Hello,

I've recently purchased an 85 M6 Euro and finally negotiated getting it insured and registered in my home state. Naturally, the plate bay is not high enough to accommodate a <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region> plate and I wondered what work-around others might have used.

I've seen a much photographed <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">New York</st1:state></st1:place> car where the plate is inset at an angle but that's not visually pleasing and would likely damage the finish. My only solution is to cut the plate down at both the top and bottom so that it will fit in a Euro plate holder. Is that legal? Any ideas?

Thanks<o:p></o:p>

I use BMW part # 51181859871 which is a bracket that sets the plate at an angle but does not allow any contact with the finish. I did add 2 threaded inserts to the bracket to match the US plate. I paid about $30 for the last one of these that I bought.

My only solution is to cut the plate down at both the top and bottom so that it will fit in a Euro plate holder. Is that legal? <o:p></o:p>

Absolutely not legal. You can't make any modifications to a state issued license plate.

I've seen some euros that have had the license plate folded at the bottom to make it fit in the space. I'm looking for a euro 635 and have thought about the same issue.

It is usually not legal to fold or cut a license plate. I cut a couple pieces of composite decking into triangles and used them to set the plate at an angle. There is no worry about damaging paint or bumper if a steep enough angle is used.

Some folks have used euro style plates made with their US state name and plate number. They claim that no one bothers them but they do keep the original issue plates in the trunk just in case.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/jmenacker/ThreeEuros-Backside.jpg

Joe M in WV

It is usually not legal to fold or cut a license plate. I cut a couple pieces of composite decking into triangles and used them to set the plate at an angle. There is no worry about damaging paint or bumper if a steep enough angle is used.

Some folks have used euro style plates made with their US state name and plate number. They claim that no one bothers them but they do keep the original issue plates in the trunk just in case.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/jmenacker/ThreeEuros-Backside.jpg

Joe M in WV

I think I know who you're talking about - our pal in Winchester?

My M635 has a spacer block that makes the angle work - no issues. I'll take a pic if you're interested...

Hello,

I've recently purchased an 85 M6 Euro and finally negotiated getting it insured and registered in my home state. Naturally, the plate bay is not high enough to accommodate a <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region> plate and I wondered what work-around others might have used.

I've seen a much photographed <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">New York</st1:state></st1:place> car where the plate is inset at an angle but that's not visually pleasing and would likely damage the finish. My only solution is to cut the plate down at both the top and bottom so that it will fit in a Euro plate holder. Is that legal? Any ideas?

Thanks<o:p></o:p>

Well, a quick, cheap and maybe temporary way is to take an old plate (if u have one), drill it to fit the euro mounting points and then fold it into a "Z" and bolt the new plate to the old. If that makes any sense.

Cheers,

Ray

I think I know who you're talking about - our pal in Winchester?

Howdy Lee,

The pic above was shortly after Anita purchased the blue car but before it was restriped. George in Frederick, MD is apparently running a euro type plate as well.

Our sixer gets driven fairly regularly through highly patrolled corridors. Chances are high that law enforcement would take issue with a non state issued plate sooner than later.

Joe M in WV

Thanks for the advice. The angled plates actually look better than I had thought and clearly demonstrate the car’s euro status. I had thought of replicating my plate number on a euro plate but as driving around plateless no doubt contributed to a charge of "demonstration of speed", I think the solution that attracts the least scrutiny is the best.<o:p></o:p>

Absolutely not legal. You can't make any modifications to a state issued license plate.
Not legal, but if you do it carefully and do not cut off important info you will probably be OK. I have trimmed the top to fit around the trunk release and folded the bottom enough to fit on my 80 Euro for more than 25 years now in two states. You must also drill two small holes in the plate to match the Euro mounts. Then you carefully paint the screw heads to match the color of the plate/letters. Never been given any grief on the plates. I have driven in this matter all over the US and when I lived in Arizona, I spent a lot of time in CA. I think the key is that as long as you do not obscure more than license plate frames normaly cover, you will be OK. Here is what it looks like.

I doubt that would fly in california, but he's not over here so my opinion is only relevant for myself I'll admit.

as far as I know, you can't replicate the numbers on a euro plate either.
You should check your DMV's website, but over here I'm almost positive that it's against the law to replicate the numbers at all, let alone use the plate (which is definately not allowed).

I honestly don't know what I'm going to do about my front Euro plate. Right now I have my plate up in the window, but I know that if I'm driving around late at night and someone wanted to pull me over they have cause.

Thanks GWL, yours looks very good; cutting a scoop for the trunk button is a great idea as it reduces the total amount you have to take off the top in bottom.

Personally, because this is Louisiana, I'm not worried about a charge of defacing or modifying the plate; a piece of brown cardboard with the words license apply for seems to pass quite well down here.

Thanks GWL, yours looks very good; cutting a scoop for the trunk button is a great idea as it reduces the total amount you have to take off the top in bottom.

Personally, because this is Louisiana, I'm not worried about a charge of defacing or modifying the plate; a piece of brown cardboard with the words license apply for seems to pass quite well down here.Here is a hint. When you have to change plates keep the original you made and use it as a template. Locating the place to drill for mounting and trimming the top to fit is the hard part. After you have one that fits perfectly, you will never have to reinvent and go through the labor again. Also I forgot to mention that you will put a slight bend at the top to get the plate to fit flush.

I trimmed the top of mine, and bent the bottom. Have had any number of law enforcement behind me over the past few years, and no issues, yet...

Hi:
On my Euro 6, my body man simply cut the lower valance out and so the entire plate fits in the spot flat . Works very well, looks great. He is a free spirit and did this without my knowledge however.

Hey Carolina 6! I'm in Cary! Would love to see your E24's!