I just bought my "8" and live in Illinois. This state requires a front license plate. I think it takes away from the lines of the car. Does anyone have an idea on how to mount a plate and make it look good? The license burea says to take it back to the dealer and have them put it on. I am worried about holes being drilled. Any ideas would be appreciated.

I believe there are removable plugs in the front "grille" opening to mount the plate. I'm in Iowa and a front plate is required here, but I don't plan to put it on. I had a vehicle without one for six years and never got stopped or questioned. Good luck!

I am "required" to have a front plate too. I just don't care. It makes the car look like it has buck-teeth. And if you have the yellow 8 you will look like a pissed off Pikachu, wait no... it looks like that any way :p . Just kidding. Do a search there are a whole number of people like myself have not put on the front license plate and haven't had any run-ins with the law.

First thing I did was take off the bracket for my front plate. I'm happy to pay the ticket if it means a prettier car that runs cooler.

Originally posted by winter
First thing I did was take off the bracket for my front plate. I'm happy to pay the ticket if it means a prettier car that runs cooler.


the license doesn't cover anything...the top 3/4 of the "grill" is blocked off...only the bottom takes in any kind of air

Originally posted by billypsm
I just bought my "8" and live in Illinois. This state requires a front license plate. I think it takes away from the lines of the car. Does anyone have an idea on how to mount a plate and make it look good? The license burea says to take it back to the dealer and have them put it on. I am worried about holes being drilled. Any ideas would be appreciated.

There won't be any damage or visible holes from mounting the front bracket, but unless you're really paranoid about getting a ticket, why not just run without it until you get a warning or a ticket? Keep it in the trunk, and if you do get pulled over tell them you're waitng for the bracket from Mazda.

I don't know where in Illinois you live, but I ran my Miata for 18 months without one, and my now RX8 for 2+ months without one. I drive by the local police station everyday twice to and from work going by dozens of cops, so I don't think front plate violations are high on their priority list. I personally rather pay a fine on occasion then to ugly-up the front end of a sports car.