"Offensive" license tags

[FLLawdog]

Florida is only one state that issues only one tag. It really doesn't affect us as LEO's that much.

[SB]

OK this may sound daft then but if you're driving along, and you've got a vehicle behind you that you may want to run a check on, but don't want to show out as being interested in it, how do you do it? Here, we just figure the plate out from the rear view mirror.
Another question, now we're here, how do you check on a plate from another state? Is there a national database?
Sorry to deviate the thread but I gotta know (Dunno why really, 100% not interested in traffic matters but am a trivia sponge)

[JRT6]

I love the front plate concept as 90% of the cars I see are driving the other way. The only rear plates I see are from the car directly in front of me.

[SB]

Ever heard of a system called ANPR?
If not, I'll start a thread in the restricted area 'cos it's not really for public knowledge. It's a mighty powerful tool that we use here in London. Great help in the fight against terrorism. If you ain't got it, you'll want it.

[FLLawdog]

We can access any other state's records by giving the state+tag number. Same thing with D/L's.

[SB]

Righty ho. How long does that take? Is it the sort of thing you can do on the radio whilst doing a stop or do you have to make phone calls etc when you get back to the station OR do you have it all on one of those little computers I've seen in some of your cars. (we are trialing an in car Police National Computer at the moment)
If you want ANPR info let me know or I'll never mention it again.

[FLLawdog]

When the systems are up and running, normally just shy of instantly. If the FL or other state's system is slow, it could take a while or never. We can also get D/L photos from Florida drivers over CJNet, too.

[Don]

Originally posted by Soho bandit:
If you want ANPR info let me know or I'll never mention it again.

Soho, our restricted area is FAIRLY secure. You are going to have to make the decision if you want to post it or not. I'm interested in it, but not to the point of compromising your security in any way.

As for the front license plate thing, I'm sure that folks who have never worked in a state that issues front plates, (and there ARE quite a few of them) there is nothing to miss. With most of my career in California, a two plate state, I think it would drive me nuts! Also in a two plate state, you always have the idiots that want to take the front plate off and replace it with some stupid sign such as "mom's taxi" or some other crap. Makes for excellent PC for a stop!

[SB]

Thanks Don, I'll start a thread over there a bit later, it's not THAT secret or anything, just not a system that we shout about or make public. Wouldn't deny we had it if asked I'm sure.
As far as getting photos from DL's, we've only just got photo DL's over here! They're not mandatory. I've still got my old paper license. Still legal.

[SWAT1]

Sohobandit
Still got mine as well. When I went in to get vehicle insurance my wife hadn't passed her Florida test. I produced her paper licence and they had a fit. The only person that had seen one was the owner and he thought they were great as they held so much informatin such as endorsements etc.

[SB]

SWAT1, you're ex Met right? Get this, we're all getting Police driving permits in the next few weeks. All those points for kerbing will really mean something soon. DI's are a must now.
Getting back to the original subject, who decides what's offensive as far as tags goes. Does someone have to make a complaint about it first. If so, what about offensive bumper stickers?????

[207]

Connecticut used to issue only one plate years back (under the assumption that it would save money) these plates were solid blue with white letters. When they reinstituted the 2 plates they kept the same color scheme and just added the little outline of the State of Ct in the upper left hand corner identifying it as a 2 plate issue. (this is also true for all current plates). They have since gone to the lighter blue/white plate and by sometime next year that's all there will be, all of the solid blue plates should be out of circulation.
But they won't.. It'll be easier PC for a stop though and good chances it'll be unreg. or a misuse.

The CT DMV is also changing the look on all of the drivers licenses by using a color code on them so you can quickly tell if it's a learner's permit, regular or CDL license or just an ID card, etc. The samples I've seen look great, easy to read with important info highlighted.

[Mitzi]

I saw one today I'd like to put in my rearview windeiw. It said HANG UP AND DRIVE!

[Pintobean]

Just yesterday I seen this plate on a Hummer driven by a black male.... NGA PLZ...How in the heck did that slip past the Nevada DMV?

[Branden Whitney]

Some time ago I saw a bumber sticker on a car that said, "Like My Driving? Call 1-800-F*uck You". Right next to it was two others, a D.A.R.E sticker, and a "With God All Things Are Possible" sticker. That was new.

[ 07-08-2002: Message edited by: Branden Whitney ]