Whiskey Plates

[unhollow]

What is the name of your state?MN

I don't know if it's everywhere, but in MN a passenger in their own car can get what is called "Whiskey Plates" on their car if the driver gets a DUI (their 2nd one). Whiskey plates are plates with a "W" as the first character which alerts law enforcement, and allows them to pull you over when they want to for no reason.
Here's my question. Since my original plates weren't physically taken away, what would be the crime in me just carrying the whiskey plates in the car and keeping the originals on? I know it's a crime, but whiskey plates suck, I have to have them on for a YEAR, and no criminal charges were filed against me. Misdemeanor? Fine? Warning?

 

[carofl93]

Damn. Two DUI's in a year and all you get is a special license plate. You ought to be thankful that was all you got. People who drive after consuming alcohol have been known to KILL other people. If you were in my state, you'd have probably been jailed or lost your driving privilege. Use the plates or don't use the plates...no one really cares about that...just stop drinking and driving.

 

[AHA]

Just because something "sucks' doesn't justify breaking the law.....again.
You were told you had to have those plates on for a year and in return no criminal charges were filed. Put the plates on, suck it up for a year and live with some self respect. No one here is going to give you a valid reason for breaking the law with your punishment for earlier law breaking. Sometimes you have to learn your lesson and change your behavior, next time you might not get away with a slap on the wrist such as a stupid plate to pay for a crime.

 

[unhollow]

I knew I would be subject to some form of slap on the back of the head by those posting on this forum. Well deserved. Thought I would ask though. I have never actually seen Whiskey Plates before, but I am sure that when I do I might stare a little at the person behind the wheel and make some comment to myself about them. As a note to my original question. "my" vehicle refers to a friends vehicle, and (2 DUI guy) refers to the person in the drivers seat. Don't know who that was, fortunately the vehicle wasn't moving, as to not potentially injure someone. Unfortunately, there was little reason for law enforcement to aproach the car other than they were clearing out a bar parking lot.
Thats it for this post.
Thanks for replies

 

[AHA]

I knew I would be subject to some form of slap on the back of the head by those posting on this forum. Well deserved. Thought I would ask though. I have never actually seen Whiskey Plates before, but I am sure that when I do I might stare a little at the person behind the wheel and make some comment to myself about them. As a note to my original question. "my" vehicle refers to a friends vehicle, and (2 DUI guy) refers to the person in the drivers seat. Don't know who that was, fortunately the vehicle wasn't moving, as to not potentially injure someone. Unfortunately, there was little reason for law enforcement to aproach the car other than they were clearing out a bar parking lot.
Thats it for this post.
Thanks for replies

Get your car windows tinted, makes any car look a lot better any way.

 

[ptlmejo]

Putting the plates on a vehicle in which they don't belong (one can only assume that if the DOT issued new ones, the old ones were canceled) will only lead to two things:

1. You getting stopped just as frequently as you would have with the "W" plates for an unregistered vehicle.

2. Getting cited for displaying an unauthorized license plate which you wouldn't have received if you had just put the correct plates on.

 

[VR_Hunter]

Since my original plates weren't physically taken away, what would be the crime in me just carrying the whiskey plates in the car and keeping the originals on? I know it's a crime, but whiskey plates suck, I have to have them on for a YEAR, and no criminal charges were filed against me. Misdemeanor? Fine? Warning?

If you were issued "W" plates, the old ones were cancelled. The crime is self evident. I think you already know that though. If you want criminal charges, then by all means, leave the old plates on and keep suckin down the booze. I think you should test it though. Go get drunk, leave the old plates on, drive by a cop while taking a pull off a beer can, try to outrun the cop and see if he can track you using the old plates. No big loss if they find you anyway. Right?

 

[JETX]

Here's my question. Since my original plates weren't physically taken away, what would be the crime in me just carrying the whiskey plates in the car and keeping the originals on?

If your 'original' plates were not taken back, that is clearly an oversight on someones part (as they were supposed to be returned). Did the instruction from the court order YOU to return the originals.... or for the DMV to come out and get them?? If you were to return and didn't (as I presume), then you may already be in violation.

As for what punishment might be imposed if you are found driving without them..... you will have to read the courts instructions. Presumably, the original charge or sentence that was probated (in return for your 'whiskey plates') will presumably be reinstated.... and you might face additional charges.

For more on these plates, go to: http://www.nvo.com/beaulier/newdwilawsin2002/