Front registration plate advice | FerrariChat

Front registration plate advice

Discussion in '458 Italia/488/F8' started by chatfer, Oct 8, 2025 at 1:39 PM.

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  1. chatfer

    chatfer Karting

    Nov 24, 2024
    53
    UK
    Hi All,

    So we need to run front here plates for the 458 in the UK - have purchased the carbonio bracket which arrived in super quick time.
    Any tips on where to stick the reg plate to the bracket? For maximum clearance I could fit lower edge of the plate to the bracket but I think this would cover the prancing horse emblem.
    I was planning to fit with the top of the plate to the top edge but this would likely lower the front clearance and risk grounding the front. Anyone have any pics of theirs fitted?
    Cheers.

    Maximum clearance - blocks the prancing horse.
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    Lower clearance but won't block the emblem.
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  2. 3POINT8

    3POINT8 F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Jan 23, 2014
    5,467
    We have to have front plates in Washington but its only like an $80 ticket so not worth putting it on the car. How bad do they drill you in the UK? Seems like a shame to mount a front plate on these cars.
     
  3. chatfer

    chatfer Karting

    Nov 24, 2024
    53
    UK
    Wow $80, that would be worth the risk - in UK up to £1,000 fine and they may also take the registration off you for repeated offences.
    Agree - looks better without plates but at least the carbonio can be easily removed.
     
  4. Zarakoff

    Zarakoff Karting

    Jul 8, 2020
    208
    Uk
    Full Name:
    Ian Curley
    Keep the plate in the front under the seat . I got pulled once for no front plate
    They flashed me down i quickly put the plate in the front window . And said I’ve just had ppf done and need to leave it off for a few days they were fine with that in uk
     
    Echelon and chatfer like this.
  5. Snapshift

    Snapshift Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    May 31, 2020
    943
    Centralia IL
    Full Name:
    Lyle D. Pahnke
    Can you have a graphic artist or a office copy place make a plastic or color paper image and laminate it then use a double sided adhesive to stick it directly on the front below the Cavallino and take your chances? It will look like the plate as desired with the correct registration numbers and the cops may not even notice it. You can carry the original under the seat and say you are working on an attachment but car is not designed to hold a plate without significant damage. Your intention should be obvious if pulled over, you have the plate and are displaying it.
     
  6. chatfer

    chatfer Karting

    Nov 24, 2024
    53
    UK
  7. Dom458

    Dom458 Karting

    Apr 2, 2022
    56
    Full Name:
    Dominic
    Get a smaller plate ;)
     

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  8. chatfer

    chatfer Karting

    Nov 24, 2024
    53
    UK
    Is that a custom non UK size plate?
     
  9. Dom458

    Dom458 Karting

    Apr 2, 2022
    56
    Full Name:
    Dominic
    It’s a UK plate but made little. Not strictly legal, but figure it preferable to none at all when out for a longer run.

    I keep the full size one and sticky fixers in the luggage comp for MOT time.
     
    chatfer likes this.
  10. Trev450

    Trev450 Formula Junior

    Mar 11, 2024
    739
    UK
    Full Name:
    Trevor H
    You can use a smaller plate perfectly legally so long as it is made by an appointed number plate maker and includes the name and postcode of the company and the required BS number.
     
    chatfer likes this.
  11. Trev450

    Trev450 Formula Junior

    Mar 11, 2024
    739
    UK
    Full Name:
    Trevor H
  12. Carrerakid

    Carrerakid Rookie

    May 28, 2025
    1
    Full Name:
    Darren Kelly
    I'm in the UK and keep the plate (on the Carbonio bracket) in the front trunk of my 488 Spider 95% of the time. I usually put it on when I know I'll be entering hotels / car parks with ANPR.

    I've passed numerous mobile speed camera vans and fixed camera's and never had any issues so far. I thought perhaps the operator would spot no front plate, note my registration number from the rear plate and I'd get a letter...

    The plate has appropriate bug splats and I intend to say I'd forgot to put it back on that day when I took the cover off the car...

    I agree it spoils the look of the car and have been taking the risk - if I do get pulled up, I will likely relent and keep it on all the time if there is a risk of losing my cherished number.

    As far as where to adhere the plate to the bracket, I don't beleive you could ever get it lower than some of the underbody aero parts on a 488 (cant say for 458) so don't anticipate any clearance issues with dreaded speed bumps here in the UK. That said I do have front lift.

    Anyone been pulled / reprimanded in the UK recently?
     
  13. Brambleworth

    Brambleworth Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 4, 2011
    392
    NY
    Full Name:
    Ted
    If you use the Carbonio unit put a large zip tie around it and the spoiler. Mine was fine for two years then came off on the highway. As it went under the car it punched a hole through the front tub and hit the car behind me. A zip tie is good insurance against this happening again. I’m not blaming the design, it may have been bumped or scuffed on the road at some point. Just reporting.
     

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