Front License Plate Tow Hook Mount questions

My new to me 2008 Cayman S has somehow made it this far without having the front bumper drilled for a license plate mount. I was considering using a tow hook mount to avoid having to drill. Does anyone have experience with them? It looks like they are like $50 on Amazon . The name brand ones (Rennline, Rho, US Mill Works) are $100+. Are the more expensive ones noticeably higher quality?

I went with Cravenspeed one, saved a bit as they had scratch and dent unit that actually looked perfectly ok.. it’s made in USA and a high quality item. Difference in price to an Amazon ‘special‘ was worth it to me. The Platypus License Plate Mount Mount a front license plate without drilling using the Platypus. Powder-coated 12-gauge steel, vehicle-specific fitment, and it removes cleanly. www.cravenspeed.com

My biggest dislike of the tow hook mount is that the plate is off center and in my opinion takes away from the appearance due to its asymmetry. Must be my left-handed brain. On another note, in my previous state of residence which required a front plate, I purchased an under-bumper plate mount for my 996 which allowed me to avoid drilling holes in the bumper cover. Now living in a state that does not issue front plates I have no need for the mount any longer. I will check my shelves in the garage and once I locate it you are welcome to it as long as you pay the shipping. I’ll contact you once I have it in my hands.

I never liked the look of a front plate in the tow port either, however contrasted against drilling the front bumper cover I see the logic all day. In NY, I just never mounted the front plate and kept it in the trunk, in many years of driving I never was pulled over for or told to mount one, I guess that was lucky.

I did the same as Boris. I bought a cheap Amazon one, and installed it for the initial inspections and such. After that, I left it in the frunk in case I ever get pulled over (plate is on the passenger side of the windshield). Knock on wood, I haven't had an issue here in CT yet.

I spent a lot of time with LEO's from multiple sources. Almost universally the word I got was a missing plate would be an "and one" ticket for disrespect more than an "only reason we're pulling you over".

Undermount Sto and Sho. You still have to drill the bumper cover but, at least it is on the scratchy side. I'm not going to get porked by a LEO who is having a bad wife day. Save Your Bumper | STO N SHO Removable Quick-Release Front License Plate Bracket

There are many "no hole" options out there. Just type "no hole license bracket" in google and you will find several companies that make them for Porsche . If you are absolutely against having any plate on the front for aesthetic reasons and want to tempt fate on a ticket, that is one option, but putting plates on the dash or in trunk (and producing it to officer as needed) are still a ticket potential if the officer feels like tagging you. The sto and go, and all of the online offerings are a good way to install with no visible holes (still need a couple of holes under the front bumper, but not noticeable) and some are better looking than others, depending on your taste, but all can be somewhat costly to get (>$50), compared to my suggestion here: You can buy a plastic license plate bracket, which is a universal flat rigid panel, a couple of stainless steel 2" L brackets and some stainless steel self tapping screws, then finish off the bracket with a license plate frame and screw covers, and you will have a solid mount that looks as good as it can get (if you must have any plate at all on the front). All of this costs under $20 plus an hour at most of your time to install. When you sell your car, you can just remove the bracket and have a clean front bumper.

I’m lucky that I live in a state that doesn’t require a front plate. If I did, I’d much rather pay a ticket than drill my front bumper. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Unfortunately for those of us that live in front plate states, the fines can be pretty heavy. I have read that the fine in NY is almost $300, but no points . If you get stopped for any violation, it is likely you could get those "plus one" tickets for any other equipment violations found, such as tinted windows, missing front plates or even obstructed windows if you put the plate behind the windshield (even if you are extraordinarily polite to the officer). I will not drill the front of my car, and even did not consider buying a car that already had the factory plate mount on the bumper. Probably makes it harder to sell to someone that lives in a no front plate state or is a fussy buyer like me. On another car I owned, I have received those plus one tickets for lightly tinted windows after getting pulled over for an expired inspection. Very aggravating and not much you can do about it in court. Just a cost of ownership if you are willing to take the chances.

Thanks for the options everyone. I live in New Hampshire so the fine is up to $150 I think. Cops are pretty forgiving here (for white locals at least) so I'd probably get off with a warning, but I'm not sure I want to risk it, plus I'd rather not be pulled over to begin with. I'm going to put some more thought into it and will post pics of what I end up with.

Yeah, tow hook mounts are a solid option if you want to avoid drilling. The cheaper ones on Amazon can work, but the build quality and fitment can be hit or miss—some have issues with alignment or loosen over time. The name-brand options (Rennline, Rho, US Mill Works) are generally better in terms of materials, adjustability, and durability.