Bikers primarily flip their license plates when they see law enforcement to avoid identification and evade traffic violations, especially those captured by automated enforcement systems.
Evading Identification and Traffic Violations
The act of flipping a license plate is a deliberate tactic employed by motorcyclists to prevent their vehicle from being identified by its unique plate number. This measure is crucial for those attempting to avoid legal consequences related to traffic infractions.
How Automated Systems Are Avoided
One of the main reasons riders resort to this method is to bypass detection by various automated enforcement systems. These systems are specifically designed to monitor traffic and issue citations without direct human intervention:
- Red-light cameras: These cameras are installed at intersections to capture images of vehicles that proceed through a red light.
- Speed cameras: Placed in areas where speed limits are enforced, these cameras record vehicles exceeding the posted speed.
Both types of automated systems rely heavily on capturing a clear image of the license plate number to issue tickets. By flipping their plate backward or obscuring it, riders effectively make their identification difficult or impossible for these cameras. This evasion helps them avoid receiving subsequent fines and penalties that would otherwise be issued based on the recorded plate information. The presence of law enforcement officers often heightens awareness, prompting bikers to take such evasive actions to prevent being identified, whether directly by the officer or by the automated systems the police department might utilize or monitor.
