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New plate law is license larceny

Published on Monday, December 29, 2008 9:54 AM MST

Editor:

The Courier article, "State name must be visible on plates starting January" (Dec. 17), seems to be an obvious attempt by the legislature to extract additional fines and penalties from Arizona's motoring public under the pretense of safety. It's petty, to be sure.

My concern rests in the fact that it applies only to Arizona residents. Non-Arizona and even foreign (Mexico) license plates are exempt from the law. Why? Are Arizona license plates more difficult to read than others?

If an Arizona driver is going to be cited for having an unlawful plate in January (which was previously lawful in December), then can the police stop and issue traffic citations to other non-Arizona motorists whose plates are considered legal? Are there now two separate categories of traffic rules and regulations: one for Arizona residents and one for everyone else?

This raises the question: Can't Arizona police officers recognize an Arizona license plate without having it spelled out? After all, how many other states have mountains, saguaro cactus and "The Grand Canyon State" emblazoned on their plates? Of course, there is also an assortment of personalized plates issued by the state. But one would think state and local police officers would be familiar with them.

Good grief, if an Arizona cop can't tell an Arizona vehicle plate from one from California or Nebraska or Minnesota or any other of the remaining 46 states, then maybe he or she should seriously consider a career change.

This is a law that should never have been enacted. In addition to costing auto dealerships sizable sums of money for complimentary license plate frames, in addition to an individual's purchasing his own from other sources, the state has now determined that if the word "Arizona" is not clearly visible, then the owner is in violation and subject to a $150 fine.

What next? Maybe the police will be armed with tire gauges and conduct random stops to make sure a person's tires are properly inflated. If not, deposit $150 into the state coffers. Or maybe the vehicle does not meet the state-mandated miles- per-gallon requirements. Add on another $150. What if there are three people in the front seat instead of two? $150, please – and on and on.

Eventually the point of ridiculousness is eclipsed by absolute absurdity, all in the name of safety – and maybe padding state revenues – of course!

Mike Bibb

Safford

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Comments

32 comment(s)

How about it wrote on Jan 12, 2009 9:51 PM:

" Courier, we're waiting for the posting with the RedFlex press release about Show Low. We know it was submitted to this blog.

It explains how the nice new cameras need your license plate uncovered so they can read you and run you through every known database just in case your a person of interest to some authority. "

Ivoted wrote on Jan 12, 2009 3:49 PM:

" But still, the question that stands out! Who put these people in the posistion to do this and who is paying their salary? "

stop crying wrote on Jan 9, 2009 12:19 AM:

" Miike....didn't you call the police when you got shot at....you weren't complaining about the laws when that happened "

Cory wrote on Jan 8, 2009 7:32 PM:

" That's so retarded! I mean saeriously! "

frank w wrote on Jan 5, 2009 2:50 PM:

" Given enough time, the government will make criminals of us all. It's time to start nullifying one old law for every new law that is passed and limiting the legislature to being in session no more than one month out of the year. "

first responder wrote on Jan 5, 2009 10:41 AM:

" The new RedFlex photo radar cameras are equipped to read the new Arizona license plates being issued (those that are no longer metal imbossed with the numbers and letters). These new cameras are able to read the plate as you drive by and run you through all federal and state databases. THAT'S THE PLAN STAN and, that's why Gov Janet went to Homeland Security. Don't you feel safer now??

Visit the Australian company's website and read about them. "

A. A. Arthur wrote on Jan 5, 2009 8:32 AM:

" Reading all the complaining about the state of affairs in Arizona and the appearance of a 'police state' I have just one question. Does anybody vote for those who are passing such laws?

Use your ballot boxes as they were intended and take responsibility for who you put into office. The democratic process works. "All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing." "

crystal wrote on Jan 4, 2009 2:47 PM:

" If you all think Arizona is bad, move to California where you have to get a state or city permit to spit.... "

ha ha wrote on Jan 3, 2009 9:57 PM:

" it is those busy bodies that think just like you no drunks...hang tight...here they go....just cant ....without another word!!!haha "

its started somewhere wrote on Jan 3, 2009 9:55 PM:

" thats the type ....right there, that has us where we are, i dont drink, thats why i am not sitting in the tank.get real "NO DRUNKS"besides that is not why they started doing it.duh! "

ha ha wrote on Jan 3, 2009 9:51 PM:

" see there you go assuming, i DONT DRINK! "

No Drunks wrote on Jan 3, 2009 3:41 PM:

" to "it started somewhre"-if you don't want a needle stuck in your arm don't drive drunk, it is that simple. I don't want a drunk killing my family because they are to stupid to not drive. I'm glad the cops have the right to get them off the road. "

Help wrote on Jan 3, 2009 11:06 AM:

" Uh, everywhere you go..the government is in your business. After property taxes and other state mandated expenses, insurance, ect. I ate beans for the last part of the month.
Merry Christmas, yeah, right!
People don't realize we are one step away from Walmart tatooing our foreheads or hands. Oh, corporation American has our small town, middle-class values in mind.
Ha! Didn't even see the car that ran you over when you weren't looking while crossing the street we call life. "

its started somewhere wrote on Jan 3, 2009 12:46 AM:

" they have been violating our privacy,collecting unneccesary monies, and violating peoples rights for a while now, and they do stops for window tinting(dont you read this paper, a couple of weeks ago thats how they busted those guys out by the fairgrounds. when they started being able to stick a needle in you for blood is when they went way to far,communist state, or a bunch of nosy breeds? "

Window tint in CA wrote on Jan 2, 2009 7:57 PM:

" The statement that you would not get cited in CA for window tinting if you're licensed elsewhere is WRONG! You will get cited in CA for violation of its window-tint law because the cops view it as a safety matter--which it is. Not only will you get cited, they'll follow you to a place where you can have it removed. Wish our cops would enforce our tint laws. I hate being next to a car with windows blacked out. "

Krazy Keith wrote on Jan 1, 2009 5:34 PM:

" It seems to me that it would be more logical for the state of Arizona to change the design of their license plates to ensure that the state name is visible. Not have hundreds of thousands of people have to change their license plate frame!
Just my 2cents "

Fed - up wrote on Dec 31, 2008 9:19 PM:

" Just wished I hadnt bought land here. It is definitely a police state. Ive managed to talk 4 of my out of state friends not to move here. They were pretty shocked at the petty laws here. Stuck here now till real estate market recovers......then outta here!!! "

I think wrote on Dec 31, 2008 1:16 PM:

" The most telling post on here is the one by Law Enforcement Officer. Just another excuse to pull over a person not otherwise breaking the law. That is really, really scary to me because for the most part people do obey the laws of the road. But if police just "think" you "might" be guilty of "something" they look for minor infractions then ask if they can search your car. It's BS putting more money in Maricopa County's coffers while the other counties suffer for state aided services. BS!. "

Just Another Cop wrote on Dec 31, 2008 12:49 PM:

" I think this law is ridiculous and should have never been passed. It can be used as a enforcemnt tool to pull you over and check you out ! But i believe it was passed to generate more revenue for the State of Ariz debt. I for one do not agree with it but i must enforce it because i took a oath to do so. I think i should retire. "

Frank wrote on Dec 31, 2008 9:43 AM:

" What I meant about the window tint is that what is legal here may not be legal in other states on vehicles registered in those states. Window tint that is legal here would not be legal in California unless you are driving a car registered in AZ. In that case, you would not be cited. "

Frank wrote on Dec 31, 2008 9:39 AM:

" A bumper sticker... That's hilarious. I was thinking the same thing yesterday as I took off my frame. A bumper sticker that says "ATTENTION POLICE!!! THIS IS AN ARIZONA LICENSE PLATE" with an arrow. "

usurpthebankers wrote on Dec 31, 2008 1:25 AM:

" We're living in a fascist police state folks, these laws will only get more ridiculous over time. When will the people in this country get sick of taking it in the rear from uncle Sam ? "

AZ wrote on Dec 30, 2008 10:23 PM:

" No, Frank, I wouldn't want to be cited for my window tint in CA...because I've already been cited for it here.

Its sad that as a law-abiding citizen, you have to worry about small things like trying to add a little personality with a sports-themed plate or the like. It is not only car dealerships who put out license plate frames.

How about if I get a bumper sticker that says, "Arizona Plate"? "

Vince wrote on Dec 30, 2008 6:49 PM:

" Az. residents are being targeted by this license plate law and cameras on our freeways. Shamefully, in the name of public safety, to fund the failure and state deficit left by our Ex-Govenor. This Ex- Govenor will be in charge of Homeland Security yet could not secure our border with Mexico. Please inform your friends to blog and use the internet to educate the rest of the United States and its Citizens. "

wise up wrote on Dec 30, 2008 4:36 PM:

" This law was needed because it isn't just law enforcement that looks at plates. I agree the fine is to high and it probably will be used as an excuse to pull people over but the fact remains the law was needed. As pointed out earlier, it only takes a minute to fix. "

Really wrote on Dec 30, 2008 11:22 AM:

" When does the government step back and let the people have some freedom? This is such a shame! Its so petty but yet it goes to show the government with rip you off at any chance they get. Not only will people be out $150 but lets pay or law enforcement to wste time looking at plate covers. "

Law Enforcement Officer wrote on Dec 30, 2008 11:22 AM:

" This law really was not necessary but it is another tool when looking for a reason to stop someone. "

TG wrote on Dec 29, 2008 10:26 PM:

" It's amazing all the whining from so many adults over something that takes a whole 2 minutes to fix.

It's always the governments fault, they are out to get us! Where's my tinfoil hat....? "

Jany wrote on Dec 29, 2008 8:27 PM:

" Oh for Pete's sake GET OVER IT!
First: Arizona has about 20 different types of license plates.
Second: Law enforcement officers are not the only ones who need to read the plate.
Third: License frames are nothing but free advertisement for car dealerships.
Fourth: People who make frames will now have a whole new clientele who need bigger plates to show the state name!
Let's all help the economy and law enforcement, what do you say? "

dog eat dog wrote on Dec 29, 2008 7:39 PM:

" boy howdy! we are becoming a dog eat dog country. not only are we all struggling with the economy but let's try to get every dime out of Arizonians that we can. "

Frank wrote on Dec 29, 2008 12:36 PM:

" It is indeed a petty excuse to get money from the citizens of the state and it is just ridiculous when all they have to do is have the name of the state printed a little lower on the plate.

As far as vehicles registered in other states, they have to comply with their own state vehicle equipment laws and states do not enforce their rules on vehicles registered in another state. You would not want to be cited for your window tint while visiting California, would you? "

swinegelder wrote on Dec 29, 2008 11:50 AM:

" And a lump of coal to all those who watch and control...

Not living in AZ anymore. "

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