Ive never been stopped for it here in California. I was pulled over buy 1 cop just so he could have a closer look at my car and compliment me on it since he was into cars also,
. I also had a parking ticket for no front plate that I had to get signed off on at the police station. No problem there either with the grill on when they inspected the car. The headlights work the same, it only gives the illusion that its covered when looking down on the car, but its a chance you take when dealing with modifications and the cops. If they want to they will find a way to ticket you for something.