So I just got my first front plate ticket in NJ, and based upon the success of fighting this in MD I think I'm going to fight it too. It's not so much the avoiding the $50 fine, I'm just worried that I'll keep getting pulled over for it as I got pulled over in front of work.
The statute in NJ says the following:
The owner of an automobile which is driven on the public highways of this State shall display not less than 12 inches nor more than 48 inches from the ground in a horizontal position, and in such a way as not to swing, an identification mark or marks to be furnished by the division; provided, that if two marks are issued they shall be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle; and provided, further, that if only one mark is issued it shall be displayed on the rear of the vehicle; and provided, further, that the rear identification mark may be displayed more than 48 inches from the ground on tank trucks, trailers and other commercial vehicles carrying inflammable liquids and on sanitation vehicles which are used to collect, transport and dispose of garbage, solid wastes and refuse. Motorcycles shall also display an identification mark or marks; provided, that if two marks are issued they shall be displayed on the front and rear of the motorcycle; and provided, further, that if only one mark is issued it shall be displayed on the rear of the motorcycle.
The issue here is that we do not have a horizontal surface to hang the plate that is more than 12 inches off the ground. The plate will actually hang at closer to 8-9in. (Don't have a tape measure at work, but it is less than 12). I'm thinking of bringing the bumper exemption ruling with me along with the wording of this statute.
Thoughts?
The statute in NJ says the following:
The owner of an automobile which is driven on the public highways of this State shall display not less than 12 inches nor more than 48 inches from the ground in a horizontal position, and in such a way as not to swing, an identification mark or marks to be furnished by the division; provided, that if two marks are issued they shall be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle; and provided, further, that if only one mark is issued it shall be displayed on the rear of the vehicle; and provided, further, that the rear identification mark may be displayed more than 48 inches from the ground on tank trucks, trailers and other commercial vehicles carrying inflammable liquids and on sanitation vehicles which are used to collect, transport and dispose of garbage, solid wastes and refuse. Motorcycles shall also display an identification mark or marks; provided, that if two marks are issued they shall be displayed on the front and rear of the motorcycle; and provided, further, that if only one mark is issued it shall be displayed on the rear of the motorcycle.
The issue here is that we do not have a horizontal surface to hang the plate that is more than 12 inches off the ground. The plate will actually hang at closer to 8-9in. (Don't have a tape measure at work, but it is less than 12). I'm thinking of bringing the bumper exemption ruling with me along with the wording of this statute.
Thoughts?