Mounting License Plates on Windshield

**verona** · 06-29-2010, 12:29 PM

Is it illegal to mount the front license plates on the windshield instead of on the bumper in california.

**That Guy** · 06-29-2010, 01:03 PM

Quoting verona

Is it illegal to mount the front license plates on the windshield instead of on the bumper in california.

You mean lay it flat on the dashboard? It is not illegal per se, although an argument can be made that it is not securely fastened or that it is not clearly visible from the front of the vehicle...

VC 5200.

(a) When two license plates are issued by the department for use upon a vehicle, they shall be attached to the vehicle for which they were issued, one in the front and the other in the rear.
(b) When only one license plate is issued for use upon a vehicle, it shall be attached to the rear thereof, unless the license plate is issued for use upon a truck tractor, in which case the license plate shall be displayed in accordance with Section 4850.5.

VC 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, except as follows:
..............

(You can read the related Vehicle Code Sections 5200-5206 for more info).

By not securely fastening it to the front bumper, you're simply giving an officer the probable cause to pull you over and cite you (if he/she so chooses)... Then you're free to argue the matter in court.

If you're willing to put up with all that hassle, then go for it...

Lastly, heaven forbid you get read ended, that sharp edged license plate can become a projectile that can injure you or your passenger(s)... So its a safety issue as well.