California owners - Front license plate
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Not in CA, but I didn't get a front plate mount. I ask the dealership where I put the front plate and he showed me two little divots where the plate screws go. Now I gotta go buy license plate screws.
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20 Posts
I also chose not to mount my front plates... never had a problem on any of my cars for the past 20+ years.
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962 Posts
Im in CA Bay Area. Can say for sure that no plate will result in a fixit ticket in LA and Bay Area due to FastTrak mainly.
I also learned the hard way that raised olate frames on the front bumper will end up damaging the plastic bumper cap in parallel parking areas where bumpers get bumped. The flat nakid plate just screwed into the bumper doesn’t damage the bumper when bumped.
Things to consider
I also learned the hard way that raised olate frames on the front bumper will end up damaging the plastic bumper cap in parallel parking areas where bumpers get bumped. The flat nakid plate just screwed into the bumper doesn’t damage the bumper when bumped.
Things to consider
Also a plate cover results in a fixit ticket as well! had one on the front plates for over 10 years, then got a ticket one day when I was parked. the cop had to have walked all around my car looking for something to cite since I was parked perpendicular to the street and there normally arent any beat cops where I was ticketed. wasnt too mad about it, since i knew it was not allowed. just annoyed that i'm pretty sure he targeted my car.
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13,563 Posts
There's no fancy plate mount for the front of the Ascents yet. Hopefully that will change, and they'll make a form fitting one. Currently, they are offering the generic two screw, two rubber pad flat mounting plate.
It's this rather boring package (Part Number: SOA342L120)
https://www.subarupartwholesale.com...icense-Plate-Bracket/49926983/SOA342L120.html
My Outback's was custom shaped to fit around the curves of my bumper. Hoping they create a vehicle specific one for the Ascent soon.
It's this rather boring package (Part Number: SOA342L120)
https://www.subarupartwholesale.com...icense-Plate-Bracket/49926983/SOA342L120.html
My Outback's was custom shaped to fit around the curves of my bumper. Hoping they create a vehicle specific one for the Ascent soon.
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962 Posts
License plate fraud has become a massive issue in CA. Dealer Paper plates placed over unregistered plates ie expired tags. The new one is scratching the white reflective background off the plate around the plate numbers.
The old cheeter was the plastic cover coated with a polarizing surface which blacks out the plate to plate readers.
Last I heard the issue is becoming such a big problem that CHP has asked for higher fines and penalties especially for the intentional plate modification cases.
Pretty much weekly basis we see cars involved in robberies sporting paper dealer plates in our area. I recall there is a law going into effect soon that all sold cars will have a unique dealer ID paper plate. It can’t happen soon enough.
As for the fancy front plate holders fit to the bumper they are raised brackets that get crushed into the bumper in parallel parking areas. The one I had put a big gash in the bumper. Vs just a nakid plate has no edges and lays flat resulting in no damage after getting mashed by a parallel parking bump and go event.
The old cheeter was the plastic cover coated with a polarizing surface which blacks out the plate to plate readers.
Last I heard the issue is becoming such a big problem that CHP has asked for higher fines and penalties especially for the intentional plate modification cases.
Pretty much weekly basis we see cars involved in robberies sporting paper dealer plates in our area. I recall there is a law going into effect soon that all sold cars will have a unique dealer ID paper plate. It can’t happen soon enough.
As for the fancy front plate holders fit to the bumper they are raised brackets that get crushed into the bumper in parallel parking areas. The one I had put a big gash in the bumper. Vs just a nakid plate has no edges and lays flat resulting in no damage after getting mashed by a parallel parking bump and go event.
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28 Posts
On the topic of front plates... is there a front tow hook for a mount like this? https://www.amazon.com/Perrin-Performance-License-Plate-Relocation/dp/B07487R75D/
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12 Posts
I have a US Millworks tow hook mount for my VW GTI, but they don’t seem to make a product for Subaru. Wish they did- I installed my mount and plate over four years ago and it’s been rock steady since.
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106 Posts
I think that's the new standard. I had a 2011 Outback that has the fitted one you speak of but I think that was the last time they did it. I don't anticipate a formed one and will settle for the new standard because it's better than the plain plate (Supposedly it's stainless steel with a powder coating, not plastic btw)
Unfortunately no there is not. I was hoping there was one as well. Still trying to figure out a way to mount a front plate without drilling into the bumper. Worst comes to worst, I but the stock front plate bracket. :sad:
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12 Posts
Anyone figure out how to mount a front license plate without drilling into the bumper yet? I really don't want to put holes in the bumper...
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962 Posts
All auto makers are very clear about air bag risk with stuff mounted in the flat bed bumper tow hook mount. Last I looked Subarus have hard tow hook points under the engine sub frame for serious pulling needs ie removing a stuck car from a ditch etc.
I would not suggest driving with a eye loop or other device mounted in the flat bed tow loop screwed into the passenger side frame rail.
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13,563 Posts
About that... interesting thing I found out yesterday on the beach. There's no tow hook mount on tow hitch equipped Ascents.
I bought a hitch mount tow hook for those special emergencies. It's hanging out the back in this pic.
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82 Posts
I am also curious as to any solutions for the front plate in California as that is where I live and I know that I will have to install one.
Did the dealer mount it for you or give you a kit? Did you ask them?
Did the dealer mount it for you or give you a kit? Did you ask them?
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13,563 Posts
There's mounting areas in the bumper. They should know exactly where to make the holes (there's dimples in the bumper). In NY, we are required to have a front plate as well.
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82 Posts
Did you have a frame or something to that effect or did you just mount the plate directly to the bumper?
Do you have a photo?
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