I think it's up to the discretion of the LEO... i.e., where I live (Newport Beach) you won't get hassled if you don't have a front plate on your vehicle. LA County (say, Beverly Hills), you'll get a ticket.

I would imagine, legal or not, in CA you're probably gonna get hassled for installing that molle plate over the rear window 🤷🏻

 

My Moto in these situations—Let’s find out.

 

In the US, they should not. The law says that as long as you have two rearward side mirrors that you can see behind you, you do not have to be able to see behind you via your middle mirror. You can completely block the view out of it. 18 Wheelers are an example of this. They cannot see using their middle mirror when they are pulling a load, but are perfectly legal to drive, as long as they have both of their side mirrors. Any car towing a large camper is another.

Running a front license plate, your mileage will vary. It gives the police an excuse to pull you over, and if they pull you over for something else, they can/usually add that to whatever they pulled you over in the first place.

 

Appreciate you sharing! I've been debating running this rear window plate with the added benefit as a break-in deterrent in the bay area. Already had the back window smashed once...