Legal Question in Traffic Law in Maryland

Traffic Stop
I was pulled over for ''Fail to attach plates at front & rear''. I was missing my front tag. I told the officer that I had it in the car, but he paid no attention to that. I am going to court and pleading not guilty. My question is the reason that I am not guilty is because the ticket states ''Front & Rear'', that is not true, I did have a rear tag on. Will this sound like I am being a smartass to the judge? Also, can he pull me over just for that only reason?

Asked on 4/17/08, 7:14 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Jason Cleckner Law Office of Jason Cleckner, LLC

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Re: Traffic Stop

You are wasting your time going to court on this. Go to work instead. In Maryland, you are required to have plates on BOTH the front and the rear. This is a non-point offense, and I don't think the fine is that high, so you'd be better off just paying it and not wasting half a day going to court. Don't make the argument that you had it in the trunk and that it was not missing front AND rear. Even if the plate had just fallen off that day and you were going to buy screws to re-attach it, the best the judge can do is reduce your fine.

Answered on 4/18/08, 8:02 am

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