front plates have to be a set size and distance off the ground to be legal. Some take the chance of not having a plate, moving it, or reducing it in size, moving the space between letters/numbers around etc, all is illegal if caught can give the owner a $1200 fine and I think points on the license. I'm one of the chancers, but have never had a problem the police, maybe due to the low mileage these cars do in general helps. Wouldn't take the chance if I drove the viper everyday. After a vehicle is 3 years old it has to pass a government test to stay on the road, so putting the plates right again helps.