Running License Plates? (OH)

[88WmHm]

Okay, so I have a feeling this may be futile but I'd be stupid not to double check.

I live in OH, and the other day I had run out of gas. I was pulled over on the side of the road with my hazards on when a police officer had pulled up behind me, presumably to see why I was pulled over. I was not stopped, I was not moving and had merely run out of gas. I was doing nothing wrong or anything that would provide reasonable suspicion for the plates to be run.

Well, the officer ran the plates and the plates that were on the car were registered to another vehicle (in the same name). I was given a ticket and an order to appear in court.

Now, it is my understanding that the courts have ruled that there is no right to privacy on a license plate, since it is in public view and thus the running of the plates does not violate the fourth amendment. I have a feeling that I am right, but I'm certainly no expert and am wondering if the circumstances would in any way allow me to challenge the ticket, as I am very financially strapped and do not need a $250 fine right now.

Am I (unfortunately) right or is there another avenue I could possibly take?

Thank you

[CdwJava]

Yep, he does not need a reason to run your plates. But, in this instance, he had a couple of reasons.

Really, unless you have a lawful explanation as to why the vehicle was improperly registered, you're probably hosed.

Sorry.

- Carl

[patstew]

Originally Posted by 88WmHm

Well, the officer ran the plates and the plates that were on the car were registered to another vehicle (in the same name). I was given a ticket and an order to appear in court.

I'm certainly no expert and am wondering if the circumstances would in any way allow me to challenge the ticket, as I am very financially strapped and do not need a $250 fine right now.

So, let me see... you put your plate on a vehicle to which it didn't belong and got caught. You're financially strapped (who isn't?) and don't need a $250 fine (who does?). Do I have that right?

You're hosed, son. Try for a payment plan and chalk it up to life education.

[racer72]

I was not stopped, I was not moving

Please explain the difference between the two. The general consensus is that something that is not moving is stopped.

[FlyingRon]

I think he meant to say he wasn't stopped by the police officer in question.
Right, for that he'd need some sort of probable cause to stop you. You being already on the shoulder made it fair game for him to start asking you questions.

Either way, moving, not moving, or stopped, he's free to run your plates. Once he knows that the plates are invalid, he can stop, cite, or otherwise press the charge.