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      01-30-2020, 12:27 AM   #1
sharpmoney
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How bad is CA (particularly LA) with front plates?

Hi guys I’m a new LA transplant from NY, getting my new M2C in a couple weeks....wondering how many of you don’t put front plates on and how strict they are about it. I drove my Z06 around with no plate in NY and never had a problem...I guess i’ll use the tow hook mount but i’m not a big fan of it.
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      01-30-2020, 12:44 AM   #2
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Most areas it isn't an issue unless you're driving around with a burble tune...then expect to get the royal D of the law.
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      01-30-2020, 12:51 AM   #3
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will just be stock exhaust...
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      01-30-2020, 01:14 AM   #4
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It's the meter maids that will get you. Watch out if you park in the city.
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      01-30-2020, 02:36 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sharpmoney View Post
will just be stock exhaust...
Shouldn't have too many issues then; knock on wood 3 BMW's without fronts and I've been clear.
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      01-30-2020, 09:31 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Commanderwiggin View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by sharpmoney View Post
will just be stock exhaust...
Shouldn't have too many issues then; knock on wood 3 BMW's without fronts and I've been clear.
I've been driving without a front plate for 3 years and the only time I got a ticket was from parking enforcement in Hermosa beach but I also had an expired meter they had ticketed me for. The double whammy
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      01-30-2020, 11:52 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeyymonster View Post
It's the meter maids that will get you. Watch out if you park in the city.
This.

Try to not say "I'm from New York" in every sentence when you arrive. Thanks
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      01-30-2020, 01:36 PM   #8
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It's a hit or miss, cops could be 50/50 good cop / bad cop/// it really depends on their mood
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      01-30-2020, 05:52 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeyymonster View Post
It's the meter maids that will get you. Watch out if you park in the city.
This - 100% - never got a front tag ticket except when parked on the street

I refuse to put a front tag on my car - will just deal with the fix-it ticket when necessary

Have MPE and always run it open and never have a problem with cops in LA...there are much more expensive and louder cars on the streets
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      01-30-2020, 08:06 PM   #10
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Meter maids will get you, but never had a cop care. Been pulled over multiple times too and never got a ticket for it. When I park in metered areas I just screw on my towhook plate. Don’t even really bother to center it. Then I just grab it, throw back in the trunk, and go on my way.
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      01-30-2020, 10:23 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pz619 View Post
Meter maids will get you, but never had a cop care. Been pulled over multiple times too and never got a ticket for it. When I park in metered areas I just screw on my towhook plate. Don’t even really bother to center it. Then I just grab it, throw back in the trunk, and go on my way.
towhook cap easy to take on and off?
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      01-31-2020, 11:02 AM   #12
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Well if you're just going to attach it when parked on a city street, a bungy cord hanger would be enough 😎. I've never been ticketed for it yet but I've heard that in San Francisco proper the meter maids (persons) are vigilant.
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      01-31-2020, 01:24 PM   #13
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If you don’t be a tool and put burbles the most aggressive setting then you will be fine.
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      01-31-2020, 04:28 PM   #14
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Like others have said, it's it or miss. However, count on a ticket if you park at a meter or airport.
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      01-31-2020, 05:59 PM   #15
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Seems like its only a problem with meter maids on the west side, Santa Monica etc. I live in mid city and park on the street all the time and never have a problem.
Ive never been pulled over, never known anyone who has. I keep my front plate underneath my rear floor mat and when I park in Santa Monica on the street I put it in my windshield.
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      02-01-2020, 09:11 AM   #16
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I drove around for over a year without one - no issues but I also still had that dealer registration sticker in the window which may have helped. After my OCD kicked in and I removed the sticker I didn’t want to deal with the worry/hassle every time I drove by a cop so just got a Carbonio holder and have never looked back.

https://carbonio.com/products/bmw-m-...se-plate-mount

I have one of those personalized black/yellow plates too with a black frame and have blacked out the car trim so to me actually looks decent with the front plate on a LBB.
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      02-01-2020, 12:26 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sharpmoney View Post
towhook cap easy to take on and off?
Super easy to remove. I just toss it in the cup holder inside.
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      02-05-2020, 02:04 PM   #18
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Why not just follow the rules and get a tow hook license plate mount?
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      02-05-2020, 02:32 PM   #19
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I been running no plate for almost two year and never got a ticket for it
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      02-05-2020, 06:32 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SumBMWGuy View Post
Why not just follow the rules and get a tow hook license plate mount?
The asthetics of the front of the car is ruined by a license plate. Many states don't require them.
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      02-05-2020, 08:51 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AlpsRider View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by SumBMWGuy View Post
Why not just follow the rules and get a tow hook license plate mount?
The asthetics of the front of the car is ruined by a license plate. Many states don't require them.
You Could just use the tow hook mount when parking in the more stickler areas patrolled by meter maids
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      02-05-2020, 08:52 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nioh_lbbm2 View Post
You Could just use the tow hook mount when parking in the more stickler areas patrolled by meter maids
Another pro tip for L.A. is to avoid street parking at all cost. Bumper damage, tickets, and even accidents to parked vehicles happen too often.
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