I got a ticket today from the houston police for an illegal license plate frame. I think the cop was just looking for anything to charge me because he thought I was speeding but didn't catch me on radar. I have the stainless steel Z plate holder from Nissan, which I see on 350z cars around Houston all the time. It doesn't cover the plate numbers nor the state name. What the hell? And yes--I do have a front plate (mounted on a zee bracket).

Does anybody know what the texas law is for license plate frames?

 

Well, what the F was the ticket for? Did the frame block the registration stickers or something?

Sounds like something to fight to me.

 

Registration sticker is on the windshield. I think the cop was just being an ***. To be honest, I was driving fast (50+ in a 30 zone), but he couldn't get me for speeding because he didn't get me on radar or follow behind me. So he just made something up, and now I want to know what the actual statute says.

Thanx

 

I don't, but show up in court and you'll win, I bet.

 

since this is texas plate related I thought I'd ask, you know how the stock bumper has no holes in it, do you guys still roll around without a front license plate? Do you get pulled over alot. I know of the Zee bracket but it won't work with my bumper because I don't even own my stock bumper anymore. get back to me guys.

 

I have the same Z bracket on my Z. He is full of it. As for as I know there is nothing wrong with it. If I was you, when I go and see the judge I would have my plate and bracket in my hand.

 

http://www.thefacts.com/story.lasso?wcd=10097

A new law requires both the state name and license plate numbers to be unobstructed. A violation could bring a $2,000 fine and a class B misdemeanor conviction.

If it obstructs any letter on the plate or a sticker, then they can cite.

The law doesn’t mention it bans license plate holders; instead any device which “alters or obscures the letters or numbers on the plate, the color of the plate, or another original design feature of the plate.”


**** but it generates $ for the state!

 

The fact is, it does not obstruct neither

 

Does it cover the colors of the plate, I think they might have you, BS but still.

 

Take a picture of your plate and go to court. Worst case is you are found guilty and pay the fine. Best case is the ticket is thrown out & in most cases you get something reduce. When you go to court it shows the "court" (Judge) you care, which looks good to them. Anyways, ALWAYS!!! ALWAYS!!! go to court.

 

Thanks guys. I will contact my lawyer about this one. The cop was just being abusive, and I would love to go before the judge and make an example of him. Assuming I win in court, I may go to small claims court against the cop for legal and court fees too. I don't think the police should be able to just make stuff up and get away with it.

 

Well don't get mad at all cops for one bad one. Also think how many people just pay the fine without researching it. The city is just trying to get their money. Now saying what this officer did is right though.

 

My wife got the same ticket in Arlington last year. It's true. In Texas If the frame covers up part of the plates "Theme" In Her case, the little cowboy and the words "the lone star state" were covered by the Z frame. Asshat cop gave her a ticket for no front plate also. Bullsh!t law

 

Yep, the frame covers the state motto, so technically you're screwed. Stupid-*** law. Thing is, just about ANY licence plate frame will cover that part of the plate, including ones the dealers put on the cars to advertise. What was the fine?

 

Don't know what the fine is yet. I'll post it later.

I'm also taking my stainless steel Z plates off my car this weekend.

 

Yeah my friend told me this long time ago (about 2 years ago) and i thought it was bs and took it out. plus i think it looks ugly

and for the front license plate i dont have one and i dont want to put two holes in my bumper just to put it on. what i do is put it on the dash board so they can see it thru the window. and never had problem

 

A photo would be helpful.

 

I guess when I travel to Texas, I will get ticketed as well,

 

What part of Co are you in? BTW I'm running Tx tag w/ frame and no front plate.

 

Im down the street from you, lol!