Originally Posted by
DCAKen
Once when I was picking up a car, I did the walk-around and noticed that it had no front license plate (and it was licensed in a state that required it). When I asked for another car, they initially resisted, saying that it wouldn't be a problem. However, I had gotten a ticket before in my neighborhood for a license plate problem, so I knew the local police paid attention to that, and I insisted on another car.
Another option is to have the rental car agency indicate on your vehicle inspection sheet that the plate is missing, and have the manger initial or sign the checksheet. Then if you get a ticket, the rental agency would have little recourse but to pay the ticket.