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????

12-11-2008, 03:07 PM	#1
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	New AZ license plate law 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! __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17 Login or Register to Remove Ads
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12-11-2008, 03:09 PM	#2
trip VBA Founder Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Lindale, Texas Posts: 6,846	New AZ license plate law Texas went through that very thing last year. I had to take all my license plate frames off. __________________ Robert "Trip" Hilliard VBA/KawaNOW - Founder/Past President VBA # 00001 Trip's Website Custer 09, 18 / Maggie Valley 11 / Eureka Springs 09, 17 / Antlers 09, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18 Texas Hill Country / Deals Gap / Colorado / Wyoming / Montana / Utah / More trips for Trip
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12-11-2008, 03:11 PM	#3
chainsaw Sr. Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,732	New AZ license plate law That's a law in Texas too, but not regularly enforced.
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12-11-2008, 04:02 PM	#4
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	New AZ license plate law 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. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
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12-11-2008, 09:08 PM	#5
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	New AZ license plate law 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. __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951 Login or Register to Remove Ads
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12-11-2008, 10:15 PM	#6
dhomoney Advanced Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lake Tenkiller, OK Posts: 737	New AZ license plate law 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.
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12-11-2008, 11:18 PM	#7
kenb Advanced Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Galt, Ca Posts: 514	New AZ license plate law 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. __________________ VBA 00735 VROC 28102 2008 KVN MOB & NS The only hand-held device that should be legal to use while driving is the STEERING WHEEL!
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12-12-2008, 09:29 AM	#8
blowndodge Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Washington City, Utah Posts: 16,474	New AZ license plate law Are your doggin' Southern California???? __________________ I love my Victory Cross Country Tour 106. Smells like Victory! Ultra's are Limited There are two types of Harley riders. Those that trailer them and those that push them. The most Interesting Man in the World "Find the things in life you don't do well and don't do those things" Member # 0005
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