Comments on: Court Says Trailer Hitch Reason To Stop Motorist

By: David Huie Green

David Huie Green — Mon, 18 May 2015 14:09:06 +0000

You know a certain year and make and color vehicle has been stolen.
That year and make and color model drives by.
You can’t read the tag because the driver has obscured the tag.
Imagine if you COULDN’T stop it and check.
The owner would never get his car back.

It is interesting how many people want to stack the deck in the favor of criminals.

David for better people

By: john

john — Mon, 18 May 2015 11:37:36 +0000

@Scott, that’s the problems in this country, common sense isn’t that common!!!

By: Sam

Sam — Sun, 17 May 2015 17:24:58 +0000

Trailers are required to have licence plates too. No one in their right mind could expect to view a plate on a vehicle towing a trailer. However, if a towing is not taking place, legible plates are to be expected.

By: Rocky

Rocky — Sun, 17 May 2015 16:50:30 +0000

@really… Yeah, we really do need some common sense in the judicial system. When attorneys try to get their clients off that list of charges on the basis that the deputy didn’t have a legitimate excuse to pull the vehicle over, there is a problem.

The fact that it was heard before an appeals court, means the charges weren’t thrown out the first time on that bogus excuse for not being stopped. And, the fact that the Supreme Court is mentioned is utterly ridiculous, with two courts having already heard said argument, and denied the claim of unreasonable stop. Whatever the deputy’s reason for pulling the vehicle over, it was a stolen car, and the driver was in possession of drugs and drug paraphenalia. He’s guilty on all three counts; even remotely suggesting that he’s innocent, because the deputy didn’t have an excuse to stop him, is ludicrous.

By: nod

nod — Sat, 16 May 2015 18:33:36 +0000

I do not believe that a vehicle should have a trailer hitch attached when they are not towing a trailer. it is a big hazard in parking lots for people driving and walking.

By: scott

scott — Sat, 16 May 2015 15:13:16 +0000

@really!

Well said. At some point, common sense has to come into play. When the persons in your statement get pulled over and charged, something will change.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Sat, 16 May 2015 14:11:19 +0000

The law says the numbers of the tag must be visible from 100 feet. The law does not mention any exceptions – like pulling a trailer, having a tailgate down, having a dealer tag holder, a plastic cover that’s yellowed (or a brand new colored cover), a trailer hitch (ball), damaged numbers on a tag or for that matter, a mud splattered tag. The law says the numbers of the tag must be visible from 100 feet.

The report only indicated the hitch was obstructing the tag numbers – a trailer was not mentioned, so don’t assume he was pulling one. If a trailer is being pulled, the law states the trailer must have a tag that is visible from 100 feet.

F.S. 316.605Licensing of vehicles

…and in such manner as to prevent the plates from swinging, and all letters, numerals, printing, writing, and other identification marks upon the plates regarding the word “Florida,” the registration decal, and the alphanumeric designation shall be clear and distinct and free from defacement, mutilation, grease, and other obscuring matter, so that they will be plainly visible and legible at all times 100 feet from the rear or front. Except as provided in s. 316.2085(3),…

By: billd

billd — Sat, 16 May 2015 13:31:33 +0000

Why do we even have license plates? Besides a money grab what purpose do the really serve? My truck and life would be just fine without plates……think about it

By: Just Saying

Just Saying — Sat, 16 May 2015 13:02:14 +0000

If you are pulling a trailer, farm equipment, etc., then you must have a tag on the equipment that is visible. This makes perfect sense to me. Some people find reasons to find fault with every little thing. Laws are there for a reason and that is why our law enforcement is having so much trouble and stay in danger now. Too many people think they can write their own rules and change what already makes sense. It will never be perfect for everyone!

By: Bob C.

Bob C. — Sat, 16 May 2015 12:37:17 +0000

So, if vehicle tags are expected to be clear and unobstructed, how about the tags that have colored / tinted covers over their tags or those that were at one time clear plastic and over time have yellowed or become opaque?
Too, three are the specialty or dealership tag frames that cover parts of the vehicle license tag and hide the state name and other tag information from a clear and unobstructed view.
Will law enforcement now begin pulling over these vehicles?