I've been cited for no front plate - and see plenty of cars without
them (some do look really ugly with a front plate), Only difference is
my car is an 18 year old beater and the others are new Chryslers.

I've been pulled over and given the whole stupid human tricks act  for
a burned out headlight. Had the new light right there on the seat -
frigging 18 year old beater's headlight screws rusted to the nub.

I don't really think that a missing plate or one burned out light were
threatening to the public, but the damn MPD must have thought the
VEhicle looked suspicious. I did finally take the teenager's anarchy
stickers off of the bumper, thinking that may have made me a target
for harassment.

I can only say that the covers that absorb speed laser, scramble the
plate for red-light cameras or just help preserve your registration
sticker are just more things done that are an easy cite for a cop that
wants to stop you in hopes of nailing a warrant holder, suspended
license, drug user etc.

Window tints, lowered suspension, raised suspension, blue jewels in
the tail lights, driving lights, missing bumpers, seat belts not
visible, no front plate, obliterated by frame plate, missing quarter
window, and now ferchrissakes no headlights in the rain. All reasons
to stop you and see if someone with your name (or similar) has not
reported to their parole officer or scoutmaster.

Next year the anti privacy nazis will outlaw and fine: slow blinking
turn signals, fur steering wheel covers, Calvin Peeing decals, mixed
brands of  tires, not calling the DMV and reporting that you had the
car painted, crown air fresheners, cars displaying stick figure
families that do not contain every figure represented, fast blinking
turn signals, non OEM spoilers, curb feelers on the left side, and
bobble heads.

I got a ticket for having clear license plate cover on my vehicle and I
didn't even know they were illegal until the cop told me. He said they can
sell them but you can't use them. Go figure. Yet I see hundreds of vehicles
with them every day and yet they don't ever get a ticket. We've seen the same
ones for many years and they never get a ticket.