Virginia code was changed a few years back to allow for a plate instead of attaching directly to the bike. The new code says that it must be visible from the left side of the bike. Some inspection stations will say that it has to be on the left side, front half but that is not actually in the written code.
In Texas, back some years ago they added the requirement that the bigass honk'n sticker had to be displayed below the license plate, period. Ugly as hell.
On my wife's Speedy, I mounted the plate to the left passenger peg mount. Her bike is rigged for solo so this was an available spot. I also carry a copy of the code section below along with the registration.
Quote:
Virginia Administrative Code 19VAC30-70-50. Approval stickers and decals.
E. The decal issued to a motorcycle shall be affixed to the left side of the cycle where it will be most visible after mounting. The decal may be placed on a plate on the left side where it will be most visible and securely fastened to the motorcycle for the purpose of displaying the decal.
