I got stopped at a sobriety checkpoint tonight. They do their thing, I'm totally sober, but they question me for not having my front plate on. I tell him I lost a bolt and was scared the whole thing was going to fall off so I took it off myself and that I have it in the trunk and just need another bolt.

I end up getting the ticket. I put my plate on right when I get home (with the one bolt) If I go to court and tell/show them I put it back on do you think I'll get the ticket?

Sorry, this is the first time I've gotten a ticket for anything... imma n00b haha

 

You have the ticket either way.

I am not sure fighting the ticket is worth a day off of work...

But if you were to show up in court, I would put the plate on with both bolts and show that it is properly mounted now and throw yourself on the mercy of the court.

In Virginia at least it is not a moving violation so there are no points on your license for an equipment violation.

 

Most states have some kind of "fix-it" ticket for equipment issues. If issues a fix-it, if you show that it is fixed, you still have an administrative fee to pay, but the fine is waived, and it doesn't count against you in any way.

Cops in my hometown were notorious for spotting burnt out headlights the moment they went out.

 

Does the ticket have a violation fee for you to pay or it is just a "fix it ticket"? If the ticket is just a fix it ticket, just install your front plates back(you can get another bolt from your local hardware) and take the ticket back to you local state police barracks and have the police sign it. And after him signing it, DO NOT remove the plates again because if you remove the plate after the officer signed the ticket you basically lied to a police officer and your car can be impounded.

 

^^DITTO^^
Last sentence is critical to good relations with the law.

 

I've gone back and forth with the police when it comes to front plates/window tint. I've received Fix-It tickets for both, "fixed" them, got them signed off and went right back to not having a plate or re-tinting my front windows. I've then gotten pulled over and received a second violation for it and just fixed it again. My car was never impounded, maybe I got lucky.
But nowadays, I try to prevent being hassled by the cops so I'd suggests keeping your plate on. And like others have said, there should be a court fee and maybe a fee to have a police officer look at your car to prove you've fixed the issue, but that should be it. Doesn't even effect your insurance premium.

 

Do not wait for it to happen to you.

 

they are pulling people over to make money while keeping the roads safe. so keep that in mind.

honestly, if you're breaking the rules no surprise you will get pulled over and fined. if you knew a bolt was missing, you could've just gotten a new bolt at any hardware store, walgreens, walmart, target, auto parts stores, etc. etc.

 

Dude I rolled around with one bolt on my front plate for over three months till I got another one no probs u just wanted to take it off but yeah they will give ticks for paychecks lol