I hate the front license plate

[intrigue65]

Really ruins the look of the front of the vehicle IMO. Unfortunately the great state of IL legally requires one. I'm considering swapping the front grill for a the plate less filler. Anyone have any experience doing this? I've heard mixed stories. Some people say they get away with telling cops "they don't have a front holder for this exotic" while some cops no doubt don't care and ticket away. I also am not sure I want the increased attention / likelihood of getting pulled over and having to deal with that. Thoughts? This is Chicago loop primarily. I'm sure the answer varies by municipality but would be curious to hear input from elsewhere nonetheless.

[RS4Cab]

I live in MA where we also need a front plate, have not had one on my last 4 cars and never had a problem. My RS4 Cab didn't even have the mount for one so had to zip tie it on for inspection sticker. The R8 has one of the better looking front grill for plate that I have seen. I'm not using my plate but at least can throw it on quickly if I have to. Plus it's a good place to mount my laser scrambler under

[swansailor]

I agree that it ruins the looks. I don't have one ... the plate is in the trunk. I have never been asked where it is (even when having the State inspection).

[mdc]

I got a fix-it ticket last year while my Porsche was just sitting in the parking lot. I went to the dealer and have them drilled the holes for me... I took the plate off after a week. Lets see how long I can go without a plate on the R8....

[mdc]

I don’t think they will pull you over for not having front plates, I drove past them many times, so far so good. But in this economy, the city needs money. Ticketing is a fast way to collect revenue.

[ShelbyGirl1]

My husband was pulled over in Northern Ca. and given a ticket for not having a front plate.
Of the 4 cars we have right now...only one, a truck, has a front plate. The state of Tx. does require a front plate...but....I'll be dammed if I want holes drilled into the car! I carry my front plate in the wheel well of the passenger seat...I can just reach down and throw it up on the dash quickly if I have to.

[RS4Cab]

I got a fix-it ticket last year while my Porsche was just sitting in the parking lot. I went to the dealer and have them drilled the holes for me... I took the plate off after a week. Lets see how long I can go without a plate on the R8....

I wouldn't mind a fix it ticket but my understanding is in MA it's moving violation surcharge points ticket and then you get hit on your insurance. They seem pretty fickle about how it's enforced, have read on forums many getting nabbed for it while I have been driving the last 8 years without. Been stopped for other things and have had cop walk around car, But never said a word about no plate. Even better have always been let off with a warning. I think being older and driving a nice car helps

[intrigue65]

To be clear, I was originally considering ordering the front grill that does not have the placeholder for the plate and replacing my current grill that has the plate. RS4Cab - your pic may have convinced me that the easier/better/more flexible option would be simply to unscrew the plate and not swap the grills, in case I ever decide/need to put it on temporarily. Thanks for the feedback folks.

[VidaMusic]

here in the UK we have to have one on at all times, couldn't get away with 'poppin one one in an emergency' etc... kinda crap really, but we are used to having plates on the front so maybe would look strange if we didn't - it would certainly stick out like a sore thumb!

[RS4Cab]

To be clear, I was originally considering ordering the front grill that does not have the placeholder for the plate and replacing my current grill that has the plate. RS4Cab - your pic may have convinced me that the easier/better/more flexible option would be simply to unscrew the plate and not swap the grills, in case I ever decide/need to put it on temporarily. Thanks for the feedback folks.

I think that would be the smart the way to go, It really does not look bad if you don't have the plate on. I ordered my RS4 with the plateless grill and was always nervous I would have to spend a few hundred to change if I got hassled, State law says it must be secruley attached so i don't think my zip ties would cut it. Now if pulled over I would just say I just came from a car show and forgot to put it back on and in a minute could have it screwed into place