Do I need a front plate in VA

[thedonva]

I'm curious if you need a front license plate in VA. I thought I read somewhere on the DMV site that if the original car did not have a front plate mount that you don't need to display one? Of course I've seen a couple AC Cobras with front plates but they are not the antique ones.

Here is the blurb from the DMV - "Unless the vehicle was manufactured for one license plate only, you must display license plates on the front and the rear of your vehicle."

[STiPWRD]

I'd call the DMV or ask a cop. Or you can try driving around without a front plate and risk getting a ticket. I'm not certain but I think you do need the front and rear plates.

[billjr212]

Illinois uses similar language I think, and I never had a problem over 6+ years and 10k miles in my Mk3. If VA does "fix-it tickets" you could always just go without until you had an issue the first time and then add one.

[68GT500MAN]

There is similar language in most DMV regulations, out here in California most go without and then either add one after being stopped by an officer.
Doug

[Gmcole92]

I'm in VA and haven't had one on a car for a few years. You technically should have one...but if you have a unique car that doesn't easily accommodate a front plate, no police officer is going to care. My neighbor is a Fairfax County Cop and he told not to worry about.

Where in VA are you?

[DaleG]

You may be in luck soon: http://www.fairfaxunderground.com/forum/read/2/1082156.html

[thedonva]

I'm down in Stafford, VA. I have a friend who is a cop for Fairfax County. I'll go w/o until I'm told I have to otherwise. I checked a couple sites online and see a front license plate bracket for a 1968 Shelby Cobra but not a 1965. I'd plead ignorance and say that the 65 did not have a front licencse plate bracket.

[thedonva]

You may be in luck soon: http://www.fairfaxunderground.com/forum/read/2/1082156.html


That would be nice but apparently this was shelved before, let's hope it passes this time around. I'm skeptical because the link you provided me old.

[DamnYankee]

I'm in VA too. Mounted my plate like this:

[thedonva]

I'm in VA too. Mounted my plate like this:

Nice paint job - I'll consider mounting the plate there if it comes down to that. What kind of seats do you have?

[DamnYankee]

Nice paint job - I'll consider mounting the plate there if it comes down to that. What kind of seats do you have?

The high back Cobra brand seats

[Rich]

You do not need one if it is registered as a '65 since those cars did not have front plates.
You are also eligible for antique plates and to not have to do a state inspection every year.
You are also exempt from emissions requirements - but you are exempt anyway down in Stafford.

You can verify all of this yourself at http://leg1.state.va.us/000/src.htm

[thedonva]

You do not need one if it is registered as a '65 since those cars did not have front plates.
You are also eligible for antique plates and to not have to do a state inspection every year.
You are also exempt from emissions requirements - but you are exempt anyway down in Stafford.

You can verify all of this yourself at http://leg1.state.va.us/000/src.htm

Thanks - I kind of assumed that was the case (since it's a 65). I have the antique plates now and will remove the TX inspection sticker at some point.

Don - Stafford VA

[jrcuz]

We are required to have emission's testing here in Stafford. I don't understand why. Obviously not on antique plates though.
JR