So I tried prying the lower portion off, and immediately snapped clips. There's also a metal clip retainer that was glued to the trim panel that tore off - so I know I really have to use the trim panel tools very carefully on these now.

I'm trying to get to the area around the license plate as I want to install a rear backup camera. Does anyone have any advice or documentation that would make this easier? Are there any screws to remove in this process?

 

You need to remove the top portion first to access the bottom panel.

You only need to remove the top panel to access the stuff you need to.

 

Thats's what I did when I did the backup cam install.

PS- partial walkthru for backup cam install
Link: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...mp-delete.html

"My step #3: Installing the back up camera.
Oh what joy lol
First thing I did was removed the trim and covers on the inside of the lift gate using a plastic trim removal tool.
Then I pulled off the chrome long lift-gate handle piece that runs above the license plate and this is where the camera goes.
*On the lift-gate handle there is already a hole going thru the metal to inside of lift-gate that can be used for a camera wire if I remove the only white push tab that is in the way. I did have to ream it a little bigger with drill bit.
Next I drilled a hole in the plastic where the camera mounted and ran the camera wire inside the lift gate and mounted the camera and fastened the door handle piece."

 

Some additional photos here