The Problem of Temporary License Plates in North

The Problem of Temporary License Plates in North Carolina

A bit of History • • Created to mimic original NC plates Decades pass Plates and technology improve Temp tags have stayed the same

The Tag • • The paper The colors The font The space – Issue date – Make – ID Number – Expiration

The system • • • The Distribution The Records The Useless Tag Number Lack of regulation on display Police Data Collection No Threat of penalty for illegal… – Duplication – Creation – Sales

The Results • • • Ease of illegal creation Ease of dulplication Ease of theft Unregulated distribution Uselessness of number Size of expiration date

Legal Complications • SC Supreme Court Case • Legal Notice to Charlotte Officers – Must know the tag is expired to stop • Inability to go after Parked cars – Must be driving the car to be pulled over

Inviting Financial Abuse • • • No Registration fees No Inspection fees No Car Property Tax No Insurance Fines when/if caught?

Inviting Criminal Abuse • Less likely to be pulled over • Less likely to have driver identified • Less likely to have vehicle identified – Allows more freedom for use of stolen cars – Shields cars used in the commission of a crime

Two neighborhoods

Belmont vs. Plaza-Midwood