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| General Discussion Use this forum to discuss MINI topics which are not related to other forums. Posts may be moved from here to alternative forums by the moderators without notice |
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May 1st, 2005, 08:47 AM
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| What's the scoop w/front license plates? Plz help... Do I have to have one? Without it, am I just inviting 'trouble' & undeserved stops by police? Am in California. If I HAVE to do it...can someone tell me... those w/front plates...where is yours placed? On the MIni Catalog (w/US plates) I notice the plate hangs below the main grill & down into the strip where there could be chrome. However, at my local dealer, they seem to hang the front one about 2/3 the way down the main grill (where there's a break) & then, it doesn't quite reach the lower strip. I prefer the lower placement...if I have to have one on front. Also, I saw someone mentioned somewhere carrying their plate in the glovebox. Is that any sort of 'protection' if the police stop you? Can you claim you just had it off for some reason?? ;-) Help!  |
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May 1st, 2005, 11:06 AM
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| It's a local thing. It depends on whether the police have nothing better to do that day and whether they've had their fill of donuts.  Seriously, if you're in a state that requires a front plate, it's a crap shoot as to whether or not you get pulled over. Then it's another crap shoot as to whether or not you get a ticket. I'm in NY, front plate required, and I was pulled over a few times in my previous car. I just said that there was no place to mount it, it would block the radiator, and showed them the plate as I carried it in the car. Oh yeah, i'd show them my PBA card also. Always got off.How's your mom? Getting in and out of the MINI OK? Tom [ |
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May 1st, 2005, 11:11 AM
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| Tom, I'm buying from Keeler in Latham, NY. They told me since I live in Vermont and my state requires a front license, they are required by law to mount the plate permanently. I asked if I could bring Velcro or double-sided tape; they said no, the bumper would have to be drilled. Not sure if it's state law or their law, thoiugh. pb |
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May 1st, 2005, 11:21 AM
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| NO! I've bought three (2 different dealers, one in NY and one in NJ) and told them do not mount and they did not. Plus, if you are out of state and they are not registering it for you with Vermont DMV, they really have a brass set quoting chapter and verse of a MV law that they have no jurisidction under. Tell them there are two other dealers (at least!) you can buy the car from if they insist on drilling holes in your car. I was originally thinking of a million excuses and I mentioned this to a policewoman once and she said, simply, tell the officer it fell off. Brilliant! Sometimes the simplest works best. Now, all that said, I do understand that California is totally different from the rest of us 49 in the Union. You tend to take the hard way to do things. But, I'd say go for it until, if and when, it gets too expensive ie, too many tickets. |
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May 1st, 2005, 06:19 PM
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| Actually your advice is wrong... not to be too brutal or anything. In Maine, as in other states, if you're supposed to have a front plate and do not then you will get pulled over sooner rather than later. They may ticket you, or they may not. |
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May 1st, 2005, 07:58 PM
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| On the S bumper there are two little dimples that you drill through and attach the plate there. There is a photo in my gallery that shows where it ends up. Also do a search for "front license plate" in the forums for more info. Check with your DMV about the legal requirements but I suspect you have to have it in CA. Otherwise there would be all kinds of cars driving around without the front one. Drill fast and don't think about it! It's an excuse to go shopping for chrome license plate holders. Life is too short to be miserable. Let's dance! |
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May 1st, 2005, 08:26 PM
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 It blocks... ...the lower part of the (middle) of the upper "grill"... That is the place to mount it because the carrier that Mini sells for US plates is meant to mount in that spot... I too hate the idea of "blocking" the sweetness of the front end of my baby... It is just a fact of life in most states in the USA that the plate simply must be there. You should have it fixed asap because the CHP,... and many local police, will have a field day with you if and when they stop you for any other "violation"... Carrying it in the glovebox will not work... It must be on display and plainly visible. Putting it in the windshield area is not really an option as it will be near the airbags and could turn into a projectile if you are ever in a wreck...(hopefully this will not happen). You have seven letters for personalized plates in Cali. Why not think of a great catch-phrase to put on them... and learn to embrace the fact that the front one must be there. I have blacked out the front plate for my photos in my gallery... but you can see exactly where the mounting bracket (and plate) block the upper grill because the chrome is "missing" there.   It is not how fast you go, but how you go. |
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May 1st, 2005, 10:49 PM
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| Thanks everyone...haven't had access... & Tom B... Sorry for the delay. Working today, so just now have a chance to peek at my thread. Thanks so much everyone for the feedback, altho' I'm bummed about it. First of all, will address this note to Tom. What's a PBA card? (sorry, I'm clueless) Also, no chance to yet check to see if my Mom (almost 82) can get in the car, as I haven't yet had a chance myself to try my 'baby' out! Just came off the boat Thursday...was put on a truck & is due to my dealer either today or tomorrow. I can't wait!!!  So, was trying to get prepared w/what to request from the dealer as far as the license plate goes. Also, since I didn't get the "Convenience" package on my Cooper... I'm not sure...will there be other specific alterations/adjustments which I have some say in? Does anyone know? Or, are things pretty much default, as far as settings go?? Guess that could be a whole 'nother thread, eh? Anyway, thanks for asking, Tom. Am not QUITE a Cooper owner... |
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May 1st, 2005, 11:01 PM
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| Electra... Thanks for the advice, too, altho' like I said...I wish I could leave it off. I do notice some cars around here w/out...but, maybe they just take their chances w/the highway patrol. There's a little town neighboring ours in the Bay Area, & 2 people I know got stopped for trivial things...twice w/in 3 months of each ticket! So, I am sort of concerned that they're hungry for revenue dollars...if your local town guys can stop you for such fluff...and not just CHP. (Calif Hwy Patrol) Electra...w/your beauty (my fave color btw...unfortunately not available on reg. Coopers here in the U.S.)...the Oregon license plate looks just fine! The colors really suits an EB, I think. (is one of the better license plates out there, in my opinion!) Loved the cat pic on your S, btw! :-) |
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May 1st, 2005, 11:08 PM
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| Cooper S Flyer...and Fred... Thanks so much for your feedback too. And, Fred in Maine. Guess you & Fred are of one mind...that my days are numbered before getting snagged for not having one?!  I just really do not like the look on a regular Cooper...the simpler lines in front esp. seem ruined (to me)by a glaring dull license plate. But, you know...you're right. I've just got to come up w/a clever personalized plate, to help, I guess. But, w/only 7 letters? Yikes! I don't think I can do that... Anyway, thanks everyone...appreciate your time & wisdom. |
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May 2nd, 2005, 12:32 AM
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| [quote=MiniDaze] First of all, will address this note to Tom. What's a PBA card? (sorry, I'm clueless) /QUOTE]  . You are far from clueless. Sorry for using NYC slang. PBA stands for Police Benevolent Association. The cards are given by officers to their family and close friends. If shown at the time of being pulled over, with the proper attitude, you may get off with a nod. Tom [ |
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May 2nd, 2005, 06:01 AM
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| Your are most welcome... ...(to the Mini-"club" as well) and as far as using the PBA angle...unless you are the spouse or sibling or offspring of a CHP officer, or local police officer... I doubt it would help in Cali... Also... there are many five, six, or seven letter combos for your plates and I think you will have a great time thinking one up... make a game of it... Some examples I have seen are: MINI4ME MC4ME SUPRCPR MYCOOPR 2005MC 05MC4ME etc...etc... There are a plethora of choices... Also, your mom should be able to get in and out (with your help) without a hitch... my mom is 66 and she manages to get into and out of my car very well. It is my driving habits she has issues with. Have fun and the best of luck with your new Cooper... It is not how fast you go, but how you go. |
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May 2nd, 2005, 08:25 AM
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| Thanks, guys! :-) Okay...since no PBA card in hand... nor a prayer of getting one... will ponder more just how 'risky' I wanna go. And, will also play some more w/the idea of a personalized plate... have sort of been thinkin' about it. Never thought I'd get one... at least not before seeing so many on Coopers. Will have to check into how much more they cost here. Could be fun.... thanks again!!!  |
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