License plate frames are among the many types of Raised License Plates Frames that North Carolinians can use to drive cars. While it is true that a license is an important piece of your auto, a vehicle’s license plates do not only serve as identification of the owner, it also serves as a decal or sticker that lets others know the owner’s name and address. In fact, license plates are considered a symbol of freedom and a status symbol in some places, especially in the southern part of the country.
Most North Carolinians who have their Raised License Plates Frames personalized with their names and contact information would love to drive without the fear of being caught by law enforcement officers. A number of states are now looking to regulate the use of license plates and their decals, especially those that carry offensive messages. North Carolina, however, is one state that allows the public to drive around with license plates that convey offensive messages. According to a recent story in the Raleigh News & Observer, the North Carolina DMV has placed new stickers on license plates in areas where there are racial slurs or epithets.
According to the News & Observer, a North Carolina law prohibiting Raised License Plates Frames from containing offensive phrases was implemented a year ago, but beginning December 1, offenders can now be charged with a Class A misdemeanor for obstructing a license plate by using a handheld device that obstructs an operator’s view. The law states that this offense is a class A misdemeanor if the offense is committed on public property. In the past, this offense was not considered a crime in North Carolina. However, a recent incident in Raleigh resulted in the suspension of several license plates that bore offensive messages. On September 5, two license plates bearing the word “nigra,” which means a person of African descent, were confiscated by police in Raleigh because of their appearance.
According to the article, Nigra refers to the name of an ethnic group in India, though it is commonly used as a racial slur in some communities. The plates were first owned by the Nigra Motorcycle Club, a local motorcycle club based out of Wake County. In an interview with the Raleigh News & Observer, the club’s vice president said that the name was taken from a slogan that the club uses. The club was unaware of the offensive connotations when they originally purchased the plates, which were originally meant to identify bikes that belong to members of the organization.
Raised License Plates Frames in the Raleigh area are no exception to the new law and are now prohibited from displaying anything deemed offensive. in their display. Although several local car dealerships have reportedly been told by state officials to take down the plate frames that have been displaying racist messages, the dealership that sold the plate frame that was reportedly taken down in Raleigh will not have to remove the frame until it is determined that it does not infringe upon the state law.
According to the Raleigh News & Observer, another car dealer that had plates that have been displayed that were deemed offensive by the state has been told that he can keep his Raised License Plates Frames until he can decide whether he wants to appeal the decision or leave it as is. Even if he wishes to retain the license plates, he will have to remove the display if he sells it to another car dealer.
For North Carolinians, this type of law may have come as a surprise because North Carolina is one of the few states that has a License Plates Frames decal ban. Most North Carolinians view having their license plates customized as an expression of free speech. While there are many areas in the country that have no restrictions on license plates displaying offensive messages, some states have laws that limit the use of License Plates Frames that display racial slurs.
Although North Carolina residents are allowed to display their car License Plates Frames displays without fear of a potential suspension, they should still be aware that other states have no such restrictions. In addition to displaying offensive displays, motorists should remember to stay well informed about the different types of messages that may be on the plates that have been confiscated by police. Although there are no laws that restrict motorists from displaying the messages that they want to, they should make sure that they are aware of the various options available to them before they get their License Plates Frames.