Front license plate on your MINI?

I don't know what the sensor blinder looks like or how it works, but wouldn't the other front parking sensors still work? Just not the one by the plate? Or am I way off?

 

The blinder is just a foam sticker that blocks the ultrasonic pulses so there's no reason the other sensors wouldn't still work... unless it somehow monitors sensor function with software and disables everything if one isn't working?

If the system does still work you'd have to remember that there's a blind spot. How big that blind spot is would depend on how many other sensors there are and how they overlap (someone with the sensors could probably test this)

 

Someone should create a front plate holder for the fake hood scoop.

 

You're in California, why not get one of these license-plate wraps?

 

FYI, I was going to order these for myself but found out the 2022 front side markers are different. The rears appear to be unchanged though. @GvilleGuy I think you were considering these too.

 

I'm going to try outmotoring.com's tinted film that goes over the side markers, rather than replacing the whole light unit.

I'm also going to try printing my own license plate vinyl wrap on my wife's cricut machine. There are a few how to videos on YouTube.

I'm hoping I don't get a fix it ticket in the interim while I wait for my personalized plates (in CA, you have to get your assigned plate before you can even apply for personalized plates).

 

Isn't there a grace period in California during which new cars don't have to be wearing license plates? I remember reading that Steve Jobs regularly bought new cars so he could always drive around without license plates in CA.

 

Ah crap - THANK you for letting me know. That would have sucked had I ordered them.

 

Any CA residents still running without front plates? I really dislike the look of the front plate. The tow hook option looks even worse to me due to it being off center. I may go with the vinyl wrap plate for the front. I’d prefer nothing and just keep the plate in storage. My only concern is my young daughter driving it and she being the one who gets pulled over. It would freak her out.

I do see many cars in my neighborhood and around San Diego running with no front plate so it seems fairly common. I used to live in GA and that was the only thing I liked about living there: no front plate required.

 

I love that Michigan doesn't require a front plate. I'm intrigued by the vinyl wrap plates legal for Californians only. Have you seen one or a photo of one on a MINI Cooper? I was hoping someone would post a photo of one on a MINI Cooper on this thread.

It's interesting that California allows the vinyl wrap plates even though they're available from only a single vendor. Is there an underground vinyl wrap license plate industry yet that will sell you a slightly undersized version?

 

I measured the bumper: the vinyl won't fit unless you trimmed it smaller (shorter).

I made a mock one on my cricut and didn't like the look. Ended up drilling the bumper anyway.

My wife's Tesla comes w vhb tape for the plate holder. You could try that, but you'd have to fab a new plate holder bc there's no proper backing for the tape. I tried to use a plastic welding kit to no avail.

 

I've been driving around San Francisco for six months without one, it's been fine. Most Teslas don't have them either. San Francisco may ban minor traffic stops which I imagine would include that sort of thing.

@Godfrey has the plate wrap which I've seen in person, it doesn't look bad. He trimmed it down to fit, even with rounded corners.

@simplex123 mentioned installing magnets to the underside of his bumper to hold the plate when needed, which seems cool.

 

How about just putting the front plate on the dash so it's visible through the windshield? I see that occasionally on cars as I'm driving around.

 

Can someone please post a photo of the wrap if you have it on the SE? I really want to see it before I order it. Thanks!

 

This is probably what I will do too unless my wife convinces me otherwise.

 

Can anyone who has the tow hook mount and parking assist verify that it still works with the parking sensor blocked? Also, is there a constant warning that the parking sensor is non-functional?

I think the auto park and parking sensors is a bit much on a MINI, but I don’t want the car constantly yelling at me because the system is down.

 

I have used US Millworks' front plate mounts on my BMW's and Mini and they are awesome! http://www.usmillworks.com/

When my SE is delivered I will be looking at picking up a F56 kit. The lightened kits are very adjustable and can usually be set up to avoid blinding any parking sensor.s

 

Do you have any pictures you can share from your previous Mini? Their website is pretty limited on pictures. The concept looks good. Just not sure how it will look in real life.

 

Honestly it looks similar to all the other tow hook mounts. One aspect I like over the others though, the mount is on a ball joint from the bolt to the backing plate. This allows you to set the plate at any angle you like. I have mine on my R55 angled so it follows the curvature of the bumper rather than sit perpendicular to the front of the car. Once you tighten up the screws this thing it rock solid too. I also love the quick release as I can remove the plate in about 30 seconds by just pulling two cotter pins. Makes cleaning behind it a breeze.

 

Pity the US does not have adhesive plates

Go Foxes!