Rear License Plate Frame Mod ... To Drill or Not?

The tinted frame depends on the state.

As for the 4 hole plate frame, I would not drill. They make lots of nice two holed plate frames...

If you really want to ise that one I would use a small screw with a flat washer on the back. That will secure the plate to the frame and then you can attach them frame to the car using the stock two holes at the top.

 

Just use the two on top. The top holes I think have something behind them to allow the screws to grab.

There might not be anything down below for them grab.

 

You'd have to call your local DMV...

 

The existing mounting points have captured nuts, so all that's needed are machine screws. If in an area where plates are commonly pilfered, locktite would be a good idea, and also don't forget to slit your anual sticker if your state uses them.

I sure wouldn't want to drill into my car unless it was already pretty ugly to begin with. Not sure what the benefit would be, and a potential starting place for corrosion.

As to obscuring your plate, only one thing comes to mind...

 

Just glue the caps onto the frame for the two lower holes. I used clear silicone adhesive.

 

^^^
This would be my concern

 

Use adhensive-backed bumpers (like the one for the cabinets) on the bottom back of the license plates. It will give you some clearance to mount a nut and avoid damage on the car paint.

 

What is your motivation for installing this tinted license plate cover?

In any event, here are some excerpts from what appears to be the relevant state law.

California:
V.C. Section 5201 - Positioning of Plates

A casing, shield, frame, border, product, or other device that obstructs or impairs the reading or recognition of a license plate by an electronic device operated by state or local law enforcement, an electronic device operated in connection with a toll road, high-occupancy toll lane, toll bridge, or other toll facility, or a remote emission sensing device, as specified in Sections 44081 and 44081.6 of the Health and Safety Code, shall not be installed on, or affixed to, a vehicle.

Florida:
HSMV: 2007 Legislation Affecting Traffic And Motor Vehicle Laws

320.061No person may apply or attach any substance that would obscure a license plate or interfere with the ability to record any feature or detail on the plate.

 

No rust on the vette cause it was fiberglass. Being in Florida, the metal will rust in no time. Even if your Prius isnt new, why would you want to take the chance of rust?

 

A bit puzzling that you would care about the condition of a license plate to protect it from uv rays and other things but you'll drill into your car! lol. I say just use the top 2 screws for the frame and ditch the tinted cover. Don't want to give the police a reason to pull you over if you're riding dirty.