the way that it has been explained to me is that the plate, pure metal, insures a successful 'hit', where a door, fender or a bumper could be plastic. it really is, ultimately, an identity issue, either by sight or by radar (VASCAR etc.)

 

 

I have not had a front plate on my car in the last 12 years. My wife got pulled over once because of it she just played dumb. Worked like a charm no ticket. I think the evo looks bad with a front plate.