Hello, I drive a BMW M3 and have been pulled over multiple times for no reason given. My car is very bright blue and heavily modified; I'm guessing that's the reason? Anyways, I recieved a ticket today for no front plate. My car came with no bracket to attach a front license plate. I have always kept the plate on the passenger side just in case I got pulled over to explain this. Is it possible for my plate to be displayed inside of the car or does it have to be attached outside of the car? I have been looking for the details on this law to prevent me from drilling into my bumper. Can I affix it on my dash securely(bracket, nuts and bolts) or possibly mount it on my visor and have it always displayed? Thanks for you time.
Codi
Codi,
625 ILCS 5/3-413(b) specifies that: "every registration plate shall at all times be securely fastened in a horizontal position to the vehicle for which it is issued so as to prevent the plate from swinging and at a height of not less than 5 inches from the ground, measuring from the bottom of such plate, in a place and position clearly visible and shall be maintained in a condition to be clearly legible, free of any materials that would obstruct the visibility of the plate" 625 ILCS 5/12-610.5 mandates that no glass, plastic or covers can be over the plate.
These regulations make any mounting of the plate inside the vehicle illegal. A plate must be affixed to the front and rear of the car. Your best bet may be to search for an aftermarket mounting bracket for your car that will allow it to mount to your bumper. Check the Internet or your local auto parts store. Good Luck and Thanks for writing.
Randy
it's 12 inches from the ground, not 5. good to know the POLICE is so well informed about the LAWS.
FROM M/Sgt. Ness:
You may have been reading an older section. The correct height is 5 inches, not 12. This is from the 2007 Illinois Criminal and Traffic Law Manual. An older version of the law referred to 12 inches, but it was changed.
And 625 ILCS 5/3-413(b) explicitly permits plastic covers over license plates. " Clear plastic covers are permissible as long as they remain clear and do not obstruct the visibility of the plates." 625 ILCS 5/12-610.5 prohibits "plate covers" which are defined as objects designed to obscure and distort the plate. Is this misinformation intentional?
FROM M/SGT. NESS:
You are referring to an old section of law that is changed.
The Governor signed into law in August, 2007 a modification to 625 ILCS 5/3-413(b) which removes that old wording. This section was written prior to the enactment of 12-610.5, which now supercedes it. The old wording in 3-413(b) which states that clear covers are permissable has been removed. You can read the new section at: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=095-0029