The one I have is the same type as DutchmanSport shows in the 2nd picture but is mounted vertical. Almost all the plates with the lens having a clear spot for illuminating the plate are made of plastic. As far as mounting some metal under that type tail light/license tag holder, The thing has a plastic frame and would stand out from the mount point and be subject to water getting in. I might buy and extra one and use a Dremel to hog out some slots (so it can remain flush mounted0 and put some meetal in OR I guess I can make some more holes and mount it horizontal as in the picture I already mentioned.