I've never had a vehicle where the front plate bracket wasn't on there from the dealership, so this is weird to me.

My X5 was originally from California, which also requires a front plate. So apparently the previous owner decided to just take their lumps if they got a ticket. Or they had one of the tow hook brackets and kept it upon trading the car in.

From reading a little on some other forums, it looks like the fine is $125 and it's a non-moving violation.

I just came across this RCW 46.16A.200 - I wonder if can claim exemption because I don't have a place for it on my front bumper?

(5)(a) Display. License plates must be:

(i) Attached conspicuously at the front and rear of each vehicle if two license plates have been issued;

(ii) Attached to the rear of the vehicle if one license plate has been issued;

(iii) Kept clean and be able to be plainly seen and read at all times; and

(iv) Attached in a horizontal position at a distance of not more than four feet from the ground.

(b) The Washington state patrol may grant exceptions to this subsection if the body construction of the vehicle makes compliance with this section impossible.