Front plates - again
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,578
Likes: 23
From: Waldorf, MD
Front plates - again
Follwoing my earlier post in another Front Plate thread this morning, I've been doing some research. So far I found this on Maryland law regarding front plates:
Well, I've got a Maryland Circuit Judge actual COURT RULING on the matter - handed down and ruled on this, that clearly disagrees with your county officers "opinion". ...Which do you think actually matters in POINT OF LAW?
Although I will agree that even having this, does not still stop an officer from pulling you over for it (I was pulled again, just last week) - Having the PAPERWORK on-hand does help, and makes a difference! Plus, at least in my case - I've already been personally found, AT TRIAL for this, "NOT GUILTY". Even if I were to be written again for it - I would think double-jeopardy exemptions, would come into play. So for me anyway - I'm not having any of it!
There are 2 sub-para's to Maryland's License Plate ("tagging") statutes, that are applicable here: 13-411(a), and 13-411(b). Driving a passenger vehicle, these officers are trained, and themselves only know - and therefore write you (here in MD) on 13-411(a), which if you want to fight it - YOU CAN VACATE!
Because our cars have a Federal Exemption in-re front bumpers (IF applicable to your particular car - the exemption expired on the "Federal Elise" in MY2007, and is only applied to certain other of our cars - as noted on your door-spar placard); ....AND that further within Maryland Code - it also states that front plates (if required) must be firmly attached to the "front bumper or empannage structure" of the vehicle (this was to disallow "funky" alternate placement - as you sometimes see people try by putting it on the dashboard, etc. for example)....
1. Maryland RECOGNIZES the FEDERAL EXEMPTION (again - if applicable to you)
Therefore...
2. Once #1 is established - your car is then NOT SUBJECT to 13-411(a), but INSTEAD: subject to 13-411(b)(2)! (Meaning the rear of the vehicle.)
I.E. - Required to have, and only subject to affixing ONE PLATE - to be mounted (more "generically" too I might add) to the REAR of the vehicle.
For those of you who get the $60 ticket - you can choose to fight it, or not as such (officers can't rule on subjectivity to the laws they are, or feel they are enforcing - or writing to ...only a JUDGE can do that) - but it is not a "moving violation" or offense that results in "points" or anything that should append to your driving record (or affect/adjust your insurance rates) in ANY case!
So deciding if it is worthwhile to "fight" it or not, is strictly a personal decision.
Just because the cop pulls you over, and writes you - DOES NOT MAKE HIM (or her) NECESSARILY RIGHT! You can fight this one (if your car here in MD is one amongst the RECOGNIZED Federal exemption), and you can WIN. I am living testament to that. FWIW. YMMV.
http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f3/n...aryland-72313/
Does anyone know if Corvette has an exemption. It should, after all, it doesn't have a front bumper.
Well, I've got a Maryland Circuit Judge actual COURT RULING on the matter - handed down and ruled on this, that clearly disagrees with your county officers "opinion". ...Which do you think actually matters in POINT OF LAW?
Although I will agree that even having this, does not still stop an officer from pulling you over for it (I was pulled again, just last week) - Having the PAPERWORK on-hand does help, and makes a difference! Plus, at least in my case - I've already been personally found, AT TRIAL for this, "NOT GUILTY". Even if I were to be written again for it - I would think double-jeopardy exemptions, would come into play. So for me anyway - I'm not having any of it!
There are 2 sub-para's to Maryland's License Plate ("tagging") statutes, that are applicable here: 13-411(a), and 13-411(b). Driving a passenger vehicle, these officers are trained, and themselves only know - and therefore write you (here in MD) on 13-411(a), which if you want to fight it - YOU CAN VACATE!
Because our cars have a Federal Exemption in-re front bumpers (IF applicable to your particular car - the exemption expired on the "Federal Elise" in MY2007, and is only applied to certain other of our cars - as noted on your door-spar placard); ....AND that further within Maryland Code - it also states that front plates (if required) must be firmly attached to the "front bumper or empannage structure" of the vehicle (this was to disallow "funky" alternate placement - as you sometimes see people try by putting it on the dashboard, etc. for example)....
1. Maryland RECOGNIZES the FEDERAL EXEMPTION (again - if applicable to you)
Therefore...
2. Once #1 is established - your car is then NOT SUBJECT to 13-411(a), but INSTEAD: subject to 13-411(b)(2)! (Meaning the rear of the vehicle.)
I.E. - Required to have, and only subject to affixing ONE PLATE - to be mounted (more "generically" too I might add) to the REAR of the vehicle.
For those of you who get the $60 ticket - you can choose to fight it, or not as such (officers can't rule on subjectivity to the laws they are, or feel they are enforcing - or writing to ...only a JUDGE can do that) - but it is not a "moving violation" or offense that results in "points" or anything that should append to your driving record (or affect/adjust your insurance rates) in ANY case!
So deciding if it is worthwhile to "fight" it or not, is strictly a personal decision.
Just because the cop pulls you over, and writes you - DOES NOT MAKE HIM (or her) NECESSARILY RIGHT! You can fight this one (if your car here in MD is one amongst the RECOGNIZED Federal exemption), and you can WIN. I am living testament to that. FWIW. YMMV.
http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f3/n...aryland-72313/
Does anyone know if Corvette has an exemption. It should, after all, it doesn't have a front bumper.
Last edited by Foxer55; Jul 22, 2011 at 09:52 AM.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 320
Likes: 1
Does anyone know if Corvette has an exemption. It should, after all, it doesn't have a front bumper.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,578
Likes: 23
From: Waldorf, MD
SubjectAlpha,
Ya know, I can't believe you Corvette guys are so mypoic. Of course it only applies in Maryland! But the law is probably written similarly in other states. Of all the b*tching you guys do about front plates, have you looked into these things and tried to do something about it. Search and count the number of threads here about front plates. Is b*tching more fun than doing something about it? No wonder we have the knuckleheads we have in government. You are the ones who dictate these solutions, not some guy in the legislature who tells you what to do.
Ya know, I can't believe you Corvette guys are so mypoic. Of course it only applies in Maryland! But the law is probably written similarly in other states. Of all the b*tching you guys do about front plates, have you looked into these things and tried to do something about it. Search and count the number of threads here about front plates. Is b*tching more fun than doing something about it? No wonder we have the knuckleheads we have in government. You are the ones who dictate these solutions, not some guy in the legislature who tells you what to do.
Last edited by Foxer55; Jul 22, 2011 at 10:16 AM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,578
Likes: 23
From: Waldorf, MD
NNIAL8R,
I'm sure there will be many more in the months and years to come. I guess people just like to b*itch. Saves energy from actually doing something.
why start yet ANOTHER thread on it??
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Nor-Cal
I hear you foxer55.. if i see another thread talking about their front plate issue im ganna back hand the old blue hair and take his vette away till he chills out. I have never met such a group of squares in my life till i bought my vette. For one of the fastest best handling cars out, you would think they would be more relaxed.. quite the eye opener.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 10,699
Likes: 1,136
I believe in the Beer Fairy
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 24,310
Likes: 0
From: Canon City Co
St. Jude Donor '11,'13
"I voluntarily took 60 days off from OT"
Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Henderson NV
Of all the B&tching I see here it's guys complaining that someone started another license plate thread. Tell you what - if you don't want to see another license plate thread how about you don't click on it? I personally find them interesting.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,578
Likes: 23
From: Waldorf, MD
ScottBourne,
Oh, i don't disgree they're interesting. Its enjoyable to read to the wayward stories of how they excused their way out of a ticket or just paid the ticket because they didn't know what elese to do. What I find curious is that there is so much b*tching but no effort to turn that b*tching into the energy to fix the problem.
Of all the B&tching I see here it's guys complaining that someone started another license plate thread. Tell you what - if you don't want to see another license plate thread how about you don't click on it? I personally find them interesting.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 993
Likes: 0
From: Plano TX
I find them interesting because of the example the "adults" are making for their kids. It's OK for "Dad" to break the law by not putting on front license plates, so it must be OK for me (the kid) to do a burnout or run a redlight or do a rolling stop through a sign. "Dad" will just pay the fine.
This is part of the reason so many people hate Corvette owners.
This is part of the reason so many people hate Corvette owners.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,578
Likes: 23
From: Waldorf, MD
More interesting recent information (someone will have to confirm this is true):
So I was just doing a little bit of research about the 4888 bill, which of course is about the dreaded front license plates... I found some pretty good news it seems, if I understood it right when I read it that starting after Jan 10, 2011 front license plates in IL are not going to be required. It is saving the IL gov. a million every year. Here is the link to the actual bill on Illinois webpage.
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/Bill...ionID=76&GA=96
http://www.thechicagogarage.com/foru...ad.php?t=49091
So I was just doing a little bit of research about the 4888 bill, which of course is about the dreaded front license plates... I found some pretty good news it seems, if I understood it right when I read it that starting after Jan 10, 2011 front license plates in IL are not going to be required. It is saving the IL gov. a million every year. Here is the link to the actual bill on Illinois webpage.
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/Bill...ionID=76&GA=96
http://www.thechicagogarage.com/foru...ad.php?t=49091
Last edited by Foxer55; Jul 22, 2011 at 11:19 AM.
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
I'm a little confused. You make the case Corvette is exempt but then you cast doubt on it.
Although, a small number of extremely motivated people can sometimes affect the 'political process' in most cases the bureaucracy is so entrenched (that for all practical purposes) the effort is an exercise in futility. I'd guess for 99% of the people having a front license plate is a non-issue. Granted, that should not deter the 1% for trying to institute change but they must realize it's an uphill battle. Considering law enforcement most often supports the need for front and rear license plates it further reduces the chances for success. To prevail I think Corvette owner's need broader appeal than not liking the look of a front plate on their Corvette. However difficult it may be or however long it may take, the people do have the power to institute political change. Sadly, that doesn't always work out so well. With respect to our current political and economic situation the following seems to apply, "Some people work for a living...some people vote for a living."
SubjectAlpha,
Ya know, I can't believe you Corvette guys are so mypoic. Of course it only applies in Maryland! But the law is probably written similarly in other states. Of all the b*tching you guys do about front plates, have you looked into these things and tried to do something about it. Search and count the number of threads here about front plates. Is b*tching more fun than doing something about it? No wonder we have the knuckleheads we have in government. You are the ones who dictate these solutions, not some guy in the legislature who tells you what to do.
Ya know, I can't believe you Corvette guys are so mypoic. Of course it only applies in Maryland! But the law is probably written similarly in other states. Of all the b*tching you guys do about front plates, have you looked into these things and tried to do something about it. Search and count the number of threads here about front plates. Is b*tching more fun than doing something about it? No wonder we have the knuckleheads we have in government. You are the ones who dictate these solutions, not some guy in the legislature who tells you what to do.
Although, a small number of extremely motivated people can sometimes affect the 'political process' in most cases the bureaucracy is so entrenched (that for all practical purposes) the effort is an exercise in futility. I'd guess for 99% of the people having a front license plate is a non-issue. Granted, that should not deter the 1% for trying to institute change but they must realize it's an uphill battle. Considering law enforcement most often supports the need for front and rear license plates it further reduces the chances for success. To prevail I think Corvette owner's need broader appeal than not liking the look of a front plate on their Corvette. However difficult it may be or however long it may take, the people do have the power to institute political change. Sadly, that doesn't always work out so well. With respect to our current political and economic situation the following seems to apply, "Some people work for a living...some people vote for a living."
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,578
Likes: 23
From: Waldorf, MD
Wayne O,
Great post. I think if you added all exotic sports car owners together, Lambo, Ferrari, Lotus, Corvette, they wouldn't add up to one percent of the total national vehicle ownership. Hence, you are correct, their impact is trivial. Approaching the whole issue rationally, I don't see how a license plate on the front of these cars benefits anyone except maybe the guys at Top Flight. 
And, again, molesting one of these drivers because they don't have a front plate is really silly and punitive. Its not like they're out there flaunting the law, I'm sure if the car came with front plate accomodations they'd put the plate on.
Although, a small number of extremely motivated people can sometimes affect the 'political process' in most cases the bureaucracy is so entrenched (that for all practical purposes) the effort is an exercise in futility. I'd guess for 99% of the people having a front license plate is a non-issue. Granted, that should not deter the 1% for trying to institute change but they must realize it's an uphill battle. Considering law enforcement most often supports the need for front and rear license plates it further reduces the chances for success. To prevail I think Corvette owner's need broader appeal than not liking the look of a front plate on their Corvette. However difficult it may be or however long it may take, the people do have the power to institute political change. Sadly, that doesn't always work out so well. With respect to our current political and economic situation the following seems to apply, "Some people work for a living...some people vote for a living."
And, again, molesting one of these drivers because they don't have a front plate is really silly and punitive. Its not like they're out there flaunting the law, I'm sure if the car came with front plate accomodations they'd put the plate on.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
If a plate holder is there I have no issues putting a plate on it. I have a really big problem with people drilling holes into my bumper to install a aftermarket plate mount. If the car doesnt have a front plate holder from the factory it shouldnt need a front plate end of story.