COPS: Do "special license plates" really keep people from getting tickets?

Question

Many states offer not only personalized tags for cars, but SPECIAL tags. They generally cost extra but people seem too display them thinking that certain ones guarantee them a break by the police. I am talking about FOP (Fraternal Order of Police,) various tags for recipients of military honors, military reservists, national guard, certain professions, etc. Then there are the very low numbered tags often reserved for the governor's closest friends. Question is, do any of these tags tend to make cops look the other way and forgive minor traffic infraction or are these just revenue generators for states or ego boosters for those who have them?

Does having a special tag help you avoid getting traffic tickets or do they have the same worthless value as a back window plastered with old PBA/FOP stickers your brother in law the cop gave you? I ask because so many people seem to THINK that there are license plates that almost guarantee you a break from the cops in many places. I am wondering of any of that is true.

Non-cops are free to answer if you have a unique story of getting off or getting ticketed if your vehicle has a special or unique type of license plate.

Answer 1

My understanding is that a cop has generally decided whether or not he is going to write a ticket before he even turns on the lights to pull you over.

Answer 2

I disagree with the person who said they mean nothing since "anyone" can get them. In most if not all states one has to demonstrate certain things like membership to get FOP plates for example. Even Associate Members of the FOP can not get them in VA. So there.



But to plaster your car's rear window with years of PBA stickers thinking that the cops will look on you as a great supporter is just dumb. Real cops are careful NOT to advertize, lest bad guys break into their trunks in restaurant parking lots, thinking their weapons are probably left there for safety. Real cops will somtimes display a discreet "think blue line" decal or sticker but now that cat is long out of the bag and wannabees are duplicating them thinking they help. They don't. Everyone has a cop in the family or amongst their friends. That gives you no special privileges. PBA cards are offered for sale on EBAY, along with FOP items, etc. The only thing that may get you out of a ticket for a MINOR transgression is to be a cop yourself or be in a profession cops happen to respect and that is subjective. If it were that easy EVERYONE would find a way to buy some sticker or card. And the truth is, many do. It's a big waste of time and money. When the cop who stops you asks about all the silly cards and stickers it all fals apart. No one likes a name dropper and cops HATE it when people try to weasel out of a deserved summons.

Answer 3

No. Since anyone can get those law enforcement plates, they don't mean anything. They're the equivalent of having one of those "I support Law Enforcement" stickers in your window from 3 years ago.



In fact, when I see those, I know the person in the vehicle put that up there thinking it would make a difference. Law Enforcement personnel don't put those things up there. Those plates/stickers mean nothing with regards to obeying the law. Anyone can make a sticker these days with the computers and software out there. Anyone can order those specialty plates. They did not ask for my badge # when I ordered the plates.



In fact, even Dilbert had a cartoon specifically addressing this same deal where the secretary buys the pointy-haired boss an "I give money to police charities" bumper sticker and he thinks he can drive with total impunity... unfortunately for him, he's wrong.



Even the low numbered plates don't get special treatment. It's my job to enforce the law. If the person is truly "connected", they'll get the ticket voided. If they come after me for doing my job, there will be an expose in the paper the next day showing how certain politicians believe they are above the law. They don't want to open that can of worms. A truly connected person will just get the ticket voided and never say a word about it. A "wannabe" tosses names around hoping you won't write the ticket because they know they won't be able to get it voided.

Answer 4

the fact alone that you were doing 25mph over the limit, in most states is an automatic license suspension of 1 year. then add in fact it was a 25mph zone, meaning city, residential or school, the fine should be doubled the normal rate. And yes, since you were over 25mph over the posted limited, he could of easily impounded your car as well. He could of made your life a living hell. Taking the car, your license, giving you a fine of at least $200, not being able to drive for a year, most likely having to retake your entire drivers test due to fact you are under 18, plus your insurance would of instantly been a SR-22 type, which is over double the normal rate. So yes, he cut you a MAJOR break by giving you a ticket only with a fine only. I wouldn't say a thing and just pay the ticket as soon as possible.

Answer 5

HAHA Technically no. I live in IL and we have at least two types of Law Enforcement memorial plates, firefighter plates, all sorts of stuff. I work in the LE field and have never written or withheld a ticket specifically for a license plate. No other cops I know have either. Most of us determine whether or not to give a ticket based on the subjects attitude and previous driving record. The plates can be an indicator, but most of the time we'll just say something like "hey thanks for funding the memorial" or the pension plan (one of the plates is to the memorial, one is to help relieve pension worries of families of fallen officers).

Answer 6

Memorial Plates

Answer 7

I work in a police department and all my co-workers are cops. I can tell you that for most of them, there are certain people they will avoid giving tickets to for minor violations, including fellow cops, firefighters, and for some even doctors and teachers. It's just the mentality that we all look out for one another. However, if it is a major offense where others were put in danger, even people with those plates will get ticketed.

Answer 8

To me it always depended on the driver's attitude, I've pulled over vehicles driven by cops/firemen, cop's/firemen's wives, their children, etc. and given them tickets simply because they had a poor attitude and felt that they deserved to get a warning regardless of how bad the violation was. I've even given a ticket to one of my city council members. They all deserved a ticket and got one. I have also given some of them a warning simply because they were polite, respectful, remorseful and apologetic. Attitude is everything

Answer 9

Woodpecker is full of shіt, cops do NOT ticket other cops, period. Cops are thick like thieves; If you ticket a cop, every other cop in that sty will know. The next time you put out a call for assistance, it will be very slow in coming, if @ all.



Getting these "special tags" costs you more money, & warns others that you appear to support the pigz.



It will not stop you from being pigged.