Bought my ct in New Jersey this past monday (front plate is required). I live in philly (no front plate).

I ordered some paint matched bumper plugs and took off the front dealer plate and plate holder this evening. What is confusing me is that behind the drilled holes/bumper it appears that there is some sort of nut or something inside my bumper that the front plate bracket was screwing into. So basically, my bumper plugs won't fit.

Can i just push those things out with a flathead? Do I need to remove the front bumper to get the out of there? Has anyone either installed or taken off the factory front license plate bracket, or has installed bumper plugs?

 

Are they welded on ?

 

I doubt it. I'd be very surprised lexus or a dealership would go to that length for a front license plate bracket. I"m guessing it's either wedged between the inside of the bumper and the rad support....or attached from the inside by some other method.