Wouldn't it be great if states that required front license plates allowed European style (state specific) plates for the front of European cars. Our standard plates just don't have the charisma of a euro plate.

 

i just got back from being stationed overseas and got pulled over for having euros on my car and the cop said that the only reason he pulled me over was to see my car up close with the euro plate attached. so i have to agree with you

 

It would be even better if states dropped the front plate requirement. I feel so sorry for all of you that have to disfigure your MINI's gorgeous front end with an ugly tax stamp.

 

In Australia all states require a front plate, but most will give you a "slimline" plate for a small extra charge, it is basically a minature copy of the regular plate, alittle thinner and quite a bit shorter than a euro plate.

I think it's called "customer service" or something like that!

 

No such thing as "customer service" here in the US when it comes to dealing with the DMV!

 

as bobby bouchey would say "momma says the dmv is the devil"

 

am i the only one to be bummed out that the front license plate frame just gets SCREWED through the bumper... There's no specific mounting bracket for it sticking out of the lower grille at all... What a bummer when I pulled it off after delivery only to notice the nice holes it left behind right in the middle of the front bumper...

what a shame...

-e

 

If you have no front plate, how are the red light cameras and the speeding cameras going to know how you are?

 

I like the way my plate looks. Picked it up @ gominigo.com

Eric, check out bumperplugs.com to fill the nasty holes. Both worked GREAT for me.

 

They'll know I'm friendly because I WAVE BACK!

 

Bumperplugs!, just what I was looking for! Thanks

 

I agree the Euro plates are much, much more attractive! I was thinking about getting one for my front end. Fortunately, you don't need at front plate in PA.

 

I guess when I travel to states that require front plates and have such intrusive citizen monitoring devices, they won't know who I am.

 

I was at Minimania last May (in Nevada City, CA) and there were several Minis with this screw in front plate holder.. It mounted off to the side a bit in the front grill.. but not on the bumper. It was pretty cool, the guy screwed it on and off right there for me to see. Said it he puts it on if he gets a "warning". I never had a front plate on my Jeep, got one warning in 5yrs. Had one on the Z3 but not for the last 18mos and no warnings...I think I found where they purchased it.. Here:

http://www.myminiparts.com/proddetai...od=FPMK&cat=15

 

The MD dealer mailed my VA tags to me, so it was up to me to mount them or go back to get them mounted. I had my gominigo bracket ready and installed it last night with a crescent wrench and the tools from the hidden toolkit (look by the battery)....in the dark. It was so easy. My front bumper was never assaulted.

 

He gets a warning? It looks perfectly legit to me!

 

I live up above the city of San Francisco with a stunning view of the skyline and both the Golden Gate and Bay bridges. Unfortunately right outside my window is a ugly power pole with a dozen wires and a transformer. It's like the elephant in the room, you just don't notice it after a day. My opinion is that since California has front license plates, and very car has to have them, that it's best to just put it where it's "supposed to" go. Just like the power pole, you just don't notice it. Every time I see a MINI with the plate in a different position I notice the plate more. That being said, I did order a personalized license plate, so at least while it's up there it'll mean something to me.

 

California doesn't require front plates, I just asked my Mini dealership to not mount a front plate on mines.

 

Sorry, but I have to correct you there. You can- if you're quick enough, ask the dealer not to install the front plate bracket (a.k.a. "plinth")*, however California *does* require the front plate...

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d05/vc11713_17.htm

*too bad i didn't find out about this until a week after they drilled holes in my bumper. *sob*

 

No, he leaves the plate OFF.. puts it ON if he gets warned... Like.. opps sorry officer I have it right here forgot to put it back on after the car show.. etc..

 

I have a front plate bracket that screws into the tow hook receiver.

Earl

 

Damn! I can't believe we need a front plate its outrageous!!!! My car is ugly with it! (calms down) So what are my options now that I don't have them pierce the front of the bumper? How do I put a front plate without holes?

 

I run 1 Euro plate in the tradtional location and 1 state issued plate in a legal but less obvious location.

Read up on your states laws where there is a will there is a way.

 

Tow hook mount.

DIY or I believe a vendor carries them now, not quite sure.

I use velcro for one of my plates.

 

I picked up my 03 mini a few months ago here in SoCal, fortunately NO FRONT PLATE has ever been mounted!!! I'm stoaked!! This is a funny topic as I'm doing some plate stuff now. I ordered vanity (personal) plates for my mini, which should be here in the next 3-4 weeks. In the mean time, I ordered a euro plate for the front with the same California id (plate #). My hope is that if I ever get pulled over, I will tell the cop it is the same plate # and hopefully he will understand. We'll see how that goes.

As for putting on my front Euro plate... I will put it front center of the bumper where it's supposed to go. I will mount it with 3m double sided tape. I have done this in the past with good results. Can be removed with no paint damage and is quite strong, as long as the bumper is clean when you mount it.

BTW here is a cool place to get euro plates: http://www.customeuropeanplates.com/...atecreator.php