This state (Washington) is going to get REAL BAD in the next couple of months. They are saying that they need to make up for the license tab loss of income to the state. They have several slimmy things already up their sleaves, and they will not change any of the speeding tickets to other offenses. Watch out for the School Zones - the first one they say that will happen is that the "when children are present" will be removed and they will ticket anybody who is over 20 MPH any time of day - yes, even 1 or 2 in the morning.
I just got a ticket for Cancelled License Plate. It is a vanity plate, and it was cancelled because I had not paid the tabs for it. After 2 or 3 months, they cancell the plate so someone else can have it. Well, I overlooked paying the tabs on it (my suburban) and took the rig in to have my alternator fixed at school. Just as I was leaving town, I got pulled over. The officer (I am trying to be nice because another word comes to mind) asked me if I knew why he pulled me over and I said no, because I didn't. He said that I had expired tabs. Well, after 45 minutes later, he said that he would cite me for driving with cancelled plates, but he would give me a break. He would not impound my vehicle, or impound the plates. He said that he could, but would not, so I could get home. The offence was a criminal case and I had to appear in court, and no bail was set. The officer wrote the wrong court date on the ticket, and to make a long story shorter, did not make any difference. When I appeared in court, the city's attourney said that he would allow me to plea if I wanted to. The offence was 3 days in jail, community service time, and $350. The plea was expired tabs which was $150. I was told that the judge would probably listen to him either way, so it would be best if I took the lesser of the charges. After, well detailed discussion with him, I finally opted for the lesser of the charge. A couple of others didn't and it was quite an eye opener. The city really has a railroad there. I did the right thing and do not have a criminal record at this time. By the way things went for others, I would have if I had not pleaded out of the mess I was in.
So, I am going to get rid of the two vanity plates I have, because they could have been two years deliquent, and I would have only been give a ticket for expired tabs. Because they were vanity plates, it cost me a whole lot more. The plates are an extra $40 per year which goes to help non game species in the state. The poor birds and mice are going to take it in the shorts.
I will never pay for tabs again unless I am driving the car or boat. I always keept them licensed, but not any more. I will let every one I come in contact what they are doing with the vanity plates and it may not hurt them very bad, but I will feel a whole lot better.
PS I did spit on the sidewalk as I exited the building.
So there!
Just thought this may be of interest.