On the front end of an MX5 NB (1998–2000), the license plate is one of the first parts you notice. Proper mounting prevents the plate from vibrating, becoming crooked, or putting stress on surrounding parts of the bumper. It’s not just about installation, but also about how the license plate complements the front end’s lines. Ideally, there should be enough space between the plate and the visible parts of the front bumper to prevent damage to the paint and plastic. Especially with a compact roadster, these kinds of details often make more of a difference than you might expect at first glance.