You might have noticed a trend: a lot of Rivian R1T trucks and R1S SUVs are driving around without front license plates. It's a valid question – why is this so common? Here are a few key reasons:
Design Aesthetics:
Rivian vehicles boast a distinctive and modern design. The front fascia is clean and emphasizes the vehicle's unique light bar. A front license plate can disrupt this carefully crafted look, and many owners prefer the unobstructed appearance.
State Laws and Enforcement Varies:
Not all states require front license plates and even in states that do, it's often not enforced in all areas.
Take California, for example. In Los Angeles and San Francisco, parking enforcement officers will often write tickets for no front plate since it makes parking enforcement harder and it's easy revenue for the cities, but enforcement is much less common in smaller cities.
In either case, they are typically "fix-it" tickets that can be signed off by an officer with a small fee once they're corrected, but there is still a financial cost and time spent fixing it. As a result, many owners simply go without a front plate until they are cited and then install a non-permanent mount like SnapPlate just long enough to sign the ticket off.
Installation Options:
Rivian includes a standard mounting bracket for the front license plate, but it's not installed unless the customer requests it. Owners who want a front plate installed need to either drill into the bumper (which many are hesitant to do) or use an aftermarket solution, such as a no-drill bracket like SnapPlate. The extra effort involved might deter some owners.
Owner Preference:
Ultimately, it often comes down to personal choice. Some owners simply prefer the look of their Rivian without a front license plate, even if their state requires it and they might be willing to take the risk of a ticket.
Important Note:
While the absence of a front license plate might be common, it's crucial to be aware of your state's laws. Driving without a required front license plate can result in fines. Always check your local regulations to ensure compliance.
