Ask a Cop
Super Moderator

Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 3,943
Likes: 361
From: Augusta, GA
My Ride: 22 BMW 540i xDrive; 05 BMW 530i
Engine: 3.0 B58; 3.0 M54
Is there such a thing of a radar mandated calibration and if not within a certain timeframe it can't be used against you in court.
Yes. All equipment that requires calibration must be kept up to date and be in compliance with preventative maintenance requirements. If a machine is out of calibration, any readings taken from it are inadmissible because the results can’t be trusted.
I was on the freeway and saw a Mustang drive by; and the rear license plate cover was basically limo tint. That reminded me of the time I got a ticket for having a barely smoked license plate cover. The cop who wrote me up said, you can't even have a clear cover.
Super Moderator

Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 3,943
Likes: 361
From: Augusta, GA
My Ride: 22 BMW 540i xDrive; 05 BMW 530i
Engine: 3.0 B58; 3.0 M54
Yea all my cars have a smoke tint cover. Every time I get stopped they just give me warning. I guess it gives them a reason to stop you at night to see if you've been drinking because every time that happens they say they can't see the plate when we both know that's a lie then proceed to ask have I been drinking. Since I'm currently out of the states my vehicles are registered in. I don't get stopped but I know you can't even have the dealership trim around your tag. Most cops do not care as long as they can see the plate.
Last edited by donpb; May 30, 2023 at 08:44 PM.
Administrator
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,484
Likes: 109
From: Fairfield County, CT
My Ride: 530xi
Model Year: 2007
Engine: N52
I live in a state where you're supposed to have a front license plate. When I decided to update my stock 530xi with a M5 bumper, I couldn't bear to see holes drilled into it, so I opted not to mount the plate, instead keeping it stowed under the front passenger carpet. My excuse was going to be that I just got the bumper installed and was waiting for the bracket to come in. That was 10 years ago, lol! I've never been questioned about it, but I'm not sure my excuse will hold up any more since the bumper is so weather beaten.
I live in a state where you're supposed to have a front license plate. When I decided to update my stock 530xi with a M5 bumper, I couldn't bear to see holes drilled into it, so I opted not to mount the plate, instead keeping it stowed under the front passenger carpet. My excuse was going to be that I just got the bumper installed and was waiting for the bracket to come in. That was 10 years ago, lol! I've never been questioned about it, but I'm not sure my excuse will hold up any more since the bumper is so weather beaten.
Administrator
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,484
Likes: 109
From: Fairfield County, CT
My Ride: 530xi
Model Year: 2007
Engine: N52
I’ve been a Cop in California for about 17 years. I’ve dealt with a lot of things but don’t know everything. No-one does. That being said if you have any vehicle code questions or anything like that I’ll do my best to answer it or at least point you in the right direction. Be safe out there.
Last edited by JayArras; Oct 27, 2023 at 08:37 PM.
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