When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
If a front plate was required, I would register my car in a nearby state that doesn't require one. There are 22 states that require a single rear plate.
The easy way is to do a non-domicile registration in Delaware. It does require a Delaware parking space address. When I did it, I used a friend's address. The whole process took a few in person minutes.
The easy way is to do a non-domicile registration in Delaware. It does require a Delaware parking space address. When I did it, I used a friend's address. The whole process took a few in person minutes.
Montana only requires an LLC, I believe. Query if you are in compliance with your local laws, however.
Montana only requires an LLC, I believe. Query if you are in compliance with your local laws, however.
https://www.wsmv.com/2025/11/14/yout...ax-evasion-tn/
Even though the linked case is mostly sales tax evasion, Tennessee isn't the only state cracking down on out-of-state purchases and registrations.. Proceed with caution!
As you can see, I don't have a front plate. I do live in a state that requires both, but selectively enforces the rule. If ticketed for a missing plate it's a "fix it" ticket, meaning you have X days (usually 30) to correct. If you "fix it" there is no monetary fine. Almost seems as though the more expensive your car, the less likely you are to have a front plate. If I ever have to install it I would probably go Carbonio.
Last edited by Cao Black; Apr 1, 2026 at 01:40 AM.
The red car is similar to where the dealer drilled two holes for a front plate on my car. But I only need a rear plate. The holes are tiny. 1/16". So I put two screws in the holes. About 1/8" screw head on a silver car. It does not bother me. Maybe the car was destined to a state that needed a front plate and got diverted?
very cool but that’s definitely too much work for me to want to tackle.
Interesting. Doesn't look like they have an option for W214 though. It goes from 2010 to 2020 for the E-Class. If they did, it looks like you can have it installed at an authorized installer so no work other than paying and the time to have it done.
Interesting. Doesn't look like they have an option for W214 though. It goes from 2010 to 2020 for the E-Class. If they did, it looks like you can have it installed at an authorized installer so no work other than paying and the time to have it done.
unless you are like me and do not trust people to drill holes, run wires, tap into the can-bus, etc...
I've opted for the Carbonio as I can't accept the drilling of holes on a brand new car. My E53 Wagon is slated for arrival at the end of April so I'll make sure to get the Carbonio kit to them before they butcher the front right bumper.
The offset of the standard dealer installation (driver's side) and the Platypus (right side) doesn't quite look right to me. I prefer the center mount approach the Europeans use and am hoping our taller Ontario plates don't obstruct the
center grill too much.
BTW, for those considering the Carbonio, the order and delivery experience was outstanding. I ordered the kit on Saturday and received the package on Tuesday via UPS. As fast as Amazon.ca!
Same trim as mine. Isn’t this the OEM Mercedes front‑mount plate bracket? I kept mine in the trunk after telling the dealer not to drill the bumper. The problem is that this bracket covers a significant section of the lower grill, and for anyone with the the LED lighting around it, it disrupts the entire front end appearance at night IMO.
Carbonio does not have an option to change vertical adjustment, only horizontal to my knowledge as it mounts lower and clips in, holding itself from under the bumper above the lower lip between the air dam.
I think I may have lost my mind chasing this. I have the original, unmounted, MB one that I asked the dealer not to install. I am unwilling to use this one because of the holes required to be drilled. I also have the platypus one as shown above. I also have the Carbonio one also as shown above. And, in peak absurdity, I also have purchased the Sto n Sho one that screws underneath. Will send pictures of that one when I mounted so we can all compare the 3 aftermarket options available.
2023 E 450 Sedan. 2018 GLC 300. 2013 E 350 Coupe (retired)
Sto and Sho may hit a curb, i imagine. Platypus may interfer with radar? I like the carbio one. I let them drill my E450. Don't even think about it now. I have a neighbor with a GTC and no front license plate. This is in Maryland. No ticket in three years.
Sto and Sho may hit a curb, i imagine. Platypus may interfer with radar? I like the carbio one. I let them drill my E450. Don't even think about it now. I have a neighbor with a GTC and no front license plate. This is in Maryland. No ticket in three years.
Sto and Show reduces ground clearance in front by 0.5”. Platypus does not interfere with radar at all.
drill location is far more hideous for E53 (vs 450) - it goes up high next to headlight. Sigh.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
