WA Front License Plate Exemption

[SlashGSX]

Has anyone ever tried to get and exemption from having a front license plate on their car? I got stopped for the third time today for having my plate mounted in my windshield and this time I actually got a ticket for it (the other 2 they just let me go once they saw that I had it).

I know that in the Revised Code of Washington there is the law that outlines where and how the plate must be affixed and says that In cases where the body construction of the vehicle is such that compliance with this section is impossible, permission to deviate therefrom may be granted by the state patrol. (RCW 46.16.240)

The officer mentioned that you can apply for an exemption from this regulation through the state patrol, so I was just wondering if anyone had ever looked into this or knew anything more about it. I am going to call the state patrol tomorrow and ask them but I wanted to see if anyone else had tried or if I am wasting my time. I'm not trying to make a big deal over the front plates, I just think they are ugly as hell and if they aren't required in other states I really don't understand why WA is still living in the past.

On a related note, If you don't like the law and think it could help get it changed, sign the petition at Removal of the Washington State Front License Plate Requirement Petition

Who knows if it will do anything but I see no real harm in signing it.

 

[Big T-28 GSX]

I am also curious because after being pulled over three times as well I also recieved a ticket for having my license plate illegally placed in my windshield. I really see no reason for WA to keep this law and would love to get an exemption but haven't heard of anyone I know doing so.

 

[SlashGSX]

I've been reading up on it and found this discussion about it. Apparently they only give exemptions to cars that do not even have a part number for a mounting bracket which I think is stupid. What good really comes from having a front plate?

 

[DSM_love_GST]

Signed XD

 

[SlashGSX]

Ok I've been trying to get ahold of someone at the WA State Patrol's Equipment office but they never answer their phones, so I've done some digging elsewhere and there are two bills that are being put the the legislature this year. House Bill 1219 says...

(4)(a) Furnished. The director shall furnish to all persons making
10 satisfactory application for a vehicle registration:
11 (i) Two identical license plates each containing the license plate
12 number; ((or))
13 (ii) One license plate if the vehicle is a trailer, semitrailer,
14 camper, moped, collector vehicle, horseless carriage, or motorcycle; or
15 (iii) One license plate if the registered owner of the vehicle
16 requests only a license plate for the rear of the vehicle for privacy
17 purposes, because the vehicle is a collector vehicle, or because the
18 design of the vehicle is not conducive for the placement of a license
19 plate on the front of the vehicle.

In all honesty this probably wouldn't do shit for us unless we have some legitimate privacy concerns.

Senate Bill 5560 looks more promising. It says...

9 (4)(a) Furnished. The director shall furnish to all persons making
10 satisfactory application for a vehicle registration:
11 (i) Two identical license plates each containing the license plate
12 number; or
13 (ii) One license plate if the vehicle is a trailer, semitrailer,
14 camper, moped, collector vehicle, horseless carriage, or motorcycle, or
15 if the vehicle owner requests one license plate. If only one license
16 plate is issued at the vehicle owner's request, the cost to the vehicle
17 owner must be the same as if two license plates were issued.


So hopefully we will soon join the 21st century here in WA and realize that there is no need for front plates.

 

[PickleRick]

A front plate is important for the simple fact that it allows people to see the number without seeing the back. Under time circumstances it's useful.
I hate front plates they're ugly and I feel unuseful as a motorist, but when you're a police officer; I can see where it is useful.

Pay an annual 30$ and buy Law Enforcement Memorial plates.
I have them on my Talon, and I NEVER get pulled over.
Now, my GSX does not have a front plate but it never runs soooooo...

 

[Calloflunacy]

I had this issue as well, I used to get pulled over all the time for it driving up to everett for work. Most of the officers said it was ok to have it in the window, others said it was illegal. I eventually got a ticket for it, and tried to fight it in court, Lost, had to pay the fine. I also attempted to get my car exempted, went to the state inspection, and they turned it down. Eventually got tired of it, gave in, went to the mitsubishi dealer and bought one. Atleast it was cheap and comes on and off easily, but the thing probably adds more drag to the car then entire car itself creates. Very frustrating subject, so I feel your pain.