Two questions

[vbguru12000]

Just got two questions for you all tonight.

1) I know some states require a license plate on both front and back of the car. However, this is not the case in my state. What is the law if I were to drive to one of these states? Do I need to purchase a second plate to drive legally in this state? or is there some kind of exhemption in my case?

2) I just saw the pet-peeve post, so I was kinda curious on the opposite. How should one act in a traffic stop? Besides the obvious no lying and arguing, what would you like to see somebody do? for example, should the person sit there and wait to be approached? or should he get his license/registration out and have it waiting? Stuff like that is what I'm kinda interested in hearing.

[mcsap]

As long as your car meets your home state registration requirement s, you are fine. My state is a one plate state and I go to Maryland quite a bit ( only 20 miles) which is a 2 plate state. Never ever had a problem. One can see my PA inspection sticker which is a dead giveaway that I am a PA car.

The best thing you can do is pull over as soon and as safely as you can. Turn OFF your radio , put the car in park/neutral and you can shut it off to save some gas. Wait for the officer inside the car NEVER get out first, we DO NOT like you to get out.

Don't reach for or do anything until we ask you to do so. You may be innocently digging for your license / registration but for all we know , you are trying to find your 9mm handgun. Police officers do get shot on traffic stops you know.

Remain calm , and we will ask/tell you what we want or need.

I usually decide if I am going to cite before I pull you over but it is possible for you to make me go from a warning to a ticket in a very short amount of time. ( or go from one to two tickets).

Confront me in court if you wish but doing so on the street will get you nowhere FAST.

[Ironhead]

Do I need to purchase a second plate to drive legally in this state?

Even if you wanted to buy a second license plate in a one-plate State, I don't think you can. The rest of the question has been answered - if you are legal in your own State, you are legal in all 50.

2)How should one act in a traffic stop?

I don't like to see people moving around in the car during the approach. It doesn't 'waste' that much time to wait until the officer is at your window, before you start getting out your OL and registration. Most people know whythey've been pulled. If you know - be an adult and admit you know why - and don't be "smart" about it like:
"Do you know why I pulled you over?"
"Yeah - you probably think I was speeding"

Other than that - just be somewhat respectful and remember, although it is a big deal to you and it may cost you some money, it's not personal - we don't even know you - We just have a job to do. We don't expect you to kiss our butt - but likewise - don't tell us to kiss yours. ;)

[mobrien316]

I believe that for all the states which require two plates (like Connecticut) the statute actually contains words to the effect of: "When two plates are issued, both shall be mounted on the vehicle."

If your state only issues one plate then no matter what state you drive through you are good.

[ngcsubutterbar]

The best thing you can do is pull over as soon and as safely as you can. Turn OFF your radio , put the car in park/neutral and you can shut it off to save some gas. Wait for the officer inside the car NEVER get out first, we DO NOT like you to get out.

Hehe, I almost put a cap in some Japanese man's arse during Masters when he jumped out of his car like he wanted to do something. Of course later I knew it was just a customs difference, but like the famous words... "Don't start nothing, there won't be nothing"

[Legoate]

Just sit quietly in the car and I'll be happy. The first thing I look for when I approach is two hands for each person in the car. If the hands I'm looking for are digging in the center console or glove box, my sphincter tension goes up and the stop becomes less pleasant.

I'm more than happy to tell you what I want, there is no need to guess what I am going to ask for.

[Mike Romeo]

Your attitude is bonus points with me during a traffic stop. If you are cooperative and receptive to what I am explaining to you, it reflects, especially if the matter goes to court. The prosecutor, defense attorney, or even the judge will probably ask the question, "Was he/she cooperative?" And I will answer accordingly.

When I'm not talking to you, I'm taking care of business. It helps if you don't do anything that I would perceive as threatening. We're already a little nervous anyway by virtue of our profession. It's always a good traffic stop when both of us leave in peace.

[acreature]

We're already a little nervous anyway by virtue of our profession.

Only when running on hard surfaces :p


j/k :D

[TX-LEO]

Just got two questions for you all tonight.

1) Do I need to purchase a second plate to drive legally in this state?


2) How should one act in a traffic stop? .

1. No

2. Be nice

[Cinnamon]

Your attitude is bonus points with me during a traffic stop. If you are cooperative and receptive to what I am explaining to you, it reflects, especially if the matter goes to court.

Oh yeah... it's all about attitude. :D

I always tell the violator at the initial contact with them if they are getting a ticket or not. Their true colors will usually come out...this helps me in deciding at that point what ticket I will write. There's nothing worse than writing let's say "speeding"....you go up and then the guy's a total prick...then I had wished I had written "reckless"