In CA, particularly in San Francisco, meter maids will give you a ticket for no front plate when you're parked! Il even if your meter is still valid. Here is a top view of how close it is. The top is far, but the bottom is pretty close. As mentioned, it's pretty strong so unless you hit something, it probably won't touch the bumper. For those that have installed it, are you able to mount it further to the side? I think I tried but the best I could do is an overlap of the grill.