I've spent a lot of time in the OC over the past several years and have noticed the same. And the degree of law enforcement does vary significantly across the country. However, as government agencies continue to adopt ALPR's (Automated License Plate Readers), the significance of having a front license plate has now become more important to them. As a result, the enforcement of the front license plate laws is increasing. In Denver, Colorado, for example, the parking meter maids are issuing tickets for no front license plates. They are doing this using ALPR's. It's a guarantee - park downtown and you WILL get a ticket for failure to display a front license plate. Five years ago, this wasn't the case. This same electronic enforcement is also being seen in numerous other cities across the country and is expanding rapidly.