Pulled over for front plate

merlin3008 · 06-22-2022, 03:24 PM

Hey all...I thought the group would find this funny. Since I haven't had enough time in my M3 lately, I decided to drive into work to downtown Chicago today. I had a great drive. On Michigan Ave, I see a cop bust a u-turn behind me. He waits until the light turns green and lights me up. I definitely wasn't speeding while sitting at the light. He comes up to my window and says something to the effect of - "Man, nice car! I've never see one of these in person. And I love the color! I just wanted to let you know that your front plate is missing. I wanted to make sure it wasn't stolen, but you probably just don't want it covering up the grill. Have a great day."

2011ninja · 06-22-2022, 03:29 PM

That's awesome!!!!!

SammiK · 06-22-2022, 03:30 PM

wow, nice cop. i'm in illinois too and keep a front plate to avoid these and parking tickets. i heard a law is likely to pass to remove front plate requirements in IL soon. can't wait

SaMaster14 · 06-22-2022, 03:54 PM

In California, I think the unwritten rule is that you can get dinged for no front plate if you've been pulled over for something else, but usually it just gets added on to a parking ticket. Thankfully I haven't been pulled over much, but I've never had a cop mention my front plate when I have been.

Sounds like a cool cop in IL. I had my old F80 in the midwest while I was in law school and thankfully only had one run-in with a cop on I-80 (in Indiana). Speeding ticket for 85 in a 70 with maybe 3 other cars on the road early on a Sunday morning when I was getting my tires switch out from summer to winter. He basically admitted he saw the California plates and my Notre Dame sticker and wanted to give me a hard time, but that he was the law and there was nothing I could do about it.

Paid the fine, first ever speeding ticket, so I signed up for "probation" - no tickets for 6 months and it was like the ticket never happened...

wtwo3 · 06-22-2022, 04:06 PM

It seems we're lucky that cops in IL don't seem to care about front plates and tints. Even when I have been pulled over in the past despite not having a front plate, there was no mention of it missing.

I did once get a ticket parked on the street in downtown, so now I exclusively look for garage parking anytime I'm there.

There was mention recently of IL potentially doing away with the front plate requirement altogether, which would just be icing on the cake.

zambarossa · 06-22-2022, 06:24 PM

got pulled over a long time ago for no front plate in ON and got a fix it ticket. Had to drill holes, put it on, then go to court. Convinced me not worth the hassle or attention from cops. It is what it is.

element56 · 06-23-2022, 09:05 AM

Tow hook plate mount kit with plate stays in the trunk. in 25 years of no front plate i've only have had one issue. a meter maid in san francisco decided they were super bored as I still had plenty of time on the meter. fix it ticket resolved in less than 20 min after issued and as soon as it was signed off I took the plate off in the precinct parking lot and put it back in the trunk.

never drill holes. tow hook plate mount is the only solution.

merlin3008 · 06-23-2022, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by element56

Tow hook plate mount kit with plate stays in the trunk. in 25 years of no front plate i've only have had one issue. a meter maid in san francisco decided they were super bored as I still had plenty of time on the meter. fix it ticket resolved in less than 20 min after issued and as soon as it was signed off I took the plate off in the precinct parking lot and put it back in the trunk.

never drill holes. tow hook plate mount is the only solution.

I prefer the Sto n' Sho. Easier to slide on and off. This cop didn't even ask for it.

RothwellSF · 06-23-2022, 09:19 AM

Had a black g35 coupe about 10 years ago - I think I was pulled over at least 4-5 times for no front plate. (Northern CA) I was also a young punk in my 20's with exhaust and wheels. So of course they were going to mess with me. I finally got tired of it and just left the tow hook plate on full time. After that, it was the light tint on my windows. Can't win sometimes. When I moved on from the G to my 2013 E93 M3, never pulled over once.

psylovibe · 06-23-2022, 10:42 AM

Damn! I wish my encounter to missing front plate was that pleasant in NY. Haha.

metalbmxer · 06-23-2022, 10:52 AM

I may need to get one of those tow hook plate mounts since NV is a 2 plate state

ChiTownM · 06-23-2022, 10:55 AM

Since Chicago sold their parking revenue to a private company for like 99 years the only way for them to make money via parking is tickets. So anytime you park in Chicago put on your front license plate, I have used zip ties or double sided tape. I have also parked a lot in garages. Be advised that in public garages operated by the city - like the ones at the airport - you will also get a ticket. If you have outstanding tickets you may come back with a boot on your car. But it seems that we don't get pulled over for it since these tickets don't bring much revenue

BimmerFix · 06-23-2022, 11:20 AM

You love to hear stories like this

Brodie82x · 06-23-2022, 12:42 PM

I live in New Jersey where front plates are required and tints are illegal. I have no front plate and 5% all around and 50 on the windshield. I only have a couple thousand miles on her but haven't been pulled over yet. I think most officers in my area are pretty cool the the aspect if they don't see you driving like an asshole, they won't fuck with you.

Besharaf · 06-23-2022, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaMaster14

In California, I think the unwritten rule is that you can get dinged for no front plate if you've been pulled over for something else, but usually it just gets added on to a parking ticket. Thankfully I haven't been pulled over much, but I've never had a cop mention my front plate when I have been.

Sounds like a cool cop in IL. I had my old F80 in the midwest while I was in law school and thankfully only had one run-in with a cop on I-80 (in Indiana). Speeding ticket for 85 in a 70 with maybe 3 other cars on the road early on a Sunday morning when I was getting my tires switch out from summer to winter. He basically admitted he saw the California plates and my Notre Dame sticker and wanted to give me a hard time, but that he was the law and there was nothing I could do about it.

Paid the fine, first ever speeding ticket, so I signed up for "probation" - no tickets for 6 months and it was like the ticket never happened...

Lucky about the ticket. In VA, anything over 80 is an automatic reckless.

Rux · 06-23-2022, 01:15 PM

Funny how they call it "The United States" when there is not much united at all between them.

I ordered with the Active traffic option so that sensor limits my options. I am going to put it under the drivers side visor. I will take the court appearance and challenge the verbiage of the law if I get stopped for it.

TJR_///M3 · 06-23-2022, 02:08 PM

Some great stories here!
Our last (and hopefully very last...) home move was last year and I was crystal clear with my wife... any state requiring a front plate was a no-go.

WATCHMY6 · 06-23-2022, 02:50 PM

That's what every cop should do… totally awesome

SaMaster14 · 06-23-2022, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Besharaf

Lucky about the ticket. In VA, anything over 80 is an automatic reckless.

I know that one for sure. I did my undergrad in Baltimore and would go to VA for car meets every once in a while. Always drove the speed limit. VA is notorious for speeding tickets

FC4 · 06-23-2022, 03:03 PM

Haven’t had front or rear plates on any of my cars in CA for 20 years. Never had a ticket.

Griz · 06-23-2022, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merlin3008

Hey all...I thought the group would find this funny. Since I haven't had enough time in my M3 lately, I decided to drive into work to downtown Chicago today. I had a great drive. On Michigan Ave, I see a cop bust a u-turn behind me. He waits until the light turns green and lights me up. I definitely wasn't speeding while sitting at the light. He comes up to my window and says something to the effect of - "Man, nice car! I've never see one of these in person. And I love the color! I just wanted to let you know that your front plate is missing. I wanted to make sure it wasn't stolen, but you probably just don't want it covering up the grill. Have a great day."

Meter maids will get you - they somehow have the authority to enforce it - but CPD doesn't care. And can't blame the cop for enjoying part of the day; they've been run thin over the last few years.

MarineRaider · 06-23-2022, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaMaster14

In California, I think the unwritten rule is that you can get dinged for no front plate if you've been pulled over for something else, but usually it just gets added on to a parking ticket. Thankfully I haven't been pulled over much, but I've never had a cop mention my front plate when I have been.

Sounds like a cool cop in IL. I had my old F80 in the midwest while I was in law school and thankfully only had one run-in with a cop on I-80 (in Indiana). Speeding ticket for 85 in a 70 with maybe 3 other cars on the road early on a Sunday morning when I was getting my tires switch out from summer to winter. He basically admitted he saw the California plates and my Notre Dame sticker and wanted to give me a hard time, but that he was the law and there was nothing I could do about it.

Paid the fine, first ever speeding ticket, so I signed up for "probation" - no tickets for 6 months and it was like the ticket never happened...

I am hoping when the LAPD see that car with the ND sticker they tow and inpound it.

06-22-2022, 03:24 PM	#1
merlin3008 Captain 891 Rep 869 Posts Drives: 2022 M3 Comp xDrive Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	Pulled over for front plate Hey all...I thought the group would find this funny. Since I haven't had enough time in my M3 lately, I decided to drive into work to downtown Chicago today. I had a great drive. On Michigan Ave, I see a cop bust a u-turn behind me. He waits until the light turns green and lights me up. I definitely wasn't speeding while sitting at the light. He comes up to my window and says something to the effect of - "Man, nice car! I've never see one of these in person. And I love the color! I just wanted to let you know that your front plate is missing. I wanted to make sure it wasn't stolen, but you probably just don't want it covering up the grill. Have a great day." __________________ 2022 M3 xDrive, Brooklyn Grey over Tartufo 2021 Tesla Model Y 2019 MB AMG C43 (Sold) 2016 M235i xdrive, Alpine White, Terra Leather, Orbit Gray Wheels (Sold)
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06-22-2022, 03:29 PM	#2
2011ninja Colonel 3404 Rep 2,634 Posts Drives: 2022 G80 6MT Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0)	That's awesome!!!!!
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06-22-2022, 03:30 PM	#3
SammiK Private First Class 72 Rep 124 Posts Drives: '22 G80 M3CX Join Date: May 2005 Location: Chicago Burbs iTrader: (0)	wow, nice cop. i'm in illinois too and keep a front plate to avoid these and parking tickets. i heard a law is likely to pass to remove front plate requirements in IL soon. can't wait
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06-22-2022, 03:54 PM	#4
SaMaster14 Brigadier General 4445 Rep 3,866 Posts Drives: '23 G80 M3C xDrive; '13 e92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [8.50] 2023 BMW M3 Competi ... [10.00]	In California, I think the unwritten rule is that you can get dinged for no front plate if you've been pulled over for something else, but usually it just gets added on to a parking ticket. Thankfully I haven't been pulled over much, but I've never had a cop mention my front plate when I have been. Sounds like a cool cop in IL. I had my old F80 in the midwest while I was in law school and thankfully only had one run-in with a cop on I-80 (in Indiana). Speeding ticket for 85 in a 70 with maybe 3 other cars on the road early on a Sunday morning when I was getting my tires switch out from summer to winter. He basically admitted he saw the California plates and my Notre Dame sticker and wanted to give me a hard time, but that he was the law and there was nothing I could do about it. Paid the fine, first ever speeding ticket, so I signed up for "probation" - no tickets for 6 months and it was like the ticket never happened... __________________ 2023 G80 M3 Competition xDrive Isle of Man Green on Kyalami Orange full leather - 826M black wheels - Carbon Fiber Trim - Carbon Bucket Seats - Executive/Driving Assist/Parking Packages - Laserlight - M Shadowline Lights - M Drive Pro - CS Trans/Diff/Steering Coding 2013 E92 M3 Mineral White on Bamboo Beige noviello leather (Base w/ Nav, Comfort Access, Lighting Pack) - DINAN Stage 1 and Free Flow Axle-Back Exhaust
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06-22-2022, 04:06 PM	#5
wtwo3 Major General 18031 Rep 5,494 Posts Drives: 23 X7 40i; 23 M3; 24 cooper s Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 Mini Cooper S ... [10.00] 2023 BMW M3 [9.40] 2023 BMW X7 40i [9.75]	It seems we're lucky that cops in IL don't seem to care about front plates and tints. Even when I have been pulled over in the past despite not having a front plate, there was no mention of it missing. I did once get a ticket parked on the street in downtown, so now I exclusively look for garage parking anytime I'm there. There was mention recently of IL potentially doing away with the front plate requirement altogether, which would just be icing on the cake. __________________ 2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i 2023 BMW M3 6MT 2024 Mini Cooper S Convertible '20 BMW m340i... '20 BMW X5 40i... '16 Infiniti Q50 RS 400... '10 Lexus RX 350... '08 Lexus IS 350... '00 Nissan Maxima... '93 Nissan Maxima
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06-22-2022, 06:24 PM	#6
zambarossa Vault Dweller 705 Rep 577 Posts Drives: 2021 M3 6MT (Dravit/KO/ZPP) Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Ottawa, ON iTrader: (1)	got pulled over a long time ago for no front plate in ON and got a fix it ticket. Had to drill holes, put it on, then go to court. Convinced me not worth the hassle or attention from cops. It is what it is. __________________ Current (delivered 20/10/21): 2021 G80 M3 6MT; Dravit/KO/ZPP; 826M; Sunroof (yes no CF) (More Pictures) Previous: 2018 340ix 6MT Msport(Dec 17-Sep 21); 2013 335ix 6MT Msport (Nov 13-17); 2011 328i 6MT ZSP (Aug 10-Nov 13); 07 323i 6MT ZSP (May 07-Aug 10); 97 318ti MT ZSP (Feb 97-May 07)
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06-23-2022, 09:05 AM	#7
element56 Lieutenant 1091 Rep 401 Posts Drives: 16 X3 '22 M4XC '23 X3M40i Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Vancouver, WA iTrader: (0)	Tow hook plate mount kit with plate stays in the trunk. in 25 years of no front plate i've only have had one issue. a meter maid in san francisco decided they were super bored as I still had plenty of time on the meter. fix it ticket resolved in less than 20 min after issued and as soon as it was signed off I took the plate off in the precinct parking lot and put it back in the trunk. never drill holes. tow hook plate mount is the only solution.
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06-23-2022, 09:19 AM	#9
RothwellSF Enlisted Member 87 Rep 47 Posts Drives: G80 FDG XDrive Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: Northern California iTrader: (0)	Had a black g35 coupe about 10 years ago - I think I was pulled over at least 4-5 times for no front plate. (Northern CA) I was also a young punk in my 20's with exhaust and wheels. So of course they were going to mess with me. I finally got tired of it and just left the tow hook plate on full time. After that, it was the light tint on my windows. Can't win sometimes. When I moved on from the G to my 2013 E93 M3, never pulled over once.
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06-23-2022, 10:42 AM	#10
psylovibe Lieutenant 1030 Rep 435 Posts Drives: m3 Join Date: May 2016 Location: ny iTrader: (1)	Damn! I wish my encounter to missing front plate was that pleasant in NY. Haha.
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06-23-2022, 10:52 AM	#11
metalbmxer Private First Class 275 Rep 196 Posts Drives: 2023 M3 6mt Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (0)	I may need to get one of those tow hook plate mounts since NV is a 2 plate state __________________ 3/4/2022: Deposit // Black Friday 2022: Delivery 6mt, CF buckets, Carbon pack in & out, 826 3D DESIGN lip & splitters, sides, diffuser splitters Las Vegas Board certified MD- Clinical Psychiatrist
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06-23-2022, 10:55 AM	#12
ChiTownM Lieutenant Colonel 1065 Rep 1,541 Posts Drives: M and i BMWs Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Since Chicago sold their parking revenue to a private company for like 99 years the only way for them to make money via parking is tickets. So anytime you park in Chicago put on your front license plate, I have used zip ties or double sided tape. I have also parked a lot in garages. Be advised that in public garages operated by the city - like the ones at the airport - you will also get a ticket. If you have outstanding tickets you may come back with a boot on your car. But it seems that we don't get pulled over for it since these tickets don't bring much revenue
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06-23-2022, 11:20 AM	#13
BimmerFix Major 1398 Rep 1,109 Posts Drives: 24' M3 Competition RWD Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: L.A. iTrader: (1)	You love to hear stories like this __________________ ///M3 2024 G80 Competition - Starting Lineup ///M4 2019 F82 Competition , 2019 G30 540i , 2008 E92 335i - Retired
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06-23-2022, 12:42 PM	#14
Brodie82x Private 185 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 2022 G82 Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: North Jersey iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 M4 comp [10.00]	I live in New Jersey where front plates are required and tints are illegal. I have no front plate and 5% all around and 50 on the windshield. I only have a couple thousand miles on her but haven't been pulled over yet. I think most officers in my area are pretty cool the the aspect if they don't see you driving like an asshole, they won't fuck with you. __________________ 2022 G82
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06-23-2022, 01:15 PM	#16
Rux Captain 644 Rep 616 Posts Drives: Little of this, little of that Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Boston,MA/FL/NH iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 BMW G42 [0.00] 2022 BMW G82 [0.00]	Funny how they call it "The United States" when there is not much united at all between them. I ordered with the Active traffic option so that sensor limits my options. I am going to put it under the drivers side visor. I will take the court appearance and challenge the verbiage of the law if I get stopped for it. __________________ "It's not how fast you go, it's how you go fast"
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06-23-2022, 02:08 PM	#17
TJR_///M3 First Lieutenant 642 Rep 388 Posts Drives: 2022 M3C 2021 X3M40i Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Some great stories here! Our last (and hopefully very last...) home move was last year and I was crystal clear with my wife... any state requiring a front plate was a no-go. __________________ TJR
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06-23-2022, 02:50 PM	#18
WATCHMY6 Second Lieutenant 331 Rep 224 Posts Drives: G82 Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: Long Island iTrader: (0)	That's what every cop should do… totally awesome
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06-23-2022, 03:03 PM	#20
FC4 Brigadier General 2693 Rep 3,416 Posts Drives: Yes Join Date: May 2014 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Haven’t had front or rear plates on any of my cars in CA for 20 years. Never had a ticket.
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