Another DMV question

[Alan_Hepburn]

So, last week we decided to swap the plates on our vehicles for disabled plates. Everything went smoothly at the DMV - with no appointment we were in and out in under an hour at the Santa Teresa office. The only hiccup was they did not have any disabled plates on hand for motorcycles, so now we're waiting for the plate to be sent from Sacramento. The bike's registration is current as of June, but we had to turn in the existing plate.

Now, we're watching this great riding weather slide on by while the bike sits in the garage - can we get some kind of temporary permit to get us out and about? I'm going to check with DMV on Monday, but thought you experts here could arm me with the correct form number to ask for! My other thought was to just carry the current registration with no plate and explain the situation every time we get stopped for no plate, but that seems to be a waste of time for both us and the officers that stop us.

 

[Shaggy]

I think you'll be ok. You might get stopped for riding a bike with no plates, but your explanation is reasonable. If the DMV didn't give you any temporary paperwork to display, then just say that. Carry the DMV receipt with you so you have documentation to support your explanation.

I know I wouldn't write you a ticket unless you were riding like a complete buffoon. If you're putting disabled plates on a motorcycle, I don't imagine you'll be out hooning. If someone did decide to cite you, it would be a correctable violation anyway.

 

[motomania2007]

Carry all the paperwork that shows your bike is currently registered and insured and IF you get stopped, simply explain the situation to the officer.

In my mind, this is no different than someone that just bought a new car that has no plates.

 

[metalmaster]

the other side of this is when you sell the bike, you need to keep the plate so you can transfer it to the next one

 

[metalmaster]

I have been known to "hoon" on my bike with disabled plates:rofl

 

[Alan_Hepburn]

Thanks all - I guess we'll give it a try - if the weather cools off a bit! As for "hooning" - not gonna happen! I don't even fly the chair when the wife is aboard! And wheelies don't work too well on a Goldwing with a sidecar!

 

[auditude]

...I know I wouldn't write you a ticket unless you were riding like a complete buffoon. If you're putting disabled plates on a motorcycle, I don't imagine you'll be out hooning. If someone did decide to cite you, it would be a correctable violation anyway.

I agree with the exception of designated parking spaces. The actual VC sections which would apply are not correctable by definition. Specifically VC 22507.8 et seq. and VC 4461 (c), this one's a misdemeanor no less; in those cases, a court appearance is required in order to dismiss.

Bear in mind, both can be explained to the citing officer before they start scratching the cite. Present the supporting docs and you should be good. The problem will arise if/when you park your moto and it's unattended. The citation can be left on windshield and the explanation will take time.

YMMV hope this helps :ride

 

[Alan_Hepburn]

I wouldn't try to park in a handicapped spot without the plate in view - we don't even use the placard when we're on the bike because we figure it would disappear! that's why we're putting a plate on it.

That brings up another question: I know that the placard/plate lets us use metered parking spots without feeding the meter - what about handicapped spots in paid parking lots? We still have to pay the parking fees there, right? I'm thinking of areas like the Wharf in Monterey - I believe that the city runs that lot...

 

[Shaggy]

Here is the applicable section:

Div 11. Rules of The Road
Ch 9. Stopping, Standing, and Parking
§ 22511.5. (a) (1) A disabled person or disabled veteran displaying special license plates issued under Section 5007 or a distinguishing placard issued under Section 22511.55 or 22511.59 is allowed to park for unlimited periods in any of the following zones:
(A) In any restricted zone described in paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 21458 or on streets upon which preferential parking privileges and height limits have been given pursuant to Section 22507.
(B) In any parking zone that is restricted as to the length of time parking is permitted as indicated by a sign erected pursuant to a local ordinance.
(2) A disabled person or disabled veteran is allowed to park in any metered parking space without being required to pay parking meter fees.
(3) This subdivision does not apply to a zone for which state law or ordinance absolutely prohibits stopping, parking, or standing of all vehicles, or which the law or ordinance reserves for special types of vehicles, or to the parking of a vehicle that is involved in the operation of a street vending business.
(b) A disabled person or disabled veteran is allowed to park a motor vehicle displaying a special disabled person license plate or placard issued by a foreign jurisdiction with the same parking privileges authorized in this code for any motor vehicle displaying a special license plate or a distinguishing placard issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 478, Sec. 11. Effective January 1, 2011.)

 

[auditude]

...That brings up another question: I know that the placard/plate lets us use metered parking spots without feeding the meter - what about handicapped spots in paid parking lots? We still have to pay the parking fees there, right? I'm thinking of areas like the Wharf in Monterey - I believe that the city runs that lot...

Lots, for the most part, are privately owned and operated. Metered parking, OTOH, is enforceable and usually on a city per city basis. In the counties where I work, both allow "free" parking with a valid placard. Again, lot enforcement is really up to the owner.

Here is the applicable section:

Yes, the sections I cited garner their authority pursuant to VC 22511.5 et seq. but the actual violation sections were the ones I listed IN ADDITION TO any municipal codes. When I worked in CCSF, they'd hammer folks with the VC AND the muni codes! Just brutal ��