Home » FAQ » Honda » Who makes the best license plate frames?

Who makes the best license plate frames

The best license plate frames are typically made by brands that prioritize corrosion-resistant materials, legal compliance, and secure mounting—standouts include WeatherTech (durable, US-made frames), Griot’s Garage (high-quality stainless steel), Cruiser Accessories (wide selection with locking options), Tactilian (robust silicone, flag designs), and Aujen (good-value silicone). Which is “best” depends on whether you want premium metal that lasts in harsh climates, a rattle-free silicone frame that protects paint, or theft-resistant hardware for urban parking.

What “best” really means for license plate frames

Choosing the right frame is less about a single brand and more about getting the correct combination of materials, hardware, and design that fits your vehicle, climate, and local laws. The following criteria separate a frame that just looks good from one that lasts, stays quiet, and keeps you compliant.

    • Materials: 304/316 stainless steel or billet aluminum for longevity; silicone for rattle-free, paint-safe mounting; avoid cheap chrome-plated steel that rusts.
    • Corrosion resistance: Crucial for road-salt regions—look for stainless hardware and sealed or powder-coated finishes.
    • Design and fit: “Slimline” profiles that don’t obscure state names, registration stickers, or inspection tags.
    • Hardware quality: Stainless or zinc-nickel fasteners; optional tamper-resistant Torx pin or hex pin screws.
    • Legal compliance: No tinted/clear covers where prohibited; no obstruction of any characters or jurisdiction markings.
    • Warranty and support: Reputable manufacturers publish materials specs and back products with clear warranties.

If you match the frame’s material and hardware to your environment and ensure it leaves every printed element visible, you’ll avoid most problems and get a longer service life.

Top brands and picks in 2025

Below are widely available, well-reviewed options that balance quality, legality, and ease of installation. Availability and finish options can vary by retailer and region.

Premium and long-lasting

These options focus on durability, clean design, and quality hardware for a higher initial price but lower long-term hassle.

    • WeatherTech PlateFrame: US-made, sturdy molded construction with stainless hardware; designed to avoid sticker obstruction; broad color options.
    • Griot’s Garage Stainless Steel Frame: Clean, rust-resistant stainless with tight tolerances and quality caps; good for a polished OEM-plus look.
    • Billet Specialties License Plate Frame: Polished or black billet aluminum; strong, show-car grade fit and finish.
    • Cruiser Accessories stainless/slimline series: Simple, corrosion-resistant metal frames with compatible locking fastener kits.

If you want a frame you can install once and forget—especially for daily drivers—these picks emphasize rust resistance and a tidy, legal silhouette.

Budget and value

For a low-cost, low-maintenance setup that won’t rattle or corrode, these value options punch above their price.

    • Aujen Silicone Frames: Flexible, quiet, paint-safe, and slim enough to avoid covering state text; popular for quick installs.
    • Ohuhu Stainless Steel Frames: Affordable brushed/black stainless with basic caps; better longevity than plated steel.
    • SunplusTrade Stainless Frames: No-frills, thin stainless frames with simple hardware at a budget price.

While finishes and hardware aren’t as premium, these choices are easy wins for daily commuters or leased cars where cost and compliance matter.

Anti-theft and hardware upgrades

If you park on-street or in dense urban areas, upgrading fasteners can deter plate theft without changing your frame.

    • Lockitt security screw kits: Tamper-resistant Torx/hex-pin stainless fasteners with matching tools and caps.
    • Cruiser Accessories PlateLock kits: Locking fasteners and caps designed to pair with many standard frames.

Security screws won’t stop determined thieves with tools, but they raise the effort and make your plate a less attractive target.

Specialty looks and themes

If you want a design-forward frame with minimal compromise on durability and legality, these are popular choices.

    • Tactilian Silicone Frames: Sturdy silicone with embossed US flag or service emblems; quiet and paint-safe.
    • ICBEAMER carbon-fiber frames: Lightweight carbon fiber options; verify you’re getting real CF (not hydro-dipped plastic).
    • OEM-branded dealer frames (e.g., BMW, Lexus, Subaru): Match the vehicle’s branding; check that they don’t obscure state text.

Style frames vary widely in quality—always confirm materials and ensure the design won’t cover required markings.

Know your local laws before you buy

License plate laws are strict and heavily enforced in many states. A high-quality frame can still get you ticketed if it blocks any required text or uses an illegal cover.

    • Do not obscure characters, state names, slogans, or registration stickers—states like New York, New Jersey, and California ticket aggressively for this.
    • Avoid tinted or clear plate covers where prohibited—many states ban covers entirely or any device that impairs reflectivity or readability.
    • Use slimline frames—some jurisdictions allow only minimal borders; check dimensions against your state’s sticker placement.
    • Front plate requirements vary—about half of US states require a front plate; make sure your frame or mount doesn’t interfere with sensors/cameras.

When in doubt, skip plate lenses, choose a slim frame, and verify your state statute (e.g., CA VC 5201/5201.1; NY VTL §402; NJ 39:3-33; TX Transp. Code §504.945).

Installation and care tips

Even the best frame can rattle, corrode, or cause paint rub if installed poorly. A few careful steps will extend its life and keep things quiet.

    1. Use stainless fasteners and, if needed, nylon spacers to prevent metal-on-paint contact.
    1. Add a thin silicone gasket or use a silicone frame to stop vibration and protect the bumper/paint.
    1. Apply anti-seize to stainless screws to prevent galling; snug, don’t over-tighten (especially into plastic inserts).
    1. Recheck torque and caps after a week; road heat/cold cycles can loosen hardware.
    1. Rinse off winter road salt and periodically clean behind the frame to prevent grime buildup.

A few minutes of prep and seasonal maintenance will keep your plate secure, quiet, and corrosion-free for years.

How we evaluated

This guidance reflects material best practices (stainless, billet aluminum, silicone), published manufacturer specs and warranties, wide-sample user feedback across major retailers through 2024, and common US legal restrictions. Because models and inventories change frequently, always confirm current materials, hardware, and dimensions before purchase.

Bottom line

There isn’t a single “best” license plate frame for everyone. For premium durability and a clean, legal profile, WeatherTech and Griot’s Garage are safe bets. For quiet, paint-friendly installs on a budget, silicone frames from Aujen or Tactilian are standouts. Pair any frame with quality stainless, tamper-resistant hardware (Lockitt or Cruiser Accessories kits) and a slim design that leaves every marking visible, and you’ll have a setup that looks good, lasts, and stays legal.

Summary

Pick a frame based on your climate, style, and local laws: stainless or billet for longevity, silicone for noise and paint protection, and security screws to deter theft. Top makers to look at include WeatherTech, Griot’s Garage, Cruiser Accessories, Tactilian, and Aujen, all offering options that balance durability, compliance, and value.

Who has the best licence plate?

Our Favorite US License Plates Ranked

  • Wyoming. Does anything sound better than the untamed spirit of the West?
  • Alaska. This plate is classic and simple, resonating a vintage style that we can appreciate.
  • Vermont. Another retro design that’s easy to read and somehow feels nostalgic.
  • Utah.
  • Colorado.
  • Maine.
  • 4. California.
  • Arizona.

Are LED license plate frames legal?

Car. Red is reserved for braking. And in the United States for crazy historical. Reasons also turning amber is used for signal lights as well and your license plate frame should be white. Light.

What is the best license plate frame for 2025?

The best license plate frames on the 2025 market are Ohuhu, Zakra, DMSE, Amazon Basics, and Aujen based on build quality, installation, fit, and durability. On average, you can expect to pay about $10 for one of the best license plate frames, making this a small purchase to spruce up your car’s exterior.

Are silicone license plate frames better than plastic?

Silicone Car Accessories: The universal license plate frame is made of HIGH-QUALITY SILICONE MATERIAL, which protect license plate from rusting and damaging and is more durable than plastic frame. These lisences plate frame will not rust even if it is exposed all year round to wind and rain.

T P Auto Repair

Serving San Diego since 1984, T P Auto Repair is an ASE-certified NAPA AutoCare Center and Star Smog Check Station. Known for honest service and quality repairs, we help drivers with everything from routine maintenance to advanced diagnostics.

Leave a Comment