Fighting a No Front Plate Ticket

[Mr. Red]

Last weekend, I got a ticket for no front plate when I was turning out of the revscene carshow down at Spanish Banks. There were about 200 cars in it. I just turned east out of the parking lot and about two minutes down the road, the cop waved me over, while six Volkswagens drove past, all with no plate. When I enquired about the legitimacy of this ticket considering there were many cars without plates, he replied by saying "I can get a few. If your buddies (randoms at the show) would not throw garbage at my car, maybe I would be nicer to you." My jaw dropped. I wanted to tell the cop what I thought of him but I politely replied "I am sorry people would do that" and he just walked away. Now I have to pay $100 to his salary and would really rather not. Anyone think I could somehow fight this..would it be worth taking it to court in hopes he doesn't show up?

[Blackice]

Originally Posted by Mr. Red Last weekend, I got a ticket for no front plate when I was turning out of the revscene carshow down at Spanish Banks. There were about 200 cars in it. I just turned east out of the parking lot and about two minutes down the road, the cop waved me over, while six Volkswagens drove past, all with no plate. When I enquired about the legitimacy of this ticket considering there were many cars without plates, he replied by saying "I can get a few. If your buddies (randoms at the show) would not throw garbage at my car, maybe I would be nicer to you." My jaw dropped. I wanted to tell the cop what I thought of him but I politely replied "I am sorry people would do that" and he just walked away. Now I have to pay $100 his salary. Anyone think I could somehow fight this..would it be worth taking it to court in hopes he doesn't show up?

That sucks ! These car shows are easy pickings for the cops, They can pull almost every car over some something, I have heard cops say that if they can't get 2 fingers between the tire and the arches, they will ticket, as well as tinting, plates,and so many more..... The question is, is it fair ?

Well from his side, it is the law, and maybe a bit of screw you guys for driving fast, making noise, and for getting complains from the locals about the cars, or in most cases that one car, that is rude, and that puts a bad spin on all the fun.

We saw this all the time at the gate of westwood. We all would have to go thru one gate to get out, so they just sat there and would wait. We would always let the 4X4 with the drunks guys in front of us in the line up. They would be all hey thanks buddy, HEHEHEHEHEH.

Should you tie up the court for the fine ? I guess it depends on how long it takes you to make 100 bucks. For me, it is just not worth the time, effort and frustration of fighting.

[320iCar]

i agree with blackice. is it really worth the effort? it was just unfortunate that it was you.


although, the easiest way to fight any ticket it to take it to court. and hope the officer doesn't show up. if he doesn't, then the ticket is thrown out.

[dc42004]

did u have the front plate displaying some place else in the car? or was it in the trunck or did u not have it with u?

ya, that's pretty hard to get away if u have the ticket.

I've learn that the officer usually talks to you first be4 he asks for your registration and licence.

BUT before he asks, u should really try to talk your way out of it. once he asked, there's nothing that'll stop him from doing some paper work.

That's unfortunate that u got nailed... good luck on the dispute.

[Mr. Red]

Originally Posted by Blackice That sucks ! These car shows are easy pickings for the cops, They can pull almost every car over some something, I have heard cops say that if they can't get 2 fingers between the tire and the arches, they will ticket, as well as tinting, plates,and so many more..... The question is, is it fair ? Well from his side, it is the law, and maybe a bit of screw you guys for driving fast, making noise, and for getting complains from the locals about the cars, or in most cases that one car, that is rude, and that puts a bad spin on all the fun. We saw this all the time at the gate of westwood. We all would have to go thru one gate to get out, so they just sat there and would wait. We would always let the 4X4 with the drunks guys in front of us in the line up. They would be all hey thanks buddy, HEHEHEHEHEH. Should you tie up the court for the fine ? I guess it depends on how long it takes you to make 100 bucks. For me, it is just not worth the time, effort and frustration of fighting.

Originally Posted by 320iCar i agree with blackice. is it really worth the effort? it was just unfortunate that it was you. although, the easiest way to fight any ticket it to take it to court. and hope the officer doesn't show up. if he doesn't, then the ticket is thrown out.

Thanks for the responses guys. I work very sparse hours and go to school full time so I really don't have any extra money for something like this. At the moment, I need to do anything in my power to negate the charge, or at least delay it until I am making more money in the summer.

Originally Posted by dc42004 did u have the front plate displaying some place else in the car? or was it in the trunck or did u not have it with u? ya, that's pretty hard to get away if u have the ticket. I've learn that the officer usually talks to you first be4 he asks for your registration and licence. BUT before he asks, u should really try to talk your way out of it. once he asked, there's nothing that'll stop him from doing some paper work. That's unfortunate that u got nailed... good luck on the dispute.

I had it in the basket thing behind my seat..but I never got a chance to show him. He made it seem like it didn't matter. In terms of talking my way out of it, he walked up, asked for my driver's license, commented that I was not wearing a seatbelt and threatened to give me a ticket for that (I took it off when he was walking up to my car because I was anticipating having to dig for my insurance papers, I now know to leave it on) and then walked back to his car. When he came back to give me the ticket, I explained to him that I was just coming out of a car show and that I have my plate on at all other times. He was having none of it and handed me my ticket but acted like he was so kind and let me off for having no seatbelt.

[murphymurf]

I'm disputing two tickets from a random inspection myself. I've been waiting over a year now just to hear back about a court date. From what I have been told it won't be set for another year...... so it will be a good two years after the fact that I have my chance in court. So silly and such a waste of everyone's time, but that cop is not going to get my money. It was simply a cash grab for the RCMP and I won't bend over.

He gave me a ticket for my license plate trim around my plate, and no, it's not covering ANY of the numbers or letters..... just a plain simple boarder. I told him that didn't make sense because every new car that comes off the lot has one like it..... his response "and I give a ticket to every BMW that comes out of Brian Jessel"

[Mr. Red]

Originally Posted by murphymurf I'm disputing two tickets from a random inspection myself. I've been waiting over a year now just to hear back about a court date. From what I have been told it won't be set for another year...... so it will be a good two years after the fact that I have my chance in court. So silly and such a waste of everyone's time, but that cop is not going to get my money. It was simply a cash grab for the RCMP and I won't bend over. He gave me a ticket for my license plate trim around my plate, and no, it's not covering ANY of the numbers or letters..... just a plain simple boarder. I told him that didn't make sense because every new car that comes off the lot has one like it..... his response "and I give a ticket to every BMW that comes out of Brian Jessel"

LOL that is such bull. I hope my ticket gets delayed a long time like yours. The chance that the police officer will show a year later is pretty slim.

[s_a_c]

Wow that really sucks, you know i did'nt know it was illegal to have only one plate on.

[motoyen]

If it gets delayed that long chances are you can have the charges dismissed. I had a speeding ticket north of whistler that I contested and it was over 2 years before I heard from the court and they basically said to forget about it because it took so long.

[Mr. Red]

Originally Posted by s_a_c Wow that really sucks, you know i did'nt know it was illegal to have only one plate on.

In BC it is, along with various other provinces. I think you guys in Ontario are fine with just the back plate

[mirek]

You need a front plate in Ontario, Alberta is the only province you don't.

[Mr. Red]

Originally Posted by mirek You need a front plate in Ontario, Alberta is the only province you don't.

Right! I knew that.

[Mr. Red]

well I disputed it. The lady asked me if I wanted to admit guilt or contest the fine..I took the latter because the police man was right, I did not have a front plate. I'm not sure if this was the right angle to take but my court date is expected for 6-12 months in the future.

[mousetoo2]

Actually, I got out of "no front plate" ticket years ago. But the kicker was, I didn't own the vehicle and went to see the city prosecutor. He said that as I didn't own the vehicle I couldn't have two plates on it if I wanted to. He didn't hand the ticket on to the owner but he did show me the motor vehicle act stating that you must have front and rear. Sounds like the cop was just being a dink. But then, if you want the law you call a cop. If you want justice you call a judge. Keep us posted as to what happens !!!

[82eye]

Originally Posted by mirek You need a front plate in Ontario, Alberta is the only province you don't.

No front plates in Sask either.

Also did you take any pics at the show? If you can show other cars had no front plate and weren't ticketed, then that proves a kind of bias displayed by the officer, and the judge literally has more grounds to toss the charges.