Hi all - I recently attended a super-fun Cars and Coffee event at Ferrari of Washington DC and it seems that the police (in VA) are starting to crack down on those cars that don't display a front tag. While a part of me wants to "roll the dice", the other part wants to make a valiant attempt to find a mount, which did not come on the car (even tho' it was a VA-registered car for 10+ yrs!). I am not having much luck winnowing down the mutitude of choices - anyone have any ideas? My first choice is a 'drill-free' bracket but they run from 60-189 bucks. Nope. I could use my tow hook certainly but Amazon at least is unhelpful when I try to narrow down the search for my 2010 MY V8V. TIA!

 

Similar situation here in Texas where a front plate is required but many/most upscale cars don’t have one. Having been pulled over recently in my Jaguar XKR and received a warning ticket for no front plate, I didn’t want to roll the dice in my new-to-me DB9.

So I ponied up for a Carbonio no-drill plate mount - not cheap at $200 shipped, but it turned out to be a real quality product. Once adjusted it can be slapped on in seconds, so my plan is to keep it in my trunk and in the event I’m pulled over again, I’d offer to show it to the officer and put it on in his presence in hopes of again avoiding a real ticket. In any case I’m very pleased with the Carbonio despite the high cost.

Here’s the product website - https://carbonio.com/products/aston-martin-db9-no-drill-front-license-plate-mount?rq=mk_aston-martin~yr_2015~md_db9~pv_all

And I’ve attached a couple of pictures of my setup…

 

Because I am of Scottish ancestry and therefore thrifty by nature (plus, I am a retired Public servant (NCIS), I have rather limited funds to put to such state-mandated stuff.....ergo my solution (still 'in the works'): using a 3/4 inch wooden plank - about 1" wide by 6" long, which will be glued to the license plate. Then, when I receive my strong double sided tape https://m.media-amazon.com/images/G/01/apparel/rcxgs/tile._CB483369110_.gif
VA State code only specifies that the front of the car must (also) display a state-issued license plate. It does say HOW it must be done.
So....I plan to 'end-run' the 200 dollar options out there and invent a way to comply with state law. Stay tuned to see how it turns out!

 

Does model allow for the factory license plate mount behind the grill? I use the OEM setup when I need the front plate for state Inspection. In my state, not having a front plate is a violation, but does not increase ones insurance premium.

 

No, it does not. I am creating my very own solution....."hold my beer".....more to follow!

 

Do you plan to use it all the time or for specific outings?

 

All the time.....

 

I'm very happy withe the license plate mount I got from Redpants. It uses ong aluminum posts that screw into a frame behind the grill (the holes already exist -- you can see them looking through your grill) and has a much thinner profile than the OEM license plate mount.
See https://shop.redpants.lol/product/redpants-license-plate-mount/

 

Oops, just noticed that it's listed as "out of stock"...

 

NP - I am inventing my own Scottish solution to all this nonsense. VA State code requires the tag to be displayed BUT does not (correctly) state just HOW that ought to be done. I have come up with what I think will be a super good solution, and still be visually appealing. Stay Tuned my friends.......

 

https://shop.redpants.lol/product/redpants-license-plate-mount/]Redpants License Plate Mount – Redpants Shop

or you can modify your current one and do the same thing

 

Thanks HandyMan! I am in the throes of inventing my own way to attack this issue.....but am momentarily slowed down because my Red Roadster is in the shop getting some work done....as you may know, there are a wide variety of offerings out there, most of them highly overpriced......Nope.

 

I hear you, just wanted to show you the idea... I use the aluminum plate from the original front plate holder and re-drill a few hole and got longer bolt to attached to the core support and put a few rubber pad on the back of the plate so it doesn't scratch the paint. Then put a nice black frame and screw the plate on, done for a few cents.

 

Thanks HM- any chance you can post a pic of your work, or PM me a pic? Thus far I have invested in 4 "c" bolts but will need a License plate holder (my car, originally sold in VA where 2 tags are required, did not come with the front one!).....I am going to search thru Amazon for one I guess.

 

I was looking but couldn't find one and my car is still in storage for a few more weeks... I will post one as soon as it is out.... sorry