Do Front License Plates serve Any Purposes?

[nsxt2000]

While attending NSXPO in Ohio I took photos of interesting auto tags. There were the usual NSXTASY, NSX-T, MYNSX, etc. along with the un-usual ENZOWHO, UR2SLOW and the likes. I noticed that in some states (Ohio being one), there is the requirement for front and rear plates, and those really do take away from the flowing front lines of the car. I guess a case could even be made that it slows the car down and decreases fuel economy, although that would have to be streaching the point. Ignoring the pros & cons of aerodynamics, a front license plate just looks ugly on a sports car.

I have a difficult time believing that a front plate serves any real purpose in traffic enforcement, and thankfully many States agree and do not require them. I own an advertising firm - now in it's 28th year I am happy to report -and one of the factories I represent is a leader in producing custom stamped aluminum plates. Each year they expend a large amount of money lobbying State legislators to maintain a "no front plate" stance. Every time a State adds that requirement it directly impacts their sales, so they have a vested interest in seeing it does not happen.

Unfortunately 3M, the company supplying almost 90% of the reflective material used on license plates, has a much larger budget pushing States to adopt a two plate policy. That is in their best financial interest and I understand the realities of economics. I just don't like them messing with something that a dedicated group of designers, engineers and wind tunnels have said is how a certain vehicle should look and they want to go and change it. Obviously their executives don't drive sports cars.

Incidentally next week check the forum for shots of the more unusual tags at NSXPO. There was a good collection to see.
-Mike S.

[20Michael03]

I work with many police officers, and myself and them would say yes. Although for car fanatics it serves no other purpose than taking away from the front "look" appeal of a car. But for officers it's an easy way to identify many things, from a stolen vehicle to a car that just shouldn't be on the road due to a failed inspection. But in short, yes it does serve a purpose. Just like those ugly state window inspection stickers lol

[nsxt2000]

I guess I can see where a front license plate could be useful to law enforcement on rare ocassions, but for the most part I am unconvinced of their benefit. I would think that officers check plates from behind and the one in the front appears to be superfluous.

I doubt that there are any studies indicating a reduction in chrime statitics based upon the front plate and data virtually impossible to collect. However I venture that the addition of a front plate would not make a difference.

Just my opinion - and I admit I am bias against them.
-Mike S.

[QBoroLegend]

in NY it is mandatory - front and back, and I am sure it is safety and law enforcement related reasons.

Say a guy is backing away from them or speeding - they can get a read before he gets to them instead of him passing and likely get away (I am guessing here).

I read before that a lot of foreign exotic car makers cringe at the idea of having to make their cars for the "american market.", because of how much american regulations (smog/crash-safety/front plate,etc...) take away from the design concept.

[nsxt2000]

At least when it comes to license plates the U.S. dosen't use those European ones that resemble a street sign!

For that we shoucle be thankful.
-Mike S.

[Jeff]

If that`s the case, then all states and provinces should mandate that all vehicles have both front and rear plates. I`m from Ontario and I require both, my fellow citizens in Quebec don`t require the front plate, yet the police departments have no problems with finding stolen vehicles. That is a crock.

[Jack FFR1846]

In Massachusetts, it's not even consistant. When you get a new car, you can transfer plates or get new plates. If you have had older plates with green letters, then you only need a rear plate. Newer plates with red letters must have 2 plates. With year of manufacture plates, you only need one plate but the car has to be 25 years old or more and you're pretty much limited to parade duty with it (same with antique plates).

Also, of course, motorcycles only have one plate.

jack

[nsxt2000]

If having a "green" plate means I only need a rear plate then "Color Me Green"!

Actually I have never heard of a State with that type of law, but I guess I don't get around much anymore.
-Mike S.