Comments on: Ticketed for bike-rack on S.R. 408?

By: fred_dot_u

fred_dot_u — Wed, 11 May 2011 20:04:41 +0000

Ron, I’m not sure what information you have as a source, but reflective signal “radar” comes in two forms, optical and radio waves. Disregarding the technical aspect that optical is radio waves at a very high frequency, optical speed checking is done with an infrared laser, sighted with something similar to the scope on a rifle and received in the same manner. The officer need not view a plate for this to happen, especially as it is typically performed at oncoming traffic.

Traditional radar, using radio waves, need only a metallic reflective surface and is also typically performed in the direction of oncoming traffic.

License plate obstructions are a violation of the law because law enforcement wants to ensure that a vehicle is properly registered and is displaying the tag in a lawful manner.

The cameras in the car are a new development and certainly the law enforcement community wants to be able to read your tag, and let the computer automatically check that it’s current, not stolen and any number of other infractions that could be posted against the tag number.

In the state of Florida, if you have a frame around your plate that even partially blocks the wording on the tag, you can be cited for an obstruction violation.

There is a difference between information from the tag and speed checking. The plate matters not in the latter circumstance.

By: Ron

Ron — Wed, 11 May 2011 19:07:35 +0000

Here’s the thing. Undercover cop cars now have radar that shots out of the cop car and reflects off your tag (that is why all new tags are very reflective) back to the cop car. If tag is covered, they can’t check your speed. Cop cars now have cameras, in the car, that photographs and runs your plates and has all your information posted on the computer before they even pull you over. These r why all the states passed the obstruction laws. License plates covers don’t cover the letters and numbers, just the state. Cops should no, but they can’t use their cameras if state is covered.

Just FYI

By: Eric

Eric — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 16:45:31 +0000

Thule comes from a country that treats traffic laws seriously. Consequently, according to this article, http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/news/article7132511.ece

they sell add-on light boards so that your tag and tail lights are not obstructed.

By: Theresa

Theresa — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 04:07:14 +0000

I was pulled over after dark on Goldenrod two nights ago for the bike rack obscuring the tag. It is a Thule rack that mounts in the trailer hitch. Got away with a warning, but am unsure what to do to rectify the situation. It’s a problem to see this being enforced without any solution being presented. Thought about photocopying the plate and mounting it in the back window – don’t know if this would help.

By: v knipp

v knipp — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 02:15:04 +0000

I got stopped yesterday in Texas for obstruction. No bike…Saris rack tilted up. I’ve driven like this for 12 mo’s…San antonio, Austin, etc and no comments. I have a plate on the front. Guess when I go through that county I’ll tilt my rack down. Geez!

By: doug e

doug e — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 04:17:03 +0000

Maybe we just need to go to the two license plate system like many other states and then it won’t be an issue. As near as I can tell the states that only have one plate are in the minority in the country so I say make the switch.

While we are at it, let’s bring back the vehicle inspections that we used to have in the early 70′s at least that way once a year some of the wrecks I see on our roads would have all the necessary lights and such.

By: fred_dot_u

fred_dot_u — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:53:34 +0000

I sent an email to the FL DMV asking about getting a second plate to attach permanently to the bike rack, along with adding lights to connect to the trailer light plug. They don’t need to respond to the lights aspect, for obvious reasons, but they didn’t respond all that well to my question. Not a single point was addressed, only a vague recitation of the statutes:

Thank you for your recent inquiry.

Florida only requires one license plate to be affixed to the rear of the motor vehicle, which is the official plate. Section 316.605, Florida Statutes, states, vehicle license plates shall be affixed and displayed in such a manner that the letters and numerals shall be read from left to right parallel to the ground. No vehicle license plate may be displayed in an inverted or reversed position or in such a manner that the letters and numbers and their proper sequence are not readily identifiable.

We hope this information will assist you.

Obviously, it does not assist anyone. Does anyone know a traffic judge? You’d think I would, but I got my citations dismissed by pushing papers.

By: J

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:10:48 +0000

F the police .

By: Keri

Keri — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:02:45 +0000

Aaron, Thanks for the letting us know. So this isn’t just about the expressway authority. Did the officer give you a warning or a ticket?

When there are bikes on the rack, can the rack-mounted tag still be seen?

By: Aaron

Aaron — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:40:10 +0000

Yep this is true, I was pulled over last week on East Colonial on the East side of Orlando for an obstructed tag. I thought the tag had to be “permanently mounted” and since the rack is removable ….. I’m not sure. I know you can’t have two tags and switching is a total PIA. Truck is to tall for a roof rack (bike), or I’m too short. I did ask officer Bonetti what Orange County does with their racks and the officers reply was well ours cover our tags but our number (I guess car # he didn’t specify) is on all four sides if the the car. I commented that that was an option but he didn’t find it amusing. So I went out and bought a $4 tag mount and bolted it to my rack and then swapped the tag. Next they’ll hit me for no light on the tag. Sheesh!

Aaron