Retro Grouch 

The grade school that I drive for is in a tiny little berg that has a part time police force that's about 5 times the number of officers that's recommended for the population. It's well known locally for speed traps entering town. So far, at least in my my school bus, they've cut me a bit of slack.

SwampDude

I think (subject to check) that Florida requires the plate to be attached to the vehicle and be illuminated with a dedicated light for night operation. That would preclude relocating the plate to the bike rack if Ohio has a similar law.

I've hauled bikes all over the country on a trailer-hitch mounted carrier without an issue. I think cops usually give cyclists a break because we're generally upstanding folks. If there is another violation involved in the stop, like speeding, the officer may well add on a charge for obstructing license plate visibility for good measure.

jowilson

What about a rack that mounts on top of the car? All you have to do then is take the front wheels off...

Retro Grouch 

It's easy for me to say because I don't use a hitch mounted rack. I'd think, however, that I'd make some kind of potential risk vs. potential penalty decision. My feeling is the potential risk is quite low. In fact, I'm guessing that it's so low it's not worth making any effort to avoid the risk. If the penalty exceeded the cost of a new rack or if I were cited a second time, I'd change my assessment.

Nermal

My left shoulder is frozen. A roof rack is out of the question.