popo got me for no front plate
10-14-2010, 01:53 PM
#41
5th Gear Member
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,397
I am not a practicing BAR licensed attorney, but according to current Texas statute, the parts that are known as the Texas Transportation Code (TRC), concerning putting a lic plate with sticky cups on the inside of the car on the front windshield rather than on the front outside of the car could fall under the statute article, section 502.409(a)(5), (6), & (7)(A)-(C).
502.409(a) reads that a person commits an offense if the person attaches to or displays on a motor vehicle a number plate or registration insignia that:
(5) has blurring or reflective matter that significantly impairs the readability of the name of the state in which the vehicle is registered or the letters or numbers of the license plate number at any time <<===Key words "Any Time"
(6) has an attached illuminated device or sticker, decal, emblem, or other insignia that is not authorized by law and that interferes with the readability of the letters or numbers of the license plate number or the name of the state in which the vehicle is registered; or
(7) has a coating, covering, protective material, or other apparatus that:
(A) distorts angular visibility or detectability;
(B) alters or obscures one-half or more of the name of the state in which the vehicle is registered; or
(C) alters or obscures the letters or numbers of the license plate number or the color of the plate.
The lic plate behind the windshield could fall under violations of these existing statutes because the windshield could reflect light in such a manner that the lic plate behind it cannot be read. Maybe it could be read under most lighting conditions and angles, but if the law dogs at any time sees that there are ANY angles or any lighting conditions (such as light glare from the sun or other headlights during the night), they would be acting correctly under the above statute.
502.409(a) reads that a person commits an offense if the person attaches to or displays on a motor vehicle a number plate or registration insignia that:
(5) has blurring or reflective matter that significantly impairs the readability of the name of the state in which the vehicle is registered or the letters or numbers of the license plate number at any time <<===Key words "Any Time"
(6) has an attached illuminated device or sticker, decal, emblem, or other insignia that is not authorized by law and that interferes with the readability of the letters or numbers of the license plate number or the name of the state in which the vehicle is registered; or
(7) has a coating, covering, protective material, or other apparatus that:
(A) distorts angular visibility or detectability;
(B) alters or obscures one-half or more of the name of the state in which the vehicle is registered; or
(C) alters or obscures the letters or numbers of the license plate number or the color of the plate.
The lic plate behind the windshield could fall under violations of these existing statutes because the windshield could reflect light in such a manner that the lic plate behind it cannot be read. Maybe it could be read under most lighting conditions and angles, but if the law dogs at any time sees that there are ANY angles or any lighting conditions (such as light glare from the sun or other headlights during the night), they would be acting correctly under the above statute.
so wouldn't that mean that all plates on the front of a car are illigal since no vehicle comes with a lighted front plate? you can't see it at night after all.
10-14-2010, 05:11 PM
#42
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 1,747
No, because there is no legal requirement for a front plate to be lit up. They can use the lighting section during the day because the sunlight can limit visibility.
Under the statute, they are getting you because it says no covering (anything that covers the plate is a covering, including clear or tinted plastic plate covers and even a windshield). That one word in the statute gives them legal reason to pull you over 24/7.
Under the statute, they are getting you because it says no covering (anything that covers the plate is a covering, including clear or tinted plastic plate covers and even a windshield). That one word in the statute gives them legal reason to pull you over 24/7.
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