My CHP buddy says there needs to be amber up front and red in back (red can be taillight or reflector) even when the lights are off. Amber can also be in the headlight housing or seperate in body.

Thus there should be no DOT imprint on these clear markers if what he says is fact.

 

Don't these laws vary from state to state?

 

They do - in Texas I've been stopped by DPS, Sheriff and local PD for no front plate. Only DPS gave me any paperwork - a written warning. The others were just verbal...and none of them (verbal or written) require any further action - no "fix-it"...so I have to wonder why other than it creates a "probable cause" situation for the stop.

 

My car was parked outside my house and I got a ticket for no plate, no fix it, just sent a check in for $25 and that was the last I heard. Very unsportsmanly like to get that ticket while parked! LAX are notorious for that though, dont ever go there w/o front plate. My neighbour offered to 'take care of it' for me but I said hell no, will save that card for when I do something serious!