Front License Plate

Aptera Community Aptera Discussions Front License Plate

Aptera Community Aptera Discussions Front License Plate

  • Front License Plate

    Posted by robert-tran on March 23, 2023 at 4:18 pm

    I live in California and they “require” front license plates. I run front plates on my 2 cars since they’re old and the license plates doesn’t really do much in terms of coefficient of drag. I know 99% of the time most people will not get a ticket for it. But since the Aptera will attract a lot of attention and the likelihood of getting a ticket license plate could be higher. Also the main selling point if the efficiency. If I have to put front plates on for whatever reason, my guess is that it’ll increase the coefficient of drag and severely affect the total system efficiency. I would rather not run front plates but would there be a way to put front license plates without effecting the total car’s efficiency?

    Thanks

    bruce-gendron replied 2 weeks, 1 day ago 11 Members · 13 Replies
  • 13 Replies
  • Front License Plate

    bruce-gendron updated 2 weeks, 1 day ago 11 Members · 13 Replies
  • bruce-mengler

    Member
    March 23, 2023 at 4:32 pm

    In California the Aptera is classified as an Autocycle (Motorcycle) (not as a car), therefore it is required to only have a rear license plate & no front plate is needed.

    • This reply was modified 2 months, 2 weeks ago by  BRUCE MENGLER.
    • robert-tran

      Member
      March 23, 2023 at 4:52 pm

      Thanks for the quick reply! exactly what I am looking for. I would hate to lose efficiency over a front license plate

      • Riley

        Member
        March 23, 2023 at 6:40 pm

        I also live in California and can easily see myself getting pulled over because the police don’t know autocycle laws.

        If you wanted a front license plate that doesn’t affect aerodynamics you can have a vinyl plate custom made. I’ve done it on several cars I didn’t want holes drilled I to the front.

        • Dr.D

          Member
          March 24, 2023 at 9:35 am

          Before a cop pulls you over nearly all the time he runs your tag, which brings up the registration. That will show the vehicle as autocycle/motorcycle. If he seriously doesn’t know an autocycle/motorcycle does not need a front plate, then you got one ignorant LEO.

    • bruce-gendron

      Member
      May 23, 2023 at 7:56 am

      Thanks, Bruce.

      I live in NY and I’m hoping we can get something like that here soon.

      -Bruce

  • craig-merrow

    Member
    March 24, 2023 at 3:27 am

    I found out that Maine also doesn’t require a front plate on an autocycle; I may have to get that in writing. Went through a similar situation when I got pulled over in my 1960 Bug for no inspection sticker. It took a few minutes to explain (and for the police officer to verify) that cars registered with an antique auto plate are exempt from that.

  • tim-v

    Member
    March 24, 2023 at 9:39 am

    For Californians, here’s the link for getting a vinyl front plate. I’ll probably get one just to avoid the potential for confusion.

    https://licenseplatewrap.com/

    • ROMAD

      Member
      March 24, 2023 at 10:18 am

      That was a limited access pilot program that ended on 1 Jan 23. It is being reviewed.

      • Riley

        Member
        March 24, 2023 at 5:41 pm

        No pilot program required, just custom make a plate and stick to the car

        • ROMAD

          Member
          March 24, 2023 at 5:59 pm

          Not when I checked earlier today. California started a pilot program for vinyl stick-on plates back in the mid-teens run through the company tim-v linked above. Originally it was for government vehicles only but was then opened up to a maximum of 0.5% (IIRC) of regular vehicles in a certain geographic area. The program was to end in 2020 but was extended 2 years to 31 Dec 22. I just checked the dmv.ca.gov website and did not find it mentioned. If DMV has opened it up to everyone, there should be a link to the company’s website on dmv.ca.gov

    • Shawgrin

      Member
      March 24, 2023 at 8:26 pm

      Tim, thank you for the information, very cool.

  • michael-block

    Member
    March 24, 2023 at 11:08 pm

    I live in Australia and all Australian States require front plates for cars, not for motorcycles. Does anyone at Aptera have any idea of how the vehicle will be classified here?

    • Mike-Mars

      Member
      March 25, 2023 at 3:53 am

      Trike – hence the width restriction on the vehicle. If you search the forum for Australia you should find some more details.

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