Log in

View Full Version : New AZ license plate law


cactusjack
12-11-2008, 03:07 PM
A new law takes effect in AZ on January 01. It states that the word "ARIZONA" (or "AZ" on a motorcycle plate) at the top of the license plate must be clearly visible. Many vehicles currently have license plate frames that obscure this area of the plate. Most vehicles come this way from the dealer. Average fine is $140 (depends on which jurisdiction you're ticketed in) + a 10% surcharge. It is up to the discretion of each individual officer if the name is clearly visible or not.

I have to remove our beloved Denver Broncos plate frames on my and my wife's cars, and the nice chrome Eagle frame on the trailer I recently built.

I would dare say that no other state in the country has images of saguaro cactii on their plates, but AZ has like 40 different types of plates and I guess all are not that obvious.

The real reason behind this is that AZ is a photo-citation heavy state, and they are losing out on revenue. I read recently that only 25% of violations caught by cameras result in citations. Part of the reason is because they can't clearly identify the driver or read the license plate clearly.

Of course, this statute doesn't apply to vehicles licensed in other states, so please don't use this as a reason to avoid the Grand Canyon State.

Arizona riders/drivers beware!

trip
12-11-2008, 03:09 PM
Texas went through that very thing last year. I had to take all my license plate frames off.

chainsaw
12-11-2008, 03:11 PM
That's a law in Texas too, but not regularly enforced.

cactusjack
12-11-2008, 04:02 PM
I'm not going to gamble $154 to find out how vigorously it will be enforced here. Oh well, at least we only have one plate to worry about. No front plate required in AZ.

ringadingh
12-11-2008, 09:08 PM
On our toll routes here, my tour pak hides the plate enough so that the cameras cant get a picture of it. On the car though Im not so lucky.

dhomoney
12-11-2008, 10:15 PM
Yeah, this law is strictly to increase revenue by the state. As if they don't already bleed you dry, now they want more. Sad really.

kenb
12-11-2008, 11:18 PM
I bet someone, right now, is down in the shop, fabricating new style frames and brackets to sell. Instead of bitchin', he's looking to get in on the money to be made. Might even be some available now.

blowndodge
12-12-2008, 09:29 AM
Are your doggin' Southern California???? http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif