So, been looking through nice pictures of Lambo/Ferrari/Lotus/Porsche.
And I've noticed that most of them don't have the front license plate, which is required by the WA state law.

Just out of curiosity, for those of you who owned one of these exotic cars, have you been pulled over for not having the front license plate?

 

I did. The police officer apologized and said he didn't know I was driving a lotus, he just probably heard the exhaust and thought it was a honda.

 

hahaha, I'm puzzled by why the officer apologized to you?

 

Not sure if you met me but I'm quite the intimidating individual.


Just playing. I have heard that cars(exotics) that don't have front plate holders are less likely to get ticketed compared to hondas and other cars that have front plate holders. I think there was some literature floating around that said you shouldnt have to drill or damage your car in order to equip it with the plate. Not sure if its folklore or if it holds any substance.

 

I see, I've heard something similar where the front license plate is optional if your car manufacture didn't spare a place to put the front license plate, meaning that there are no hardware available to install one.

 

NOT correct, in Washington State you are required to have a front plate on the car. You can apply for an exemption with the Washington State patrol. All car manufactures due PROVIDE a front plate attachment device, just most exotic cars dont have them installed and they just come with the car. I have been stopped twice, once a warning, the other a ticket.

As of last year, the only cars I know of in Washington State to have a standing exempiton are, along with recent ones denied..

State law provides an exemption to the front plate requirement on a case by case basis. Attached below is a list of successful and unsuccessful applicants for an exemption. Evidently I was mistaken about the Viper but it appears that at least one model of Ferrari has been exempted. To apply for an exemption contact:

Melissa VanGorkom
360.596.4017
melissa.VanGorkom@wsp.wa.gov

She's the equipment specialist at WSP and can help anyone who needs to file an application for an exemption to the front license plate requirement.

Vehicles issued front license plate waivers are listed below.
1972 Italian DeTomaso Pantera
1974 Jaguar E-Type
2000 Panoz
1971 DeTomaso Pantera
2000 Plymouth Prowler
2000 Jaguar XK8
Caterham/Lotus Super 7
1984 Ferrari 512 BBI
1967 Ford Cobra

Vehicles denied waivers for attaching a front license plate include:
Toyota MR 2
Porsche 928
Corvette
Mini Cooper
Ford SVT Cobra
Lotus Elise
Ford Escort
Nissan 30ZX
BMW Z8
Dodge Viper
Mercedes-Benz
Mazda Miata
Maserati."











There are others than have been issued on a case by case basis...the main thing they are looking for is that if the plate is mounted in the front, that it will cause damage, per the manufacture, to the vehicle (not drilled holes) but I.E. cooling system fan blockage, operation of mechanics interference..very very few and far in-between.

 

Ah, thanks for the info.

I was wondering about that too, how would you answer to the question what's the purpose of filing an exemption of front license plate requirement.
(buy you've already answered that too)

 

I just placed mine on the dash.

 

I keep mine in the glove box. I've been stopped twice and given warnings. I tell them I was out shooting photos and just pulled it off for the time I was out. So far so good, but I'll likely mount it back on there when my car goes back to stock.

 

I have the waiver for my Westfield. My initial petition was denied based on feedback the WSP received from a Canadian dealer who sells motorcycle-powered Caterhams

The denial was a surprise for a number of reasons, so I submitted a formal appeal. Fortunately the WSP agreed to dig into it further, and granted the waiver about a month later. I learned after the fact that during the second round of due diligence they contacted the Westfield factory in England, the US distributor and at least one US dealer. They are thorough.

-John

 

I have been pulled over once with a warning. I generally don'tkeep it in the car and I don't have any plans to mount it. Call me a rebel.

I thinnk I understand the argument for having the front plate, I just happen to not agree with it enoug that I'm willing to pay the ticket should the need arise.

Funny story. When I got pulled over (just inside Washington near the Oregon border) I asked the cop if I could attach it on the inside to the windshield (which would meet the arguments asserted). He said no. He then went on to tell me that in a wreck it could cause serious damage and may even cut of my head.

At the time I was heading back from the track. I guess the torque wrench and other heavy tools in the passenger footwell slipped his mind at the time.

 

I might be incorrigible but I have also been known to drive across the US without a license platel. *shrug*



I did get nervous a couple of times but I'm guessing the cops that ended up behind me from time-to-time assumed that I had a temp in the non-existent back window. (Lotus Exige)

 

I can attest to that. My Honda (nsx) got pulled over about a month ago in Issaquah and I got cited for no front plate.

Local gov't needs $$$... I've been using zip ties ever since.

Never been a fan of east side cops tho, they just don't have enough to do. I'm pretty happy I don't live in Bellevue anymore.

 

I've been pulled over twice for no front plate. (granted, I'm talking about an BMW, not an exotic) and both times I just played dumb. "Sorry officer I didn't know the law. The car didn't come with a plate holder and I didn't want to set off the airbag by drilling holes in the bumper. They let me walk each time :-)

 

You can still get cited, and I know some that have..

They would write you under the "Imporper Dispaly" rule

The RCW actualy lists where and what height in needs to be in..

Part of the rcw...reads

"To the most forward position on the vehicle..."OUTSIDE"

As a matter of fact the statu even calls out that NO MATERIAL OF ANY KIND...shall cover the license plate..

i.e. clear lense plate covers etc etc..