View Full Version : NC License Plate Law
Snaquebite
12-01-2010, 10:06
Drivers face enforcement of new laws Wednesday
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- Drivers, you have one more thing to worry about tomorrow: your license plate, or at least what's around it. A new law can earn you a hefty ticket.
The new law pertains to license plate frames found on many vehicles. Wednesday anyone who has one these frames can be fined more than $150.
"It's important, because it helps us identify vehicles that are expired," Cpl. Michael Fike of the New Hanover Co. Sheriff's Office said. "If you have any kind of cover covering your month and year stickers it prevents us from having the ability to look at that tag and see that it's expired or if there is any problems with that tag."
If the plate frame still lets you see the month and year sticker on the plate, but it blocks out the state, that's a violation. You can still have a plate frame, but the stickers and the state name must be visible.
http://www.wwaytv3.com/drivers_face_enforcement_new_laws_wednesday/11/2010
Masochist
12-01-2010, 10:24
The new law does not apply to out-of-state plates.
My concern as someone who will be temporarily travelling to/through NC in the near future.
For in-staters, was/is this being widly publicized? While it's been on the books for a year, we could see a lot of upset motorists this Christmas season.
Snaquebite
12-01-2010, 10:44
After hearing about it, I did some searches and only found it in a few obscure news releases.
Had to remove my Eagle plate holder. Bottom portion of North Carolina was obscured. Everything else was clearly visible.
It's been the rule here in Texas for quite a few years now - the plate frame industry just had to modify their product slightly to ensure they were in compliance.
Here's a brief rundown:
http://www.ehow.com/list_6146066_license-plate-laws-texas.html
Richard :munchin
Masochist
12-01-2010, 11:08
Here's a brief rundown:
http://www.ehow.com/list_6146066_license-plate-laws-texas.html
Richard,
This ad came up on the article page. Is that what all TX cops look like, and is that what they drive? :D
After hearing about it, I did some searches and only found it in a few obscure news releases.
Had to remove my Eagle plate holder. Bottom portion of North Carolina was obscured. Everything else was clearly visible.
It's been talked about for the past year. The law is only for NC plates. People driving through and Military non-res with out of state plates are GTG.
We're a one plate state so anyone who just has to stick something on their car can put it up front.
Well, just another way to generate "revenue"...AKA to take our money. Good 'ol NC. For a southern state, it sure is one if not the most expensive.:(
I wonder if this law will be as "vigorously" enforced like the cell phone law......:rolleyes:
Snaquebite
12-01-2010, 14:35
Had a business lunch downtown Fayetteville today. Driving from Raeford to the lunch I would say 40% (+) of all vehicles I saw were illegal. I also noticed on some trucks the step plate on the bumber blocks the bottom portion of the plate. Most of the tag frames were not after market but dealer frames.
Well, hey, look what happened when NC did away with the inspection sticker in the window and put the date on your registration.
When I go down to the DMV to renew my tag a number of people - after standing for about 20 minutes in line - are told they need to get their car inspected before they can renew.
99meters
12-01-2010, 18:59
Had a business lunch downtown Fayetteville today. Driving from Raeford to the lunch I would say 40% (+) of all vehicles I saw were illegal. I also noticed on some trucks the step plate on the bumber blocks the bottom portion of the plate. Most of the tag frames were not after market but dealer frames.
The above is about the same here in TX.
That law is one of the chicken-shit infractions you can use for probable cause.
AngelsSix
12-01-2010, 20:34
This law will end up where every other MV law has ended up. The cops will enforce it for about 6 months, then they will turn their attention to some other enforcement action.
If I had a dollar for ever person I counted in SoPines that ran a stop sign, failed to fasten their seatbelt, ran a red light, placed the registration stickers on their registration plate improperly, etc., I would be a rich woman today. These are all laws on the books. But the enforcement of these laws has become "selective".
The problem with 'laws" is there is a failure of the "law enforcers" to actually ENFORCE the laws. the folks that enact the laws don't get this....thus the reason we have laws on the books that do not get enforced.
Coldsteel24
12-02-2010, 12:21
The problem with 'laws" is there is a failure of the "law enforcers" to actually ENFORCE the laws.
I still think "Discretion" is a good thing.
BingoBango
12-02-2010, 13:51
I still think "Discretion" is a good thing.
Exactly. As a LEO, you simply aren't allotted the time to enforce the hundred's upon hundred's of Chapter 20 law's that are available to you. A routine patrol officer around my neck of the woods spends around 80-90% of his or her time answering calls, the primary responsibility of a patrol officer. That left over 10-20% normally results in aggressive crime prevention with an occasional traffic stop here and there.
On the other hand, don't confuse a municipal law enforcement agency for State Highway Patrol as the latter's sole responsibility is Chapter 20 violations and enforcement.
Well, hey, look what happened when NC did away with the inspection sticker in the window and put the date on your registration.
When I go down to the DMV to renew my tag a number of people - after standing for about 20 minutes in line - are told they need to get their car inspected before they can renew.
Damn, that's awful. We get a mailed notice with a form that you have to bring in to the inspection station.
When I lived in NC it was one of the most oppressive states to drive in that I've experienced. They wouldn't issue me a drivers license until I proved that I had an insured vehicle in my name. If your plate expires you have to turn it back into the plate office. Then there were those friendly little Highway Patrol check lanes that would be set up. Used to get stopped in those at least once a month. I'll not start on the inspection sticker.
Brad
The Reaper
12-05-2010, 11:41
Illegal aliens created a huge problem here when they were allowed to obtain NC Driver's Licenses without documentation. It was one of the only states in the US to do that at the time, and consequently, we had a lot of illegals living/transiting here.
Most of them were uninsured, and their vehicles were frequently in poor repair. The roadside spot checks were designed to, among other things, catch people who were driving illegal vehicles.
They did not start the insurance and inspection issues, but they did keep them from being changed.
Not only will NC send you a letter telling you to turn in your plates, but they will actually send a Trooper to your listed address to collect them personally if you ignore the letters long enough.
One accident with an uninsured motorist who can easily flee the country to avoid the repercussions, and you will learn to appreciate the policy.
Since my papers are all in order, and I don't make a habit of driving while drinking or running drugs, the license and registration checks are fine with me.
Just my .02, YMMV.
TR