket? (No front plate) - BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)

radiantm3 · 10-22-2009, 03:01 AM

Anyone get a fix-it ticket and get it resolved without having to drill holes into your front bumper? My first thought is to stick the plate mount onto my bumper temporarily with 3m double-sided tape to get the ticket signed off. But I don't know if this will work.

Any advice would be appreciated. I know someone is going to say, "just get the plates drilled". That's my last resort. I take a lot of photos so having front plates is more of a nuisance.

HondaGoneRogue · 10-22-2009, 03:16 AM

I think 3M would work:

5201. License plates shall at all times be securely fastened to the vehicle for which they are issued so as to prevent the plates from swinging, shall be mounted in a position so as to be clearly visible, and shall be maintained in a condition so as to be clearly legible. The rear license plate shall be mounted not less than 12 inches nor more than 60 inches from the ground, and the front license plate shall be mounted not more than 60 inches from the ground, .........

Or get the gominigo plate holder.

radiantm3 · 10-22-2009, 04:25 AM

Thanks for the gominigo idea. Actually that got me searching and I found the CP-E one which seems a bit better.

aisthetes · 10-22-2009, 09:39 AM

I specifically order my cars with no front plates/bumper holes drilled as well. A few years back, I got popped with a fix-it ticket as well.

Here's what I did:
1) Velcro tape
2) Dremel
3) Two license plate screws

I took the two screws and used a dremel to cut them down to screw heads only, glued them to the front of the plate, then used velcro tape to secure the plate to the bumper. It looked permanently drilled into the bumper and worked great at the CHP station for sign off. Once back home, it was easy to unstick and I was back in business. The whole front plate idea is pretty ridiculous and unnecessary IMO.

Papethova · 10-22-2009, 10:58 AM

Double side tape works, I have done it MANY times. Make sure its secure, they will tug on it hard if they realize its tape. If you cut off the heads of a screw and tape those over the holes it looks bolted on and they dont tug on it.

radiantm3 · 10-22-2009, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papethova

Double side tape works, I have done it MANY times. Make sure its secure, they will tug on it hard if they realize its tape. If you cut off the heads of a screw and tape those over the holes it looks bolted on and they dont tug on it.

Great advice. I ended up buying one of those tow hook brackets. I figure I'll have to go through this again in the future and screwing on a bracket seems like the easiest way to deal with this on multiple occasions. Plus if I ever need to keep my front plate on for any reason I'll have piece of mind knowing it's very secure.

Mega Man · 10-22-2009, 12:18 PM

The one time I got a fix it ticket was with my Integra for the exact same thing. I just used zip ties to attach it to the front bumper (JDM front).

I went to the Sherrif's station with my car parked out front facing parallel to the window, so the view from the station would be a side view of my car. The clerk asked if I had the front plate attached and I told them I did. He wrote off the ticket, but I still paid $15. He didn't even check. After I left, I later removed the front plate and haven't been bothered since.

RobMason · 10-22-2009, 12:27 PM

Tatiana · 10-22-2009, 12:35 PM

Firefighters are usually pretty friendly with cops and they usually have each others back with stuff. So if you know of a firefighter, you might want to ask him if he can get a cop to just sign it off. It worked for me with my window tints.

nordique14 · 10-22-2009, 01:04 PM

On Saturday my friend was pulled over in Napa for no front plate. No other ticket was issued. He drives a well kept 08 Volvo so I doubt that the lack of a front plate was an excuse to pull him over to check for other things. He was pulled over strictly for no front plate. Lame.

radiantm3 · 10-22-2009, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nordique14

On Saturday my friend was pulled over in Napa for no front plate. No other ticket was issued. He drives a well kept 08 Volvo so I doubt that the lack of a front plate was an excuse to pull him over to check for other things. He was pulled over strictly for no front plate. Lame.

If that happens to me 2x, I'll keep my plates on. It's not worth the trouble when you start getting pulled over just for that.

xbook · 10-22-2009, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nordique14

On Saturday my friend was pulled over in Napa for no front plate. No other ticket was issued. He drives a well kept 08 Volvo so I doubt that the lack of a front plate was an excuse to pull him over to check for other things. He was pulled over strictly for no front plate. Lame.

And that right there is the reason I have my front plate installed with the tow hook mount from gominigo. Its just too much of a hassle getting pulled over for some BS ticket.

1ofakind · 10-22-2009, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nordique14

On Saturday my friend was pulled over in Napa for no front plate. No other ticket was issued. He drives a well kept 08 Volvo so I doubt that the lack of a front plate was an excuse to pull him over to check for other things. He was pulled over strictly for no front plate. Lame.

That really sucks. I live in Napa but so far have only gotten fix-it tickets for the front plate in SF. I guess I'll have to be more careful... Do you know if your friend was pulled over by CHP or city cops? Thanks.

nordique14 · 10-22-2009, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ofakind

That really sucks. I live in Napa but so far have only gotten fix-it tickets for the front plate in SF. I guess I'll have to be more careful... Do you know if your friend was pulled over by CHP or city cops? Thanks.

He was pulled over by the local sheriff on Zinfandel Rd in Rutherford. Not sure if he was running a speed trap or just driving down the road.

VMRWheels · 10-22-2009, 04:01 PM

Get the EuroSpec tow hook license plate holder. Drill free!

http://www.euro-spec.net/store/produ...512ef04168189e

-Charles@VMRWheels

infinitekid2002 · 10-22-2009, 04:48 PM

My advice: Pay it and consider it a "tax" for being able to drive without a license plate...I got popped only once so far but it was when i had no plates at all after i just bought it.

Also i'm not sure about this but i have heard that not having a front license plate is not a primary offense but only a secondary so i dont believe they are supposed to pull u over for just that...always make sure u ask them upfront why you were pulled over.

Jcrewsn · 10-22-2009, 04:49 PM

California has some gay laws. If we had plates like the europeans there would be no issues with front plates and police men and women could spend their time with more worthwhile activities

aarong_m3 · 10-22-2009, 05:07 PM

I used Velcro for my Euro plate(i'm sure you can do the same for CA plates). The back part has the adhesive. So far it hasn't damaged my paint. I've checked so many times.

radiantm3 · 10-22-2009, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infinitekid2002

My advice: Pay it and consider it a "tax" for being able to drive without a license plate...I got popped only once so far but it was when i had no plates at all after i just bought it.

Also i'm not sure about this but i have heard that not having a front license plate is not a primary offense but only a secondary so i dont believe they are supposed to pull u over for just that...always make sure u ask them upfront why you were pulled over.

Paying without getting it signed off is $174. Get it signed off and I only have to pay $25. I ordered one of those tow hook mounts and still saved money over paying the bail fee.

infinitekid2002 · 10-22-2009, 06:49 PM

True...well here in L.A. you have to take it to some specific place to get it signed off these days and it was too much hassle since i work too much for that.

bmwsam · 10-22-2009, 10:22 PM

I was pulled over a couple of weeks ago (unrelated to the front plate) and the cops didn't say anything about not having a front plate on. I'm going to keep on running without the front plate because it hasn't caused me any trouble yet...

BrokenVert · 10-22-2009, 10:28 PM

Thinking about the CP-e plate bracket whenever I get my performance aero kit.

Be nice to get a review.

10-22-2009, 03:01 AM	#1
radiantm3 Dinan Fanboy Drives: 08 335i, 09 135i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 1,178 iTrader: (4) View radiantm3's Garage	Advice for fix it ticket? (No front plate) Anyone get a fix-it ticket and get it resolved without having to drill holes into your front bumper? My first thought is to stick the plate mount onto my bumper temporarily with 3m double-sided tape to get the ticket signed off. But I don't know if this will work. Any advice would be appreciated. I know someone is going to say, "just get the plates drilled". That's my last resort. I take a lot of photos so having front plates is more of a nuisance. __________________ 2009 135i 6MT. (Photos / Video) Dinan Stage 2 Software, Dinan Cold Air Intake, Dinan Exhaust, BMW Performance Suspension, Breyton GTS-R's/Dunlop Direzza Star Specs. 2008 335i = Stock Family Sedan

10-22-2009, 04:25 AM	#3
radiantm3 Dinan Fanboy Drives: 08 335i, 09 135i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 1,178 iTrader: (4) View radiantm3's Garage	Thanks for the gominigo idea. Actually that got me searching and I found the CP-E one which seems a bit better. __________________ 2009 135i 6MT. (Photos / Video) Dinan Stage 2 Software, Dinan Cold Air Intake, Dinan Exhaust, BMW Performance Suspension, Breyton GTS-R's/Dunlop Direzza Star Specs. 2008 335i = Stock Family Sedan

10-22-2009, 12:18 PM	#7
Mega Man エアーマンが倒せない Drives: 2009 135i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 三重県四日市市 Posts: 1,783 iTrader: (5) View Mega Man's Garage	The one time I got a fix it ticket was with my Integra for the exact same thing. I just used zip ties to attach it to the front bumper (JDM front). I went to the Sherrif's station with my car parked out front facing parallel to the window, so the view from the station would be a side view of my car. The clerk asked if I had the front plate attached and I told them I did. He wrote off the ticket, but I still paid $15. He didn't even check. After I left, I later removed the front plate and haven't been bothered since. __________________ 1ADDICT \| Black Shadowline Grills \| fmxomar Splitters! \| KW V2 \| HID Halos \|

10-22-2009, 12:27 PM	#8
RobMason Taemdennab Drives: '09 ///M-Sport 135i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: San Rafael Posts: 1,045 iTrader: (3)	! Last edited by RobMason; 04-22-2010 at 12:11 AM.

10-22-2009, 04:01 PM	#15
VMRWheels Brigadier General Drives: BMW Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Irvine, CA Posts: 3,104 iTrader: (1) View VMRWheels's Garage	Get the EuroSpec tow hook license plate holder. Drill free! http://www.euro-spec.net/store/produ...512ef04168189e -Charles@VMRWheels __________________ *VMR* \| Wheels Tel: 714-442-7916 \| Email:sales@velocitymotoring.com \| URL: www.velocitymotoring.com \| VMR Facebook! VMR Collection >> V701 \| V710 \| V713 \| V715 \| V718 \| VB3 19x10 V710 19" Preorder Special: FREE SHIPPING!

10-22-2009, 09:39 AM	#4
aisthetes Private First Class Drives: '09 AW 135i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Woodland Hills, CA Posts: 165 iTrader: (0)	I specifically order my cars with no front plates/bumper holes drilled as well. A few years back, I got popped with a fix-it ticket as well. Here's what I did: 1) Velcro tape 2) Dremel 3) Two license plate screws I took the two screws and used a dremel to cut them down to screw heads only, glued them to the front of the plate, then used velcro tape to secure the plate to the bumper. It looked permanently drilled into the bumper and worked great at the CHP station for sign off. Once back home, it was easy to unstick and I was back in business. The whole front plate idea is pretty ridiculous and unnecessary IMO.

10-22-2009, 10:58 AM	#5
Papethova Lieutenant Drives: 135 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: CA Posts: 580 iTrader: (0)	Double side tape works, I have done it MANY times. Make sure its secure, they will tug on it hard if they realize its tape. If you cut off the heads of a screw and tape those over the holes it looks bolted on and they dont tug on it.

10-22-2009, 12:35 PM	#9
Tatiana Loves it Drives: BMW - 128i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 5 iTrader: (0)	Firefighters are usually pretty friendly with cops and they usually have each others back with stuff. So if you know of a firefighter, you might want to ask him if he can get a cop to just sign it off. It worked for me with my window tints.

10-22-2009, 01:04 PM	#10
nordique14 Major Drives: SGM 135i 'vert Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Sharks Territory Posts: 1,148 iTrader: (2)	On Saturday my friend was pulled over in Napa for no front plate. No other ticket was issued. He drives a well kept 08 Volvo so I doubt that the lack of a front plate was an excuse to pull him over to check for other things. He was pulled over strictly for no front plate. Lame.

10-22-2009, 04:48 PM	#16
infinitekid2002 Creepin while ya sleepin Drives: Like a Bat out of Hell Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: City of Angels Posts: 1,029 iTrader: (3) View infinitekid2002's Garage	My advice: Pay it and consider it a "tax" for being able to drive without a license plate...I got popped only once so far but it was when i had no plates at all after i just bought it. Also i'm not sure about this but i have heard that not having a front license plate is not a primary offense but only a secondary so i dont believe they are supposed to pull u over for just that...always make sure u ask them upfront why you were pulled over. __________________

10-22-2009, 04:49 PM	#17
Jcrewsn Second Lieutenant Drives: BMW 135i Join Date: May 2009 Location: San Diego, CA/ Tustin, CA Posts: 243 iTrader: (0) View Jcrewsn's Garage	California has some gay laws. If we had plates like the europeans there would be no issues with front plates and police men and women could spend their time with more worthwhile activities

10-22-2009, 05:07 PM	#18
aarong_m3 Second Lieutenant Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 296 iTrader: (0)	I used Velcro for my Euro plate(i'm sure you can do the same for CA plates). The back part has the adhesive. So far it hasn't damaged my paint. I've checked so many times. __________________ 2006 BMW M5 7spd SMG/SIlverstone : 2008 BMW 135i SGM/JB2/BMS(SOLD 1/2010) : 1974 BMW 2oo2(5spd w/ 3.91LSD) : 2002 BMW M3(AW/6spd) Sold 8/07 : 2002 BMW 325i(SGM) Sold 12/07 : 1993 BMW 325i Sold 8/04

10-22-2009, 06:49 PM	#20
infinitekid2002 Creepin while ya sleepin Drives: Like a Bat out of Hell Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: City of Angels Posts: 1,029 iTrader: (3) View infinitekid2002's Garage	True...well here in L.A. you have to take it to some specific place to get it signed off these days and it was too much hassle since i work too much for that. __________________

10-22-2009, 10:22 PM	#21
bmwsam First Lieutenant Drives: 128i M-Sport Join Date: May 2009 Location: Central Coast, CA Posts: 335 iTrader: (0) View bmwsam's Garage	I was pulled over a couple of weeks ago (unrelated to the front plate) and the cops didn't say anything about not having a front plate on. I'm going to keep on running without the front plate because it hasn't caused me any trouble yet... __________________ 128i M-Sport: Le Mans Blue/Black Interior 6MT, Premium Hi-Fi, Ipod/USB, BMW CCA Member: Central California Chapter