Expert: Mark C. Robins - 6/5/2007

Question
Hello,

Hope all is well.
I own a 2004 Nissan 350Z that I bought from the United States and it is now registered in Ontario. The car did not come with a front Licence plate bracket. I was pulled over because I mounted the plate on the back of my passenger sun visor (facing the front of the vehicle). I used heavy duty Velcro and elastic strap to mount it so it would never come loose. The officer gave me a ticket for improper plate mounting saying it had to be on the bumper. However I don't understand this ticket. I can have a dealer plate on the rear of the vehicle only or a 10 day permit in the same spot my plate was and not receive a ticket. Also the Dodge Viper, Ferrari and Lamborghini do not have front plate brackets. Can I fight this ticket or should I just pay it and forget about it?

Thank you for any help you can provide.

Answer
You should always fight the ticket, the officer may not show and or the prosecutor may be willing to reduce the charge.
Having said this in Ontario it is clear the plate must be on the front and rear of the car.
Dealers and 10 permits are a unique exception, as to the exotic cars they too must comply.
I know that all Vipers I have seen have a front plate.