Hidden toad vehicle Plate

There are tens of thousands of cars being driven with complex bicycle racks on the back which totally hide the license plate, even when bikes aren't being carried. There are at least a dozen just in our neighborhood, none of which are toads.

IMO, there should be a requirement to relocate the plate and its light to where it can be clearly seen, 24 hours a day.

Groover wrote:
I don't know of any state where it is illegal to tow or carry something on the back of a vehicle if it is reasonably safe.

In California, it's illegal to block the license plate. Read CVC 5201(a)and 5201(c)...the exception being a handicapped vehicle carrying a wheelchair lift or similar, but even then, there are further things one must do.CVC 5201(d)(1)....Dennis

Valkyriebush wrote:
Any one ever been pulled over for having a bike, scooter, or what not on the back of your toad for hiding the plate? Just curious.

Most of these responses seem to believe that you are asking about not having a plate at all on your toad. It sounds to me like you are asking: "What if the plate is there but not visible?"

I hauled a slide in truck camper thousands of miles with the tag on the truck hidden and was stopped once but not ticketed, mostly because the tag was where it was required to be. The law in TN and probably most states requires that the tag be "permanently affixed to the vehicle". Since the slide in camper or your bike/scooter is not permanent it is actually illegal to move your tag from its proper spot on the vehicle it is for. I don't know of any state where it is illegal to tow or carry something on the back of a vehicle if it is reasonably safe.

Pulled over in Tucson AZ, I think. Tt was many years ago, driving the toad, a 2 door Chevy Tracker. Reason? one brake light out---AND he couldn't see the rear plate clearly because of the electric bike on a rack on the back. Friendly (not written) warning. Fixed the light next day, not the bike problem. Been fine ever since.

Vulcan Rider wrote:

WyoTraveler wrote:
I would have cited for no license on a toad in CA. Why? No better way to steal a vehicle and remain hidden until you get to your destination without a plate.

Really ?

I would think the only acceptable "why" would be: The law says it must have one. ;)

And if the tow vehicle has plates AND the trailer has a plate......that is "hiding" in plain site.

LEOs let the judge sort it out. LEOs may be wrong but judges decide right from wrong. Your signature on that cite is only your promise to appear.

Did I misread the OP's question. I believe he wants to put a bike or m/c on the back of his towed vehicle. Doing so would block the license plate on it so it would not be visible.

There are various implements that do just this, hitch mounted storage racks, disability scooters etc. Is it legal to do so? In California it is not. (CVC Section 5201(a)) My guess is it would also not be legal in most other states although I have not researched that, due to traffic camera enforcement and regular police work. Would I have cited for such and infraction? Probably not. Would I stop you for such and infraction? Maybe. The OP has to decide if it's worth it to possibly be stopped, delayed and maybe undergo a vehicle inspection while trying to have a weekend camping trip. To me I'd rather ensure my rig combination was legal....Dennis

pmallonee wrote:
Busskipper
The toll facilty "police" have two functions:
First and foremost, they are a funding source for the Toll facilty.
Second, they are there to coordinate towing efforts when there's a disabled car in the tunnel.

I see you're from MD so you probably already know this...

I travel the roads of Maryland and actually had a hand in building a few (even did a little work on the Toll roads) so I am familiar with how they work - a very very small percentage of the budget actually comes from fines) The State of Maryland has never been able to actually get a good management team to correct the Incompetence that has infected it for the last forty + years, so we continue to have accidents and backups that are predictable and avoidable, partially because MDTA allows its "Officers" to eat their donuts miles from the Bridges and Tunnels.

Sorry - to get on a rant -

Back to the question - Safety should be the concern not being able to see the tag.

JMHO,

WyoTraveler wrote:
I would have cited for no license on a toad in CA. Why? No better way to steal a vehicle and remain hidden until you get to your destination without a plate.

Really ?

I would think the only acceptable "why" would be: The law says it must have one. ;)

And if the tow vehicle has plates AND the trailer has a plate......that is "hiding" in plain site.

Since the OP didn't specify if his concern was while being towed or while driving it might make a difference.

AZ has been a bit picky about the rear plate being obscured. DW got a citation because the license plate frame covered the state of issue. So it certainly could happen.

In general the rules in every state will reguire working lights and a unobstructed plate in all situations. If for some other reason a plate is not required on the towed vehicle obviously that would not apply.

I was stopped in VA years ago while towing a vehicle on a tow dolly because my lights on the rear were not on the rear of the vehicle being towed. They were only on the fenders of the dolly and did not meet the requirements. That netted me a verbal warning and to satisfy the officer I turned the parking lights on in the vehicle being towed and went on my way. He was happy and we did not go much further in the dark that night.

Shortly after I wired a plug into the dolly wiring at the fender and used the magnetic lights at the rear of the toad thereafter.