Originally Posted by dad

California Vehicle Code

11713.17. (a) Following the retail sale or lease of a motor vehicle
for which the department issues two license plates, a dealer may not
deliver the motor vehicle unless either of the following occurs:
(1) The motor vehicle is equipped with a bracket or other means of
securing a front license plate.
(2) The dealer obtains a signed written acknowledgment from the
person taking delivery of the motor vehicle acknowledging both of the
following:
(A) The person expressly refused installation of a bracket or
other means of securing the front license plate.
(B) The person understands that California law requires a license
plate to be displayed from and securely fastened to the front of the
motor vehicle and that the hardware necessary to securely fasten the
front plate is available from the dealer.
(b) A manufacturer or distributor may not sell or distribute in
this state a new motor vehicle for which the department issues two
license plates, unless that motor vehicle is equipped or provided
with a bracket or other means of securing the license plates.

I can't find any thing about license plate holes.