The Miata folks have some innovative solutions:

http://www.miata.net/garage/swingplate.html



http://www.teammiata.com/TM305.htm



If I had a front plate, I'd probably do something like this and fasten it to the lower lip so it folds back at speed.

 

 

^^ That's the best one I've seen thus far.

The swing plate method defeats the purpose, IMO. I've only gotten pulled over when I'm actually on the road driving, for no plates. If they don't see a plate, I'll get pulled over anyway, and the "nifty contraption" will probably get the boot.

 

Any idea if that is legal in NY, rajun?

 

Yeah, the cop will pull you over for driving without a front plate and then be confused as crap when he pulls you over and notes there IS a front plate. However, most cops would then start fiddling with it and realize that it's hinged and you'd probably get some other random ticket too!

 

I got pulled over one time and it was for no front plate . That's why I put it on. I folded the top part of the plate to restrict as little air flow as possible though I wasn't too worried about it and have never seen 4 bars on the temp. guage. I think it looks better too...kind of like a low profile plate.

Anyways, to answer your question, I think it was legal because I had not been pulled over since it's been mounted.

 

Cool, thanks. I'll definitely consider mounting mine like that!

 

I've been touting "no bracket" for quite a while now. Just bolt the plate directly to the bumper using the threaded holes. (I put a strip of tape on the back of the plate to avoid scratching the bumper.)

 

I would think that you would need to tape up the bumper instead of plate. Dirt can get trapped between the plate and the bumper and scratch it up with the window constantly blowing at the plate.

I'm going with the ragin asian's idea.

 

Me too!

If I get any trouble from the cops, I will just put it in between the dash and winshield. There is no way I am going to have a plate mounted out front and totally disrupt a gorgeous front end. The first thing I did, less than five minutes after taking delivery, was take off the liscense plate holder from the front bumper.