In Illinois it is illegal to have anything sticking out more than 4" past the bumper. I believe that this is primarily aimed at people who leave the inert in their Reese style hitch. I imagine some of our lawmakers have rapped their shins on some of the hitches and decided that this law was the solution to the problem. They probably sold it as a way to reduce insurance claims for front bumper and and grille insuurance claims.
JMO
JMO