Public Service Message
In CA, it's a violation if you don't have a front plate. What most people don't understand is WHY it's the law so here's why.
CA is populated with an extraordinary number of people that possess psychic abilities. Work with me here. Because of that talent, the majority of people can see an approaching vehicle and know ahead of time that vehicle will be involved in a hit-and-run incident. As such vehicles in CA really NEED that front plate.
In states populated by those without the afore-mentioned psychic abilities, you need front AND rear plates to increase the chance law enforcement can get the bad guy.