Geez...I don't know... Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't think it looks so bad right in the middle of the front bumper. I have the plate surrounded by a "1949 Chevrolet" chrome license plate frame and I think it kind of makes a statement. New York State will issue license plates with the U.S. flag to veterans and I have mine ordered...so when those plates are installed it will be even more of a statement.

I don't have any issue with those who wish to relocate it, and perhaps someday I'll want to do the same, but for now I'k OK with the center front placement.

 

The big problem with it being on the bumper is that if anybody taps the bumper, the plate gets damaged or falls off. The bracket is just ABS plastic that easily cracks. Mine is still centered, except it is under the bumper instead of in front of it. It is still very visible.

 

I don't see what the problem is with the plate being right there in the middle of the bumper either. It looks really goofy sitting off to one side IMHO! We don't have a front plate in Arizona, but I have an Arizona State Flag plate on the front of both cars. (Adds a little "color"!)

 

Perhaps Arizona and Upstate NY drivers are more considerate, but here in the Big Apple, people park by 'braille'. They back into a space until they hear the crunch of their rear bumper smashing into your front bumper. Hence, front plates get pretty badly destroyed here. Down under the bumper, they are safe.

 

one of the few reasons i am glad to live in florida!

 

This is sooo true, we lived in Manhattan before retiring to the beach and there is no worse parking than in NYC with alternate side parking, side mirrors getting crunched, bumpers mashed and $600. a month parking garage rates. We used bumper covers but they kept getting stolen. What a mess.

 

True. I didn't factor in the New York City experience. I guess that's a good reason to relocate the plate underneath the bumper. Ultimately, what it all boils down to is personal preference. I like to think the HHR looks good enough to sport a bumper mounted, side mounted, underneath mounted or just plain no plate...and still kick every other car's butt in the process!

 

Keep in mind that the plate is positioned in the factory location for a reason: keeping air flowing to the radiator and condenser as efficiently as possible, especially at cruising speed. If you move it lower or even off to the side, you could adversely affect the cooling system's efficiency.

 

Geez! It's been so many years since I've had to parallel park on the street I'm not even sure I could do it anymore! Most everything you see around here is diagonal, or in a parking lot. Wonder if they'll ever make an HHR that can park itself like that Lexus!