and the cop handed me a ticket for not having a front license plate... which I didn't know was illegal by the way. (I'm being serious, I honestly didnt know) obviously, the cop didnt believe me probably because of the way my car looks, but in any case, he said I could either just admit I'm guilty of the traffic violation and pay the $70 or write a letter to the judge stating why I believe the ticket should be dismissed. My logical choice would be to write letter because schools starting soon and I gotta buy my damn college books, so does anyone know how I should word my letter? because I seriously doubt the judge will accept a simple plead of ignorance. Any help is greatly appreciated because I dont exactly have $70 lying around.

Thanks,
David

 

I would probally just pay it, no letter will get out out of this probally. Should have checked before running w/o front plate lol but you know what they say, "Gotta pay to play".

 

I'd start by offering to accept half of the blame. One is expected to know state driving and registration laws when he or she gets a license issued by that state (I assume you have a Hawaii driver's license). If you admit that should have known the code but simply didn't, that having one plate was an oversight on your part (assuming the plate was not stolen), and that you will not repeat the offense, the judge might give you a half-fine ($35).....or, maybe even no fine, if it is your first offense and you make a good impression in the courtroom. You might even work out a plea deal with the prosecutor and not have to get the judge involved......or only minimally involved.

 

i wouldnt even bother to fight the ticket, goto the courthouse in the district you got the ticket in, talk to cashier, tell them you'll pay the fine and ask if they can give you 30days or so to come up with the money.

 

one thing i've learned over time... always go to court, judges usually give you some slack when you physically show up to court versus writing a letter. always fight it regardless being as there is always a slight possibility of the case being dropped, although in your case i'd say probably not. as i was told previously in court, "ignorance of the law is not an excuse". though mmarshall does state it well, if you're still young that argument may do some good.

so your options are...
plead no contest and hope for the best.
not guilty, and have other people in court laugh
guilty and just pay the full fine.

 

I would go to court if I had the time but I have to work to save up money for school. I was thinking I should just send in a letter with before and after pictures of my license plate and hope my ticket gets dismissed. if not, I guess I'll have to take it to court. argh... what a nuisance...

 

dude sorry to say but you should just go to court because writing a letter for this ticket won't get you off. The judges have heard every excuse for why you didn't have your front plate on. I've gotten that ticket twice already and there is no excuse that will get you off.

 

yeah i have to agree with kurt, writing the letter wont get you off. i did the letter and showed up to court this past monday and i still had to pay my ticket of $2,500. Tint - 2000, recon - 70? and some other bs the fake cop gave me. sorry man, but my advice is to pay. lesson learned

 

Judge may say...umm...so why'd u think u got 2 licenses plates? both for the rear? lol!! good luck

 

For what it's worth, I would honestly write a letter and tell the truth. You honestly did not realize that the law requires front plates. Enclose your letter along with a picture of your car with the plate on. Also explain that you immediately installed your front plates.

Keep us posted...

 

Wow...I guess the judge had a bad day!!!

 

thanks for the advice guys. I'm gonna go ahead and write a letter. hopefully ill get off

 

I thought if you write a letter, there going to schedule a court date? Thats why I payed my ticket off and put back my front license plate.

 

yup no good guys, I gotta pay up... T_T lesson learned.

 

lol that sucks, as a safety check inspector i fail lots and lots of people cause they dont have their front license plate mounted. i think there is only like 12-14 states in the U.S. which allow only one license plate. also just make sure that you only have a frame over the license plate, a cover over the plate is illegal also