Got Minor Misdemeanor over bike rack
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 477
Bikes: 2010 Trek FX 7.5, 2011 Trek 2.1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Got Minor Misdemeanor over bike rack
We had our Thelma 2 rack on, and got pulled over because the cop said that it was obstructing our rear plate, which is a Minor Misdemeanor. We didn't have any bikes on, it was just the rack in the upright position. Anyone have recommendations on a hitch mount that wouldn't block it? We've had that rack for two years, never had an issue.
#2
In Real Life
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Down under down under
Posts: 52,152
Bikes: Lots
Mentioned: 141 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3203 Post(s)
Liked 596 Times
in
329 Posts
Are you in Australia? That's definitely an offense here.
We put our bicycles inside our vehicle.
We put our bicycles inside our vehicle.
__________________
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
#3
A tiny member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Riverview, Florida, U.S.A.
Posts: 202
Bikes: 2013 Specialized Allez
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Check you local laws, I have seen people mount their plates on the hitch or rack so it can be seen unobstructed.
#4
Senior Member
Following on from what Machka said, Australian car registration authorities make available for purchase a second, smaller number plate that can be attached to the rack or bike. It's up to your creativity in how it is attached.
Maybe remove your current plate and either
(a) re-attach it with a demountable system or
(b) do a colour laser copy of it, have it laminated and mounted on blockboard so the original is re-attached permanently to the car and the can be temporarily attached.
Otherwise, remove the rack, get another with a quick release, or carry the bikes in the car.
Maybe remove your current plate and either
(a) re-attach it with a demountable system or
(b) do a colour laser copy of it, have it laminated and mounted on blockboard so the original is re-attached permanently to the car and the can be temporarily attached.
Otherwise, remove the rack, get another with a quick release, or carry the bikes in the car.
#5
Membership Not Required
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: On the road-USA
Posts: 16,855
Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times
in
14 Posts
Sounds like somebody was bored or wanted to hassle you. In NC USA it is illegal to "obstruct" your plate with anything, I have had mine partially obscured with bike racks, trailer hitches and mud over the years and have never been stopped. Yet I know people that have been ticketed for having a trailer plug cable coiled up and partially obstructing a couple of the letters. It is also illegal to use any kind of cover over a plate in NC, but I still see plenty of vehicles with the ones that are supposed to fool the red light cameras.
I like the idea of a high quality color copy, but wonder how legal that would be, the other possibility would be to make a temporary mount that could be zip tied and easily moved.
Aaron
I like the idea of a high quality color copy, but wonder how legal that would be, the other possibility would be to make a temporary mount that could be zip tied and easily moved.
Aaron
__________________
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 643 Times
in
364 Posts
Golly. In Missouri pick up trucks don't even need to have a rear license plate.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,951
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times
in
12 Posts
It may hardly be worth the effort, but I'd take some pictures, go to court and show the judge, remaining very polite, respectful and objective. Say you knew of the law but didn't think this constituted obstructing the plate, but you will certainly be more careful in the future. There's an excellent chance you'll get let off just for showing the initiative, or get the fine waived, or a charged with a lesser infraction. It's always worked for me with various traffic infractions. (in the USA, anyway)
In a few jurisdictions, the judge asked the officer is he was OK with that, and the officer always agreed. No good comes from being angry, unpleasant or disrespectful of the officer during the traffic stop.
In a few jurisdictions, the judge asked the officer is he was OK with that, and the officer always agreed. No good comes from being angry, unpleasant or disrespectful of the officer during the traffic stop.
Last edited by Looigi; 05-29-13 at 07:40 AM.
#8
In Real Life
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Down under down under
Posts: 52,152
Bikes: Lots
Mentioned: 141 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3203 Post(s)
Liked 596 Times
in
329 Posts
We will have to wait to hear where the OP is from ... things are different in different countries regarding licence plates.
__________________
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 477
Bikes: 2010 Trek FX 7.5, 2011 Trek 2.1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm in Ohio. If we had drilled the holes and mounted the front plate, we likely would have not been pulled over. I'm in Cincinnati, and it is very common for even Ohioans to not have a front plate, though required by law. No state bordering Ohio has them, and in my neighborhood this morning in the span of one block I saw around 10 cars without front plates that had non-temporary Ohio rear. But, it is the law (though there is a bill to do away with them as a cost cutting measure.)
Not sure it's worth the 2 hours round trip to go to the court. I've casually asked an attorney and he says it's not worth our aggravation, and that since the front plate wasn't installed, we really don't have a case, and even winning would cost about $65 (fine is $120). We can get the record expunged after a year, but he told us that it really won't matter long term, not wearing your seatbelt in this state is also a minor misdemeanor, though they can't pull someone over just for that.
I really should have thought about the fact that the cops would be out in force this past weekend, as it was a holiday weekend. It seemed they all were in this one county, including the state highway patrol, after we got out of that county we didn't see anyone for a few hundred miles.
Not sure it's worth the 2 hours round trip to go to the court. I've casually asked an attorney and he says it's not worth our aggravation, and that since the front plate wasn't installed, we really don't have a case, and even winning would cost about $65 (fine is $120). We can get the record expunged after a year, but he told us that it really won't matter long term, not wearing your seatbelt in this state is also a minor misdemeanor, though they can't pull someone over just for that.
I really should have thought about the fact that the cops would be out in force this past weekend, as it was a holiday weekend. It seemed they all were in this one county, including the state highway patrol, after we got out of that county we didn't see anyone for a few hundred miles.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 643 Times
in
364 Posts
The license plate is the kind of thing my sons used to get pulled over for when they were riding around with their friends. The cops would then check everybody's ID. In those days, at least one of the guys in the car would almost always have an active arrest warrant.
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 477
Bikes: 2010 Trek FX 7.5, 2011 Trek 2.1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
No, we had our seat belts on. I'm just saying it's in the same classification of crime, both are minor misdemeanors as is small amounts of pot. The misdemeanor was obstructing the rear plate and not having the front on, but we only got cited for one.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 85
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
In many states even the dealer plate frames would be illegal. I believe the "rule" is that no part of the plate can be obstructed, many dealer frames block the state name.
That said, I often had the "foot" for a hitch-mount bike rack attached to a bumper hitch on a previous vehicle causing a slight obstruction and never had an issue.
That said, I often had the "foot" for a hitch-mount bike rack attached to a bumper hitch on a previous vehicle causing a slight obstruction and never had an issue.
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 477
Bikes: 2010 Trek FX 7.5, 2011 Trek 2.1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Just got a call from the wife, she's looking at a Saris Freedom. It may help at least with the issue, and would solve another issue with the Thelma and the fenders we have on our hybrids.
I'm glad at least that it isn't a moving violation, no reporting to the insurance company or points on the license.
I'm glad at least that it isn't a moving violation, no reporting to the insurance company or points on the license.
#16
Senior Member
Add a second plate frame to the outside of the hitch rack. Then mount the plate to it with wing nuts (or Ditz fasteners for car guys) so you can pop the plates back and forth between the two mounting locations easily.
/K
/K
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Warwick, UK
Posts: 1,049
Bikes: 2000-something 3 speed commuter, 1990-something Raleigh Scorpion
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Round here you can just get an extra rear plate made up for any vehicle you own, to put on the back of trailers or indeed to fit to a bike rack. Is that not the case where you are or are you seriously expected to move the vehicle's own plate around?
#18
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 477
Bikes: 2010 Trek FX 7.5, 2011 Trek 2.1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Looking at their site, it looks like the only thing is non commercial trailer, US$16 a year.
#19
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 20
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm in Ohio, I'm in Cincinnati. Also an Attorney. (Don't hold that against me) Would like to know what jurisdiction pulled you over.
Can't believe how petty this is.
Can't believe how petty this is.
#20
Membership Not Required
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: On the road-USA
Posts: 16,855
Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times
in
14 Posts
Aaron
__________________
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 643 Times
in
364 Posts
I've got to tell you that, since I'm not involved in any way, I'm really laughing about it. That ticket has to be the ultimate end-of-the-month special. If it's any consolation, misdemeanor means they can't put you in jail for more than a year.
#23
Membership Not Required
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: On the road-USA
Posts: 16,855
Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times
in
14 Posts
Don't remember it was close to 20 years ago, all I remember other than the ticket was that I was helping someone move some stuff and we had a big potted tree in the bed of the truck covered in a garbage bag and when the rookie asked what it was I told her it was a potted plant... had to uncover it to prove it wasn't a pot plant.
Aaron
Aaron
__________________
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
#24
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 477
Bikes: 2010 Trek FX 7.5, 2011 Trek 2.1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
We had a little burg in Ohio that would give you a ticket for dirt on a tail light. One year, they collected $350,000 worth of traffic tickets. Keep in mind, this place had 60 residents, and about 1000 feet worth of a main road running through. The police department was completely part time with 14 officers, and the village administration/police department was run out of a doublewide.
Ohio ended up having to pass a law specifically to dissolve the village, due to rampant corruption, missing funds etc etc.
Last edited by dpeters11; 05-31-13 at 02:05 PM.
#25
Senior Member
This was a minor misdemeanor, which means they can't put you in jail. It gets more serious if you don't pay. And I was wrong, it's $155, not $120.
We had a little burg in Ohio that would give you a ticket for dirt on a tail light. One year, they collected $350,000 worth of traffic tickets. Keep in mind, this place had 60 residents, and about 1000 feet worth of a main road running through. The police department was completely part time with 14 officers, and the village administration/police department was run out of a doublewide.
Ohio ended up having to pass a law specifically to dissolve the village, due to rampant corruption, missing funds etc etc.
We had a little burg in Ohio that would give you a ticket for dirt on a tail light. One year, they collected $350,000 worth of traffic tickets. Keep in mind, this place had 60 residents, and about 1000 feet worth of a main road running through. The police department was completely part time with 14 officers, and the village administration/police department was run out of a doublewide.
Ohio ended up having to pass a law specifically to dissolve the village, due to rampant corruption, missing funds etc etc.
__________________
Momento mori, amor fati.
Momento mori, amor fati.