new license plate (California, Florida: crimes, neighborhood, live in)

[photomnt]

I just thought I would let everyone know that MO is getting a new license plate and you can vote for it at dor.mo.gov.

[christina0001]

Wow, all three designs are nice! I don't live in MO...is it wrong for me to vote? Shoot, I really can't decide. I like the bird one a lot...but the one with the blue curvy line and yellow sun is really nice too. The reflection one is nice but the orange sun does make me think of an orange, and oranges are from Florida and California. Bluebird...Ribbon...Bluebird...Ribbon...hmmmm...

[c3bunny]

I don't live there yet but since I'm moving there in the next few months I voted anyways. I voted for the blue bird plate. It's pretty.

[danbomo]

All the people I have talked to here seem to lean towared the
bluebird.

[Indy4570]

any idea when Mo will do as the rest of the nation is doing and get rid of the front plate? saves a ton of money and the enforcement argument by police hasn't been an issue in states that dropped the front plate.

[garth]

Originally Posted by Indy4570

any idea when Mo will do as the rest of the nation is doing and get rid of the front plate? saves a ton of money and the enforcement argument by police hasn't been an issue in states that dropped the front plate.

Huh??? The rest of the nation??? Maybe some but it's far from the "rest of the nation."

As for an enforcement arguement not being an issue, could you please supply an authoritative document/link to support that statement? Thank you, and I'm sorry to everyone else for furthering the hijacking of the thread.

[Indy4570]

Well Ya got me there. I have not done adequate research to support my statements but I will conduct some at a later date and re-post my findings. As to my comments/question, my opinion of the number of states that has dropped the front plate is directly related to my extensive over the road travel. I was a driver for a spell and you don't see many plates on the front anymore. As to the Police comment I was a resident of a state that dropped the front plate and no subsequent news articles stand out in my mind as to the increase of criminals running rampant because the law enforcement couldn't read a number on the front of the automobile. You having fun picking all my posts apart Garth? I will be more prepared when I come to the City-data courtroom next time! PS there are a few more you haven't critiqued yet, I will watch for your comments with interest

[Indy4570]

well Garth it appears that some 31 states still have two plates. some like Minnesota have different rules for different vehicles and types of vehicle. I'm sure in the case of motorcycles there are some problems with a front plate. Also as it was before, the majority of law enforcement agencies prefer two plates. It would seem also that two states have gone back to a two plate system. I found this, "Currently, 31 states have both a front and a rear license plate. Two states (Connecticut and Massachusetts) have recently returned to using two license plates. The Connecticut Legislature passed a law in 1999 requiring all vehicles to display both front and rear license plates.

Every national, and most state law enforcement groups support the use of front and rear license plates. National law enforcement studies have determined that police cars approach more vehicles than are followed making the front license plate a critical and effective identification tool.

Newspaper articles reveal how crimes are reported and solved when citizens and law enforcement officers identify vehicles based upon their license plates. Having front and rear license plates increases the likelihood these citizens and law enforcement officers will identify vehicles in their every day responsibilities.

Front license plates enhance the effectiveness of many new technologies used by law enforcement. For example, the use of laser speed enforcement is dramatically improved because a front license plate that is reflective provides an ideal target. Front plates are also used in video surveillance at weigh stations, intersections and toll roads.

A recent AAA survey found that 72% of respondents favored displaying both front and rear license plates.

All citizens benefit from the use of front and rear license plates. On a dark rural road, a fully reflective license plate on a parked car or abandoned vehicle will most likely be the only warning to oncoming motorists at night.

A front license plate also helps the growing number of citizen and neighborhood watch organizations.

Using front and rear license plates, anti-drunk driving organizations provide educational programs teaching their members how to identify vehicles driven by impaired drivers. " Just for you Garth, I trust you are pleased. I stand corrected. I shall endeavor to pay close attention to front plates henceforth. The decision to discontinue front plates was an economical one in the state I resided in and there was no major fallout. As it is no surprise that law enforcement wants all the tools it can get to further keep all those outlaws in check I am not enlightened by the Ohio State troopers view on front plates. Ohio is known among those who drive cross country as the worst state for getting a ticket in, amount of fines as well as frequency.

[garth]

No, I'm not trying to pick your posts apart. As I recall I asked about some screwy county nickname in another post, which you just answered, and asked for further info in this post since I found it in contrast with my direct experience. If that's picking, then so be it.

So, for the opinion of front license plates being useless for law enforcement or causing criminals to "run rampant," which really begs the issue, 20 years of LEO experience tells me otherwise. I found them of value soooo many times and in soooo many ways that I can't describe them all to you.

I know for a fact that there would have been many circumstances where a criminal would have remained on the street had the front plate not been available and required by the State. I hope they remain in MO because they are a useful item, with or without the bluebird.

Good luck with your posts and please don't think I, or perhaps others, are critiquing you. Sometimes a discussion is just that, a discussion.

ON EDIT: Wow!!! I'm impressed with your second post that you posted while I was writing this response, really! I didn't expect you to go to such work pulling stats, sources, and info on the subject. I appreciate you diligence and willingness to address the subject and our differencees. It speaks well of your approach.

How about we both get back to the topic of the thread? Do you like the bluebird plate or a different one?

[Indy4570]

Hello again, I don't recall saying anything about a front plate being useless, But I think I will go with the apparent majority by picking the bluebird plate. Oh yeah, I guess it was the 3 question marks that set me off, that being said, I guessed your job experience from your response. I'm off to read your response to another posting I hope. If you have responded I am sure it will be an interesting read. Tag, your it! good day to all