2X Front plate Tickets in Washington DC!!

[MrLiou168]

What is the name of your state? NJ

While parked in Washington, DC (non-moving violation, of course), I was issued 2 tickets for having no front license plate. The car was purchased in PA immediately before my deployment to DC (military) and although I ordered the front plate bracket, it did not come in time, and the front plate was temporarily displayed in the windshield.

I'm sure this is a valid explanation, but how is it legal or even valid for one state to enforce the laws of another?

I've taken pictures of the car with the front plate installed, which I plan on sending in with a letter of explanation, but any advice as to the legality/validity of the ticket would be greatly appreciated!

[racer72]

but how is it legal or even valid for one state to enforce the laws of another?

Because all states require vehicles to be legal to drive in the state for which it is licensed. With your thinking, all someone would have to do is slap an expired out of state plate on their car and be able to drive around with immunity.

[FlyingRon]

Originally Posted by MrLiou168

I've taken pictures of the car with the front plate installed, which I plan on sending in with a letter of explanation, but any advice as to the legality/validity of the ticket would be greatly appreciated!

You can try to see if they provide any leniency, but DC isn't real good at that.

The law expects the reaction to "I can't get the tags legally mounted" is that you'll keep the car off the streets rather than to assert some right of necessity.