I live in the 'burbs like you. No front plate since Spring of '03 when delivered. Car is mostly parked right now due to salt, but it will be on the road from March steady to at least November.
So far, no issues. No police have noticed, though I do sometimes take another route if I see I am about to catch up to a cruiser running ahead of me. (or they are coming up behind and about to pass). I figure most who see the car from the front assume I am from out of state, and those who see me from the rear assume there is a front plate.
I have seen at least one other MINI at Jacobs service dept. with a front plate that was completely trimmed away except for the numerals themselves. Looked odd, not bad, but I guess in the owner's mind it is somewhat like a European plate. Appeared to be just stuck on with heavy duty velcro perhaps.
Some have told stories of going years with no front plate, others get picked on right away. Luck of the draw I guess.
