A question for the LEOs..

Sven · 02-12-2007, 04:00 PM

I have a quick question for the Police officers here...

My mom recently got a speeding ticket (her first in like 20yrs)... which is not a problem, because she was speeding
... but he gave her an additonal ticket for having her license plates obstructed.

She has the little plastic license-plate-frame that came from the dealer.
He told her that you have to be able to see where it says " TEXAS" on the top of the plate, and "The Lone Star State" on the bottom.
I'd heard of getting a ticket for not having a front plate, but this is a new one on me.

So my question is: Is that a legitimate thing to write a ticket for, or is it one of those chicken-sh** things that doesnt get enforced unless the officer is having a bad day?

Not trying to start another Cop-Flame-War, just looking for info.

Thanks

bigred90gt · 02-12-2007, 04:19 PM

That is a new law that was established a couple of years ago, and is one of the most obsurd things I have ever heard of. If you cant look at a Texas license plate, and determine that it is indeed a Texas plate (For cryin out loud theres a picture of Texas right in the middle of the plate), than you shouldnt be a LEO. But, this is the first time I have ever heard of anyone actually being cited for it.

I'm not a cop, just giving my opinion.

keg65 · 02-12-2007, 07:08 PM

Dealer plate frames have been changed to conform to the new law.

I think it should be a warning though.

San Antonio, does not prosecute non moving violations in court, so it would be dismissed, just the speeding ticket, which could go on probation, half the cost, and not on her record if no other ticket during probation time.

HOUSEofl3()()$T · 02-12-2007, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigred90gt

That is a new law that was established a couple of years ago, and is one of the most obsurd things I have ever heard of. If you cant look at a Texas license plate, and determine that it is indeed a Texas plate (For cryin out loud theres a picture of Texas right in the middle of the plate), than you shouldnt be a LEO. But, this is the first time I have ever heard of anyone actually being cited for it.

I'm not a cop, just giving my opinion.

You cant see the texas when you are driving. Its a good law. I wish all states would adopt (Maybe they have?) I have seen plates obstructed and didnt know what state they were from. Its a safety issue to me.

CrewChiefLite · 02-12-2007, 10:47 PM

The law was changed a year or two ago. Or, rather, the wording was. I'll dig up the specifics when I'm not at work.

TheBocSez · 02-12-2007, 11:45 PM

Like everyone else has said. It is a law. I have never issued a ticket for it, warning yes, but not a ticket. I dont mess with the frames that cover just the top of the state name. I do pick on the ones with the tinted LP covers or weathered clear ones that are so yellow you cant see them. It should be noted that even a clear one can be a violation in that the law also reads "or distorts angular visibility" and those bubbled LP covers can make it hard to read from certain angles.

When I have worked court, the judge and prosecutor just send an officer out to the parking lot. If the problem has been fixed they dismiss it free of charge.

CB_BOSS · 02-13-2007, 08:57 AM

A person commits an offense if the person attaches to or displays on a motor vehicle a number plate or registration insignia that:
(1-4 omitted here)
(5) has letters, numbers, or other identification marks that because of blurring or reflective matter are not plainly visible at all times during daylight;
(6) has an attached illuminated device or [is a] sticker, decal, emblem, or other insignia that is not authorized by law and that interferes with the readability of the letters or numbers on the plate or the name of the state in which the vehicle is registered; or
(7) has a coating, covering, or protective material that:
(A) distorts angular visibility or detectability; or
(B) alters or obscures the letters or numbers on the plate, the color of the plate, or another original design feature of the plate

bigred90gt · 02-13-2007, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOUSEofl3()()$T

You cant see the texas when you are driving. Its a good law. I wish all states would adopt (Maybe they have?) I have seen plates obstructed and didnt know what state they were from. Its a safety issue to me.

Are you really trying to tell me that when you get behind a car, and are following one, you can not see the picture of Texas in the middle of the plate? If that is the case, I highly suggest you step away from the monitor, call a cab, and get straight to the eye doc, pronto. You have some serious vision issues you need corrected.

Nighthawk · 02-13-2007, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigred90gt

Are you really trying to tell me that when you get behind a car, and are following one, you can not see the picture of Texas in the middle of the plate? If that is the case, I highly suggest you step away from the monitor, call a cab, and get straight to the eye doc, pronto. You have some serious vision issues you need corrected.

not all the texas plates have a texas in the middle smart guy.

**TrueBlueVenom** · 02-13-2007, 02:04 PM

please keep this thread at a friendly level everyone, before things start to get out of hand. This is the one "friendly warning".

HOUSEofl3()()$T · 02-13-2007, 03:43 PM

Sven · 02-13-2007, 04:07 PM

Thanks for the replies guys,

When she went to court, they ended up throwing out the obstructed plates ticket and letting her take defensive driving for the speeding.

BlackRob · 02-13-2007, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sven

Thanks for the replies guys,

When she went to court, they ended up throwing out the obstructed plates ticket and letting her take defensive driving for the speeding.

thats what I figured would happen

its just one of those written rules that isn't ever ticketed
the cop is just a pansy for not just warning somebody for that. I know I'da just told him to give me a screw driver and bam problem solved.

chewie · 02-13-2007, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackRob

I know I'da just told him to give me a screw driver and bam problem solved.

yeah, let me know how that goes...if you get the chance

CB_BOSS · 02-14-2007, 08:19 AM

I wouldn't give you a screw driver.

Atleast the judge dropped the ticket for the LP.

CrewChiefLite · 02-14-2007, 11:52 AM

I guess it didn't get pushed through the last time I saw it, so here it is again:

80(R) SB 631 - Introduced version - Bill Text

Note the part crossed out. I coulda sworn it went into effect, guess I was wrong.

02-12-2007, 04:00 PM	#1
Sven LoneStarStangs Addict Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: SATX Posts: 284 Trader Rating: (3)	A question for the LEOs.. I have a quick question for the Police officers here... My mom recently got a speeding ticket (her first in like 20yrs)... which is not a problem, because she was speeding ... but he gave her an additonal ticket for having her license plates obstructed. She has the little plastic license-plate-frame that came from the dealer. He told her that you have to be able to see where it says " TEXAS" on the top of the plate, and "The Lone Star State" on the bottom. I'd heard of getting a ticket for not having a front plate, but this is a new one on me. So my question is: Is that a legitimate thing to write a ticket for, or is it one of those chicken-sh** things that doesnt get enforced unless the officer is having a bad day? Not trying to start another Cop-Flame-War, just looking for info. Thanks

02-12-2007, 04:19 PM	#2
bigred90gt Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Seabrook, TX Posts: 583 Trader Rating: (0)	That is a new law that was established a couple of years ago, and is one of the most obsurd things I have ever heard of. If you cant look at a Texas license plate, and determine that it is indeed a Texas plate (For cryin out loud theres a picture of Texas right in the middle of the plate), than you shouldnt be a LEO. But, this is the first time I have ever heard of anyone actually being cited for it. I'm not a cop, just giving my opinion. __________________ '90 GT Gutted and on blocks (white trash style). 06 F-150 STX - K&N and IMCO exhaust Rice Haters Club Member #128

02-12-2007, 07:08 PM	#3
keg65 Change always makes Sense (or Cents) Join Date: May 2005 Location: NE San Antonio Posts: 1,215 Trader Rating: (0)	Dealer plate frames have been changed to conform to the new law. I think it should be a warning though. San Antonio, does not prosecute non moving violations in court, so it would be dismissed, just the speeding ticket, which could go on probation, half the cost, and not on her record if no other ticket during probation time. __________________ 1 of 472 Year 2005 Mustang GT, Black, Convertible with Black Top, Automatic Transmission, Dark Charcoal/Red Interior.

02-12-2007, 10:47 PM	#5
CrewChiefLite the wheel goes round Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Spring TX Posts: 2,417 Trader Rating: (4)	The law was changed a year or two ago. Or, rather, the wording was. I'll dig up the specifics when I'm not at work. __________________ Car Car Car Truck

02-13-2007, 03:43 PM	#11
HOUSEofl3()()$T l_ /-\ l/\l Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: New Braunfels Posts: 467 Trader Rating: (1)	__________________ NOW ON THE DARK SIDE 2006 Corvette undergoing widebody conversion etc...

02-12-2007, 11:45 PM	#6
TheBocSez KEN LEEEEEE tu libu dibu daucoo...... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Converse, TX Posts: 1,067 Trader Rating: (1)	Like everyone else has said. It is a law. I have never issued a ticket for it, warning yes, but not a ticket. I dont mess with the frames that cover just the top of the state name. I do pick on the ones with the tinted LP covers or weathered clear ones that are so yellow you cant see them. It should be noted that even a clear one can be a violation in that the law also reads "or distorts angular visibility" and those bubbled LP covers can make it hard to read from certain angles. When I have worked court, the judge and prosecutor just send an officer out to the parking lot. If the problem has been fixed they dismiss it free of charge.

02-13-2007, 08:57 AM	#7
CB_BOSS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Canyon Lake Posts: 150 Trader Rating: (0)	A person commits an offense if the person attaches to or displays on a motor vehicle a number plate or registration insignia that: (1-4 omitted here) (5) has letters, numbers, or other identification marks that because of blurring or reflective matter are not plainly visible at all times during daylight; (6) has an attached illuminated device or [is a] sticker, decal, emblem, or other insignia that is not authorized by law and that interferes with the readability of the letters or numbers on the plate or the name of the state in which the vehicle is registered; or (7) has a coating, covering, or protective material that: (A) distorts angular visibility or detectability; or (B) alters or obscures the letters or numbers on the plate, the color of the plate, or another original design feature of the plate

02-13-2007, 02:04 PM	#10
TrueBlueVenom in a happy place Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Antonio Posts: 5,786 Trader Rating: (0)	please keep this thread at a friendly level everyone, before things start to get out of hand. This is the one "friendly warning".

02-13-2007, 04:07 PM	#12
Sven LoneStarStangs Addict Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: SATX Posts: 284 Trader Rating: (3)	Thanks for the replies guys, When she went to court, they ended up throwing out the obstructed plates ticket and letting her take defensive driving for the speeding.

02-14-2007, 08:19 AM	#15
CB_BOSS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Canyon Lake Posts: 150 Trader Rating: (0)	I wouldn't give you a screw driver. Atleast the judge dropped the ticket for the LP.

02-14-2007, 11:52 AM	#16
CrewChiefLite the wheel goes round Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Spring TX Posts: 2,417 Trader Rating: (4)	I guess it didn't get pushed through the last time I saw it, so here it is again: 80(R) SB 631 - Introduced version - Bill Text Note the part crossed out. I coulda sworn it went into effect, guess I was wrong. __________________ Car Car Car Truck

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