texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
nmmuledeerhunter, Dzia-Dzia, TraeMartin, Beatixre, MooseSteed
71989 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,788
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,417
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 43,769
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics537,034
Posts9,719,658
Members86,989
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
Question on Hitch Racks #7305208 10/04/18 07:55 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,749
T
texfork Offline OP
Extreme Tracker
OP Offline
Extreme Tracker
T
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,749
I am leaving Sunday on an Elk hunt and am needing to use a hitch receiver rack to carry an extra ice chest.
Should I remount my licence plate to the rack or let it ride ? Thank you for any in site you my have .


Prayer is the "ultimate" wireless connection .
Re: Question on Hitch Racks [Re: texfork] #7305241 10/04/18 08:42 PM
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,273
BOBO the Clown Offline
kind of a big deal
Offline
kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,273
Photo copy it and tape it to cooler


Donate to TX Youth hunting program.... better to donate then to waste it in taxes

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/gtgoh/mobile
Re: Question on Hitch Racks [Re: texfork] #7305246 10/04/18 08:44 PM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 595
C
crapicat Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
C
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 595
Is this really an issue?

Re: Question on Hitch Racks [Re: texfork] #7305454 10/05/18 01:14 AM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,174
T
txbigly Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
T
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,174
It could be if a LEO wanted to stop you. Especially if your coming back into Texas from Colorado.


Re: Question on Hitch Racks [Re: texfork] #7305467 10/05/18 01:23 AM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 12,331
Duck_Hunter Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 12,331
Friend got pulled over for it on a road trip from Tulsa down to Bolivar. He had to stop at a tire place and have them screw the plate onto the hitch rack after getting pulled over and getting a ticket.


Originally Posted by bill oxner
I just turned it on . I was looking bird dogs in the butt this morning.


[Linked Image]
Re: Question on Hitch Racks [Re: texfork] #7305530 10/05/18 02:54 AM
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,773
B
Big_Ag Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
B
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,773
Got pulled over years ago on the way home from hunting by Grapevine police. The officer ran me and didn’t even give a me warning. I guess he could have. Probably just avoid the ptential hassle and put the plate on your hitch haul.

Re: Question on Hitch Racks [Re: texfork] #7305534 10/05/18 02:58 AM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,090
B
Brother in-law Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
B
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,090
Pretty weak ticket if you stop somebody for that and cite them.

Re: Question on Hitch Racks [Re: Brother in-law] #7305663 10/05/18 12:50 PM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 595
C
crapicat Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
C
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 595
Originally Posted By: Brother in-law
Pretty weak ticket if you stop somebody for that and cite them.


I agree, wonder if anybody can cite the relevant law...sounds like an out of control LEO (or town) to me, and that sort of this does happen occasionally.

Re: Question on Hitch Racks [Re: texfork] #7305848 10/05/18 04:50 PM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,670
B
bp3 Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
B
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,670
About Oklahoma LEO give ticket and further review OU still sucks banana2

Re: Question on Hitch Racks [Re: texfork] #7305875 10/05/18 05:21 PM
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 32,601
sig226fan (Rguns.com) Offline
duck & cover
Offline
duck & cover
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 32,601
Zip ties are your friend, or even better, bailing wire...

Re: Question on Hitch Racks [Re: texfork] #7305905 10/05/18 05:51 PM
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,800
T
TexasKC Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
T
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,800
Years ago my nephew got a ticket for that in some small town in Colorado. His friend who was pulling a trailer got a ticket for not having his safety chains crossed under the hitch.


In the end, it's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years.
Re: Question on Hitch Racks [Re: texfork] #7305922 10/05/18 06:04 PM
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,568
S
Son of a Blitch Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
S
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,568
photocopy and tape inside back window


George Blitch
george@mapmyranch.com
www.SonofaBlitch.com
www.MapMyRanch.com
www.YouTube.com/@sonofablitch
"Keep your aim as true as your word" - GB
Re: Question on Hitch Racks [Re: texfork] #7305956 10/05/18 06:46 PM
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6,302
B
Blank Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
B
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6,302
Couple things to address and think about here. Most all license plate display laws are written to cover display of the plate for LEO. Typically they have to be permanently mounted, a certain distance up from the road, freely visible and not covered, and lighted after dark. Any of those would give probable cause for a stop and chat.

If you're worried about it, or don't want to risk a vehicle check, move it to the back of the rack. It still won't be lighted but they would let that slide.

Re: Question on Hitch Racks [Re: texfork] #7306036 10/05/18 08:15 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,749
T
texfork Offline OP
Extreme Tracker
OP Offline
Extreme Tracker
T
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,749
Thanks to all for the info . I will mount licence plate to the rack with bailing wire . Look out elk here I come .


Prayer is the "ultimate" wireless connection .
Re: Question on Hitch Racks [Re: texfork] #7306050 10/05/18 08:28 PM
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,571
Gumbeaux Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,571
Can't give you a ticket if they can't catch you.


[Linked Image]
Re: Question on Hitch Racks [Re: texfork] #7306052 10/05/18 08:29 PM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,788
dogcatcher Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,788
I had mine set up with trailer light wiring with license plate light and additional stop and turn lights. It only took a couple of minutes to hook up to the hitch, plug in the light and switch the plate. Then the state made get new plate with the same number, so I just left the old plate in place on the hitch rack.


Combat Infantryman, the ultimate hunter where the prey shoots back.
_____________"Illegitimus non carborundum est"_______________

[Linked Image]
Re: Question on Hitch Racks [Re: dogcatcher] #7306215 10/05/18 11:52 PM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 595
C
crapicat Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
C
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 595
Now I got another reason why I like my truck!

Re: Question on Hitch Racks [Re: dogcatcher] #7306253 10/06/18 12:40 AM
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,857
S
Simple Searcher Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
S
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,857
Originally Posted By: dogcatcher
I had mine set up with trailer light wiring with license plate light and additional stop and turn lights. It only took a couple of minutes to hook up to the hitch, plug in the light and switch the plate. Then the state made get new plate with the same number, so I just left the old plate in place on the hitch rack.

A second plate would be a good idea.


[Linked Image]

"Man is still a hunter, still a simple searcher after meat..." Robert C. Ruark
Re: Question on Hitch Racks [Re: crapicat] #7306450 10/06/18 12:02 PM
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,010
W
Western Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
W
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,010
Originally Posted By: crapicat
Originally Posted By: Brother in-law
Pretty weak ticket if you stop somebody for that and cite them.


I agree, wonder if anybody can cite the relevant law...sounds like an out of control LEO (or town) to me, and that sort of this does happen occasionally.


Texas Transportation code RULE §217.27 b,1

"(1) must display two license plates, one at the exterior front and one at the exterior rear of the vehicle that are securely fastened at the exterior front and rear of the vehicle in a horizontal position of not less than 12 inches from the ground, measuring from the bottom, except that a vehicle described by Transportation Code, §621.2061 may place the rear plate so that it is clearly visible; or
2) must display one plate that is securely fastened at or as close as practical to the exterior rear of the vehicle in a position not less than 12 inches from the ground, measuring from the bottom if the vehicle is a road tractor, motorcycle, trailer or semitrailer."
https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=43&pt=10&ch=217&rl=27

Also Must be visible from 50'

There is a possible "out" if issued a citation dependent on hardware and the judge, this will be a long quote to give relevant info.

TRANSPORTATION CODE CHAPTER 504 Sec. 504.945

" WRONG, FICTITIOUS, ALTERED, OR OBSCURED LICENSE PLATE. (a) A person commits an offense if the person attaches to or displays on a motor vehicle a license plate that:

(1) is issued for a different motor vehicle;

(2) is issued for the vehicle under any other motor vehicle law other than by the department;

(3) is assigned for a registration period other than the registration period in effect;

(4) is fictitious;

(5) has blurring or reflective matter that significantly impairs the readability of the name of the state in which the vehicle is registered or the letters or numbers of the license plate number at any time;

(6) has an attached illuminated device or sticker, decal, emblem, or other insignia that is not authorized by law and that interferes with the readability of the letters or numbers of the license plate number or the name of the state in which the vehicle is registered; or

(7) has a coating, covering, protective substance, or other material that:

(A) distorts angular visibility or detectability;

(B) alters or obscures one-half or more of the name of the state in which the vehicle is registered; or

(C) alters or obscures the letters or numbers of the license plate number or the color of the plate.

(b) Except as provided by Subsection (e), an offense under Subsection (a) is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $200, unless it is shown at the trial of the offense that the owner knowingly altered or made illegible the letters, numbers, and other identification marks, in which case the offense is a Class B misdemeanor.

(c) Subsection (a)(7) may not be construed to apply to:

(1) a trailer hitch installed on a vehicle in a normal or customary manner;

(2) a transponder, as defined by Section 228.057, that is attached to a vehicle in the manner required by the issuing authority;

(3) a wheelchair lift or wheelchair carrier that is attached to a vehicle in a normal or customary manner;

(4) a trailer being towed by a vehicle; or

(5) a bicycle or motorcycle rack that is attached to a vehicle in a normal or customary manner.

(d) A court may dismiss a charge brought under Subsection (a)(3), (5), (6), or (7) if the defendant:

(1) remedies the defect before the defendant's first court appearance;

(2) pays an administrative fee not to exceed $10; and

(3) shows that the vehicle was issued a plate by the department that was attached to the vehicle, establishing that the vehicle was registered for the period during which the offense was committed.

(e) An offense under Subsection (a)(4) is a Class B misdemeanor."


If at first you dont succeed, then skydiving is not for you..

"Don't trust everything you read on the Internet"- Abraham Lincoln

Dennis

Re: Question on Hitch Racks [Re: Western] #7306454 10/06/18 12:20 PM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 595
C
crapicat Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
C
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 595
Thanks western! Based on the exceptions, it would appear, that If you bought a wheelchair carrier, you would be in the clear, even if it was carrying coolers instead of a wheel chair...personally the only difference between the two is that one has a drop down rack and the other doesn’t.

Re: Question on Hitch Racks [Re: crapicat] #7306485 10/06/18 01:22 PM
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,010
W
Western Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
W
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,010
Originally Posted By: crapicat
Thanks western! Based on the exceptions, it would appear, that If you bought a wheelchair carrier, you would be in the clear, even if it was carrying coolers instead of a wheel chair...personally the only difference between the two is that one has a drop down rack and the other doesn’t.


Yes sir, it is Probable Cause, but then the judge will consider how the equipment factors with the law and its possible exemptions. One point to think about, bike/scooter/ wheel chair racks, usually don't have 100% rear coverage/ obscurity, also, most wheel chair lifts are partially, if not all, in the bed of the vehicle most of the time. So even if dismissed, you have the $10 ad fee and the pita of dealing with court time.

I have seen some tape a copy of the LP in the back window of the vehicle, works ok for an SUV, not quite as well on a PU as it isn't mounted to the "furthest" rear of the vehicle, but I have let those go in the past as "officer discretion", as they made the effort.

The problem is the visibility of the LP, requirement is visible from 50' from the rear of the vehicle, so if the plate is mounted correctly, that part meets code. "Obscuring" it is where you get in trouble..


If at first you dont succeed, then skydiving is not for you..

"Don't trust everything you read on the Internet"- Abraham Lincoln

Dennis

Re: Question on Hitch Racks [Re: texfork] #7307679 10/07/18 10:42 PM
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,615
M
MELackey Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
M
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,615
I go hunting in Rocksprings with my dad every other year. Over the years I've been stopped twice just as I entered town for the cooler on the hitch carrier blocking the license plate. Each time I was given a warning and allowed to carry on with the promise that I would move the plate once I got to the ranch. Honestly, I suspect it's just one of those things that they use to stop people just to make sure everyone knows who is in charge and to check for drunks, warrants, etc. The officer was very polite each time and there were no issues, just another reason for them to introduce themselves to you.




Re: Question on Hitch Racks [Re: texfork] #7307790 10/08/18 12:16 AM
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 113
C
Colorado1 Offline
Woodsman
Offline
Woodsman
C
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 113
Want to save yourself any trouble at all? Take the LP off and put it on the rack using tie-wraps (wire ties). Its gotta be like a 15 minute job tops. No silly stops for that one.

We went to Colorado for a dozen years without issue doing that exact thing. Never had an issue for that. Speeding on the other hand...

Last edited by Colorado1; 10/08/18 12:22 AM.
Re: Question on Hitch Racks [Re: Colorado1] #7308100 10/08/18 11:32 AM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 595
C
crapicat Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
C
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 595
I have used a hitch rack occasionally, never been stopped due to the plate being not visible, but this information is helpful to know, for future use.

Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3