Billy Zoom wrote:
>I've heard that L.A. will now ticket for no front plate, but I don't think
>anyplace else does.
>
Until the advent of the traffic light cameras all over California, cops
never really enforced the front license plate law. In "my day", it was
just too petty and too "c-s". Now, with the traffic light cameras in so
many jurisdictions, there is pressure from cities on their police
department to enforce the laws to generate more money for the politicans
to spend. Now, if a driver that failed the attitude test, you can bet
he would get cited for no front license plate. Again, in "my day", we
would stop such a violation a dull graveyard shift simply to get out of
the car and talk with someone. But issue a citation? No way!
(Incidently, our 1989 VW Vanagon that we bought on the "tourist delivery
plan" still has the German plates on the front!)
>I haven't run a front plate since 1971, and I've never been hassled, although
>in that time
>
I haven't run a front plate on my car since 1961!
>I've been stopped for things like no outside mirror
>
Now, that is a crock! If your vehicle was not factory equipped with an
outside mirror, you are not required to have one. (Same thing with seat
belts, smog controls, etc.). It is has been held by the courts as ex
post facto, and therefore forbidden by the Constitution.
>... looking suspicious.
>
Some 40 years ago, the courts held that a cop could not stop you for
"looking suspicious". He just has to follow you until you commit some
Mickey Mouse violation so you could be pulled over. Or, pulling someone
over for "no brake light", and after checking you out, has you hit the
brakes and your light now miraculously is working and he sends you away
with an apology!
Buster Evans
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