In IL we have to have front plates on the vehicles. Have you ever noticed how many cars do not have them?

I was driving in Chicago and noticed even some CPD cars running around without them. Makes you wonder.

It is a law in Illinois.  I got pulled over once (had a beater car when I was about 17, didn't we all?) and got a warning because my plate wasn't attached to my car.  The bracket was broken and I had my plate shoved between the dashboard and my windshield inside my car so it would be visible.  That was the only reason the cop pulled me over.  I'm glad I didn't get a ticket though.  I'm wondering why it's a law in some states and not others, like Indiana?

 Here were some reasons I heard (recently)...

Originally it was to show that we had paid our dues to drive (why we have plates)

Because of the size and population, the requirement is to have a front plate so a car can be recognized coming and going (why we have two plates)

But I am sure if I googled for a few moments I could find out why...because yes, I know it is the law, but recently, since a lot of squads are being replaced, I have seen the front plates not on all the time...but you would never see that on a state car, if you do, the bumper is probably missing :)

I have seen state police cars with no plates on them and parked on the public way.