07 Dyna Superglide Sidemount License Plate Do It Yourself for Free (super easy)

[evesweater]

Originally Posted by longride

Just to clarify here that mounting a plate that way is illegal in many states, and will result in a ticket if the officer so chooses. I tend to avoid things that scream 'Pull me over!', so that my social engagements with police officers is at a minumum.

After multiple e-mails to TX DPS (multiple levels), a conversation with a few police officers, and some inquisitions to TX DOT, this is what I've learned.

The Cops: it has to be mounted on the rear of the bike, visible, and light (this may vary on their mood). One said it has to be horizontal, and another said it didn't matter.

DPS: They are real keen on repeating back statutes, but they were unable to give a clear answer. Although they were very willing to help me look for the answer.

TX DOT: Cited another statute, but I thought this one was interesting:
From a chief registration officer,

"Most states follow the National Committee on Uniform
Traffic Laws and Ordinances for display requirements:

3-413 Display of registration plates (b) Every registration plate
shall at all times be securely fastened in a horizontal position to
the vehicle for which it is issued so as to prevent the plate from
swinging and at a height of not less than 12 inches from the ground,
measuring from the bottom of such plate, in a place and position to be
clearly visible and shall be maintained free from foreign materials in
a condition clearly legible."

It does mention directionality "so as to prevent the plate from swinging," which makes this sound pretty dated. I'm thinking they were counting on some idiots mounting the plate with a single screw/bolt or something. Anywho, that's what I found.

Now, what have I learned?

[Kenneth_Moore]

You learned:

"(this may vary on their mood)." I rode by 1 cop in Key West who told me what a nice FXS I had at a stoplight. 2 blocks later I was getting a ticket for excessive noise.

"so as to prevent the plate from swinging," actually isn't that dated. HD has decided to start producing bikes with plate mounts on a hinge that can fold in for a "sleek" look. They're really pushing it. Also, a lot of squids like to put cables on their plates so they can pull them out of view when they're running from the cops.