I have to pay ~$150 or drill holes in the front of my car and (I think) block part of my grille/radiator so I can put a front plate on. Neither option is acceptable.

I'm seriously considering paying the $150 and bitching out an assemblymember or two -- not that it will make much difference, but at least I can say I tried. :p

IMO the only legitimate (that is, appropriate) use for a license plate is to (a) identify the legal owner of a vehicle in situations that require it, and (b) show the vehicle has been properly registered and that its license fees are up to date. Both of those purposes are more than adequately served by a rear plate, and are not advanced in any way by adding a front plate.

-- Des