Frustrating Front License Plate Bracket

[JfromC]

Okay, a rant I guess..

From the point of view of customizing and bolt on accessories, this has got to be the worst designed front license plate bracket I have ever had. All I wanted to do was place a clear flat plate cover over my personalized Ontario plate for protection. Having that raised lip around the entire outside of the plate, the convex curve of the bracket, and the plate having to slot into the bottom tabs of the bracket makes it near impossible to bolt on a cover or a trim ring nicely. Oh yes an no actual screw holes for the bottom. 1st world problems etc...



I spent the afternoon back and forth to the hardware store a couple of times, getting washers for spacers, bolts and nylock nuts to bolt on an aftermarket plate bracket to the front of the OEM bracket so that it was flat, had all four bolt holes available and no lip around the circumference. (as well as other modifications to the aftermarket bracket to allow me to get through it with a socket to screw the whole amalgamation back onto the bumper). Well I got there in the end I guess but damn, what a pain.



Let's not get into an argument about the legalities of plate covers in Ontario. I'm using a 'clear as glass' and totally flat cover, and doing so knowing full well the possible consequences. Anyone from Ontario would know our plates delaminate if you even look at them cross-eyed and personalized plates are $350 after tax. The plate cover fine is $110.

Okay well rant over I guess. I feel better now.

 

[diymirage]

Let's not get into an argument about the legalities of plate covers in Ontario.

 

[Old Mopar Guy]

"Let's not get into an argument about the legalities of plate covers in Ontario."

Eh?

 

[RamDiver]

"Let's not get into an argument about the legalities of plate covers in Ontario."

Eh?

The Ontario Highway Traffic Act says it's illegal to use clear plate covers.

I've long used them on a front plate because the red light cams don't scan the front plate, and as mentioned, the plates always lose the paint.

I haven't started working on this same dilemma, and should look for a solution before the paint delaminates any further.

.

 

[diymirage]

Well, back in 1672 the Dutch had an issue with their government, specifically with a guy named Johan de Wit

Maybe you cannucks should see how the Dutch handles that situation and see if you can't learn from it ?

 

[JfromC]

I haven't started working on this same dilemma, and should look for a solution before the paint delaminates any further.

You can see it starting on my plate in the 'after' picture, around the bolt holes. Also some starting on the bottom corner edge of one of the letters but it's not too terrible yet. You can see it a bit just below the W on the Warlock covering my actual plate letters. Hopefully it'll last a while before it's looking terrible.

 

[RamDiver]

You can see it starting on my plate in the 'after' picture, around the bolt holes. Also some starting on the bottom corner edge of one of the letters but it's not too terrible yet. You can see it a bit just below the W on the Warlock covering my actual plate letters. Hopefully it'll last a while before it's looking terrible.

Ya, both of mine are from '08 and showing serious signs of colour delamination.

I wonder if we could carefully clean them and spray on an aerosol clear coat.

That might be easier than installing the clear plate cover.

I'll paint them with a marker before I agree change my plate.

.

 

[turkeybird56]

Ya, both of mine are from '08 and showing serious signs of colour delamination.

I wonder if we could carefully clean them and spray on an aerosol clear coat.

That might be easier than installing the clear plate cover.

I'll paint them with a marker before I agree change my plate.

.

I had to drill holes to be able and use 4 bolts on the front plate/ bracket. Covers illegal in TX also but alas mine not covered as I have DV plates and if replaced would be same plate again. DV plates assigned to the owner not a specific vehicle. I also drilled 2 extra holes in the back so both plates held on with 4 bolts, lock washers and nuts.

 

[04fxdwgi]

LOL. We don't have front plates, so all these 1st world problems all solved in one fell swoop.

 

[Badger 13]

Why not "wrap" it with a piece of clear protection wrap.

 

[JfromC]

Why not "wrap" it with a piece of clear protection wrap.

The problem is that the aluminum plate starts to oxidize behind what is essentially already a 'wrap' on top of it. The white reflective background is some kind of vinyl type thing that is adhered to the aluminum. The biggest issue is little stones etc. chipping away at the front plate compromising that layer, and then the material starts to pull away. So the best way to protect the plate is a hard cover.



If you just have generic random number plates, it's no big deal. You can walk into the licensing office and get a new set of plates for less than the cost of a take-out lunch. But personalized/vanity/logo plates are more than 3x the cost of a ticket for having a plate cover. You can also get a ticket for having a peeled plate like the one above. Seems as though white NY plates might've also had this issue, from the pictures I see.

---

St. Thomas Today Newspaper, Apr 17th, 2025:

The St. Thomas Police Service is launching a targeted enforcement campaign to address dirty, damaged, and obstructed license plates. The traffic management unit will be focusing on these violations to ensure all motorists comply with provincial regulations.

Under the Highway Traffic Act, driving with an obstructed license plate is an offense that carries a fine of $110.

An obstructed plate is defined as any plate that is not entirely legible. This includes plates obscured by dirt, snow, plastic covers, or physical damage that prevents the plate’s numbers or letters from being clearly seen.

Motorists are reminded; Do not attempt to paint or repair a damaged plate, replacement must be done through the licensing office. Plates must not be obstructed by frames, covers, hitches, or other foreign materials.

 

[Rlaf75]

The license plate bracket is plastic. Couldn't you have just trimmed it flush?

 

[JfromC]

Yes. I suppose. You'd still end up with a curved surface which would work for some accessories I guess.

I don't have a home shop, no garage, just what I can accomplish in the back yard on the steps. I didn't want to end up with something that looked like a homemade hack. Ignoring the fact it's all plastic stuff, I think I ended up with something that's overbuilt and should stand up to wear and tear.

 

[Adamcr68]

Ya, both of mine are from '08 and showing serious signs of colour delamination.

I wonder if we could carefully clean them and spray on an aerosol clear coat.

That might be easier than installing the clear plate cover.

I'll paint them with a marker before I agree change my plate.

.

I put a little wax on mine when I do the truck, about every 4-5 months, don’t know if it’ll help but figure it can’t hurt.

I see these plates badly faded a lot, hoping I can replace when the time comes but haven’t researched it.

 

[Magfan2]

Our plates hold up well, even with Montana weather. -40° to 110°. My new to me truck came without a front license plate bracket, didn't notice it when I bought it.I'm sure the dealer did, but that just one of several issues they "missed". Been runnng it for half a year with zip ties. Seems to work fine, cheap and easy to to replace. I like the look better than a bracket!

 

[Squirrel1270]

The Ontario Highway Traffic Act says it's illegal to use clear plate covers.

I've long used them on a front plate because the red light cams don't scan the front plate, and as mentioned, the plates always lose the paint.

I haven't started working on this same dilemma, and should look for a solution before the paint delaminates any further.

.

No clear plate covers? Hell, here in the Socialist State of New Jersey, it's illegal to have even a license plate frame around your plate. From what I've heard, they say it obstructs the cop's ability to see what state the plate is from. Which is code for "money grab"... My daughter was ticketed for having a dealer's plate frame on here new to her car and she didn't even know it was there.

 

[Dusty]

Every once in a while the hyper-authoritarian state of New York does solve a problem or two. The state has stopped using impressed plates, meaning they are not stamped. The newer plates are etch printed on a aluminum plate with no die impressions which eliminates the raised letters/numbers and multi-color paint process.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, 18” wheels. Build Date: 3 June 2018. Now at 149634 miles.