It's the truth! Effective December 1, 2009, North Carolina has outlawed license plate frames.
Ouch! Don't let my mom see the 'cuffs.
Now, you will get a warning for the first year, but after November 30, 2010, if your license plate frame covers the state name, you will pay the penalty. I don't know what that means, but "penalty" never sounds too great. And I am certain that the law will be aggressively enforced in Cary.
So I see a great opportunity for the feller who can create a great vanity frame for Realtors, one that doesn't cover the NORTH CAROLINA at the bottom of the tag.
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Mike Jaquish, REALTOR®
919-880-2769 www.CaryRealEstateSales.com
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Broker Associate, KELLER WILLIAMS® Realty, Cary, NC
Okay, Mike, I give up! Is there some reason why this is supposed to be important to legislate? I am trying to think of a rationale, but I can't think of a thing.
Hey Mike,
That's a new one on me, we use them here all the time. Yet, our state name is at the top of our plates.
Susan,
I surrender too! I originally titled the post: "They can have my frame when they pry it from my cold dead fingers," but I caved in to The Man...
LOL
Lynda,
We ELEVATE! with "First in Flight" at the top.
Although I live in Texas, I am going to check my frames immediately!
Wow... are ther better thingts they can be focusing on? Too funny...
Right, Sharon,
We North Carolinians know how you Texans are. Keep them there oversized frames where they belong...
Nancy,
My representative went to Raleigh, and all I got was this lousy license plate law...
Makes perfect sense to me. We have license plates to identify vehicles. They are a standard size and meant to be displayed that size. By covering up various portions of the frame it defeats the purpose of having a plate, which is to make the vehicle identifiable to observers.
If we didnt want the plate so observable, it would either be smaller to begin with or we wouldnt have one displayed at all.
It might be easy for a local to identify that plate and its state or registration, but I sure couldn't identify it to law enforcement if I had to.
We have a problem with people who think that decorating their vehicle in a manner which covers the plate, the lights, and the windows is okay. In fact, there are laws which require those things in the interest of public safety.
If people really want to put some silly slogan or marketing on their car, spend the money on some vinyl. Plate covers are about as cool as a 'Where the hell is Walldrug' bumber sticker.
Thanks Robert!
Don't forget if there is a tinted cover, in Ontario that's illegal too.
well let's see...they have a tough time with the budget, the economy etc. Is this the best they can do? Geez...
Brian,
Oh, yeah... They covered the tinted and prismatic covers, too.
Nevin,
Well, it could be worse. They could be trying to muddle in important stuff.
Mike - will they start enforcing obscured plates, like mud covered, at the same time? Does that mean that if I travel from Georgia with an oversized frame I will get busted in N.C.?
Mike,
Yes, obscured plates are referenced in the Act.
As far as coming in from out of state? Hmmm... Well, you might practice picking up litter along the highways, just in case. :D