Does anyone have experience with front license plate holders that mount on the tow hook (to avoid drilling holes)?

If all goes well, I'm getting 2007 V8 Vantage from Florida, where they don't require front license plates, and bringing it to Chicago, where they're aggressive about enforcing the requirement.

I'm aware of two that work with Aston Martins: one from GoMiniGo and another from the unlikely source of Mower Deck Axle Co. Has anyone used these? Any reason to prefer one over the other?

I've seen two others, but not for Astons: one from Dynamic Technology Group (they confirmed Aston is a no-go) and one from Rho-Plate (they don't list Aston Martin on their website, but they haven't answered my e-mail yet to confirm, so maybe there's a glimmer of hope). If it happens to be available, the Rho-Plate looks best, as there is a lot of up-and-down and left-to-right adjustability.

 

I just picked up may 09 Vantage, and I do not want to put a front plate on. But in Maryland it is required I think I wll wait until I get my first ticket. However, I want to have a back-up and it looks like the mower deck is the best looking solution as it keeps the plate close to the center of the car. I am interested in feedback from someone that has actually used them

 

after looking at the photos it appears that the Mower deck solution is too way off center for me. There must be a better solution, Maybe a hole similar to the two hook more toward center and using a similar solution

 

I think the mower deck picture (of a Vanquish) may be misleading. All of them mount on the same tow hook, which is off to the side on the Vantage. I actually don't mind that--I kind of like the idea of the plate being low and off to the side.

The mower deck one does at least look sturdier, as it includes a nicely-machined mounting plate

 

I don't know the laws in Illinois but in Texas, where it is required, the consequences are minimal. The only thing that occurs is you get a ticket, take a picture of your car with a front license plate on (zip tie it on), send that picture to the court and pay a $10 court fee. I have been pulled over numerous times in my Aston and never once ticket for not having a front license plate. In Texas, the risk and consequences are not worth putting a front plate on.

 

With the OEM setup there are no drilling required

There are 2 holes on a vertical beam behind the grill (it's also the same beam that supports the grill), one on each side. The OEM plate holder has a long bolt that goes through the gaps in the grill and screws into the beam.

I have mine on and off frequently, depending on where I drive and where I plan to park for the day.

It's not the prettiest setup, but some also do call the plate holder a low speed bumper :P

 

It's unfortunately somewhat different in Chicago. They'll ticket you while the car is parked if there's no front plate, so there's no chance to plead your case. Someone posted on another message board that he amassed $600 in tickets before relenting and put a plate on the front.

cshsia, that's useful information--thanks. My car is coming from Florida (where no front plate is required), so it won't have the plate holder, but I can look into getting one from an Aston dealer.

 

Good to know it's only $10 here...I refuese to put a plate up front, ruins the look of the car IMO.

 

Interestingly, I bought my car from Chicago. I guess the previous owner was brave enough to go 2 years without a front plate.

He got it from Lake Forest Sports Cars.

 

+1. Plates look ugly (everybody knows this, which is why car companies put those stupid 'paint matched' plates on them (as if any plate ever looks like that) for marketing).

My issue is - if your going to put a fake paint matched plate on it (to make the color blend better), then why not just leave it off (and stop the pretending)?

Orrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Come up with a better mounting solution.

 

have seen retractable plate set ups they are built for street rods but i'm sure they could be altered...push a button and you have a front plate

 

just get the ticket, it's no biggie and we can afford it. truth is that i have yet to be stopped because of a lack of a front plate.

 

I'm just about to register my car and pay the 7.5% tax (I should have just bought a house, in Alaska). Now to the front plates, man that is really going to suck. Can people post pictures on what they have done on their front grill? Any idea what the fines are in DC/VA/MD when getting caught without a front plate? Also, what are the fines in getting caught with the motorized plate holder?

- Thanks.

 

I got the one from Mower Deck Axle Co. It's very well made and I'm OK with the way it looks--the license plate is down and to the side, so it's not in-your-face. I can't take a picture as the car is in the shop, but I will once I have it back.

 

I second this. I just got mine from DC/VA area and it had the front plate on. When I removed it I was amazed at how unblemished the area below it looked. The mounts are recessed through the grill opening and frankly over engineered. I highly suggest this for those who are required to have a front plate.