[RickB]

I really dislike the U.S. frame that covers the lower "grille". But, it looks substantial enough that it might provide some protection from those who parallel park "by ear".
As someone who has actually been ticketed for not having a front plate (WA state), I'm thinking of a creative solution to the need for a front plate, but not utilizing the standard mount. Would it be illegal to trim the plate down so it was no taller than a European plate? If I trim it down and put it in a euro frame, will the letters and numbers be visible? It would probably be easier to just pay the tickets, as I'm sure I would end up in prison if I cut up the plate.

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by RickB
....Would it be illegal to trim the plate down so it was no taller than a European plate? If I trim it down and put it in a euro frame, will the letters and numbers be visible? It would probably be easier to just pay the tickets, as I'm sure I would end up in prison if I cut up the plate.

Yes, I know that would be illegal - it's considered, variously, defacing, counterfeiting, or vandalizing the state-issued license plate.

I know this because on classic Minis, when an US-sized plate is fitted to a pre-Mk.III boot lid, the size of the plate fouls the hinged number plate drop down feature (intended to keep the UK plate visible when the Mini is driven with stuff plied high upon the opened boot lid). A good number of classic Mk. I Mini owners in the US have cut several inches off of their US state rear plates to make them fit the rear number plate bracket and at least one found out the law don't like it!

[karmuze]

Quote:

Originally posted by RickB

I really dislike the U.S. frame that covers the lower "grille". Would it be illegal to trim the plate down so it was no taller than a European plate?

Here's your answer from the "Revised code of Washington": RCW 46.16.240

Attachment of plates to vehicles -- Violations enumerated. The vehicle license number plates shall be attached conspicuously at the front and rear of each vehicle for which the same are issued and in such a manner that they can be plainly seen and read at all times: PROVIDED, That if only one license number plate is legally issued for any vehicle such plate shall be conspicuously attached to the rear of such vehicle. Each vehicle license number plate shall be placed or hung in a horizontal position at a distance of not less than one foot nor more than four feet from the ground and shall be kept clean so as to be plainly seen and read at all times: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That in cases where the body construction of the vehicle is such that compliance with this section is impossible, permission to deviate therefrom may be granted by the state patrol. It shall be unlawful to display upon the front or rear of any vehicle, vehicle license number plate or plates other than those furnished by the director for such vehicle or to display upon any vehicle any vehicle license number plate or plates which have been in any manner changed, altered, disfigured or have become legible. License plate frames may be used on vehicle license number plates only if the frames do not obscure license tabs or identifying letters or numbers on the plates and the plates can be plainly seen and read at all times. It is unlawful to use any holders, frames, or any materials that in any manner change, alter, or make the vehicle license number plates illegible. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any vehicle unless there shall be displayed thereon valid vehicle license number plates attached as herein provided.

I noticed that exceptions can be granted for 'speciality' vehicles such as farm equipment--could you put a JOHN DEERE badge on the front of your MINI? Or do you know someone in the State Patrol that could grant you a waiver?

I also don't like the front plate bracket and will dispense with it and do something like this:

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by karmuze


Here's your answer from the "Revised code of Washington": RCW 46.16.240

..... any vehicle license number plate or plates which have been in any manner changed, altered, disfigured or have become legible. License plate...

Is there possibly a typo in the middle of all that or do they not know the meaning of the word "legible"???

[karmuze]

Good eye BruceK, I missed that when I read it. But I think it may offer an 'out' for some car owner with a sharp lawyer for getting a summons dismissed--so don't nobody tell the Wash State Judiciary.

I think this statute was likely written by an _mannered, _literate, lawyer trying to _luminate an _licit process for obtaining _legitimate fines from an _fated car owner, who not knowing his plates were _legal, was given a summons by an _humoured patrol officer trying to stuff the Washington state coffers with _gotten gains. The _logical thought process of this is enough to give me an _ness!

[Yurinaut]

karmuze....I just have to give you credit for that one. Very nice job!

Cheers!
-Mike

[Yurinaut]

In the same vein, when you remove the front plate bracket (U.S.) are there any visible holes? I live in North Carolina and we don't have front plates. I'd like the front to be as clean as possible.

Thanks,
Mike

[RedShift42]

Quote:

Originally posted by Yurinaut
In the same vein, when you remove the front plate bracket (U.S.) are there any visible holes? I'd like the front to be as clean as possible.

From what I've seen, on the Cooper the front plate bracket is moulded into that panel. That is to say, there is a removeable panel in the bumper (fascia) that can have several different license plate types affixed to it, depending on the market. My state requires a front plate, so the panel is moulded to integrate the front US plate. It is color matched and, as these awful things go, as good as you could reasonably hope for.
If you opt to go for no front plate in a state where its required, you're going to need to somehow acquire the non-plate panel, otherwise you'll have a big, blank flat spot out front, drawing attention to where your plate *should* be. I imagine in states where no plate is required they'll come w/ the 'normal' panel.

On the S, however, it is not a moulded/color matched bit, but rather a more conventional black plastic plate mounting bracket that affixes unbecomingly to the fascia. On the S it will be a simple matter of removing it.
Personally I'm going to ask my dealer to not touch it and "let me put the plate on," hopefully avoiding any holes in the plastic.