I live in VA and we have same trouble. Front license plate is required. I have had mine off the front for about a year now and havent been pulled over for it yet
(knock on wood)
When I had my origional front bumper we had to disconnect it from the underside of the vehicle and reach inside to disconnect the bolt to remove the solid blocks. The color coded plugs work nicely. I ultimatly put a GT2 front end on it and made sure the body shop didnt cut holes in the new one
Hopefully wont get pulled over for it.