QuestionI WAS RECENTLY STOPPED AND PULLED OVER BY THE HIGHWAY PATROL AND THEY SAID I WAS HIDING MY PLATES. I RECENTLY PURCHASED A TRUCK AND ON THE BACK THERE WAS A DEALER PLATES COVERING REGULAR PLATES. I DIDNT KNOW THERE WERE REGULAR PLATES UNDER THAT DEALER PLATE. ARE THEY ALLOWED TO TOW THE CAR. OR SHOULD THEY HAVE JUST GIVEN ME A TICKET AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. KYLE FROM LOS ANGELES. THANKS
AnswerFirst of all, the use of "ALL CAPITAL LETTERS" is considered yelling on the Internet, so next time try not to yell at me. OK
I tried to research this question using the California DMV web site which lists all the vehicle codes but did not find anything specific for this question. But if you did get a ticket also then they should of listed the code number which was used for the violation.
As to towing the vehicle that is usually up to the officer depending on the inconsistencies.
Be it the fact that the dealer tags covering the regular tags (where they expired or even for that vehicle?) does create issues.
Dealer Tags have specific rules and regulations as to their uses. They are not for general use, which is the biggest problem seen. A lot of people use them to evade licenses fees, insurance requirements and emission testing, and as such some police agencies have cracked down on this kind of use.
But if I had to guess, I would say that the dealer tag was covering an expired tag and as such if you had bought the vehicle more than say 3 days ago (this is my thoughts here) that it would be considered "misuse of the dealer plates" and subject to towing as an unlicensed vehicle.
Also remember that the police officer has the final say in what happens, be it ticket or tow.
Hope that helps a bit, but if you have the actual vehicle code violation listed for reasons of tow you can check out the following link which will take you to the California DMV website and you can look up the specifics on the law in question...
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/vc.htm
