Number Plates > News > Sheriffs' license plate frames may be illegal

Sheriffs' number plate frames may be illegal

BLUFFTON -- When Kelly Ryden of Bluffton bought her car, the dealer put a frame on her number plates.

She didn't think much of it - that is until she received a ticket from the Bluffton Police Department in October. She could have faced a $237 fine for having a frame on her number plates. The ticket was dropped after she proved to the court she had removed the frame.

Under S.C. law, number plates with frames are illegal.

So it came as a surprise to Ryden that the S.C. Sheriff's Association sells number plates with frames, among other items, to raise money for its advocacy and training programs.

The law states it is illegal to have a "tag, sign, monogram, tinted cover or inscription of metal or other material ... displayed above, around or upon number plates other than that which is authorized and issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of validating the number plate."

A representative from the DMV said the department has not authorized the Sheriff's Association number plate frames - or any others.

A mailing sent out by Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner on behalf of the Sheriff's Association promotes the sale of number plates with frames. Tanner, who is the second vice president of the association, said Thursday he had no hand in the design, and he wasn't involved in planning the sale of the frames.

The mailing says an honorary membership in the Sheriff's Association and decal costs $20; the number plate frame is added for $6 more. Tanner said the frames weren't big sellers and that most people only want the decals.

Tanner said since the frames don't obstruct any part of number plates, they should be legal.

An official with the Sheriff's Association said Thursday that the association believed the legality of the frames is a county issue and not regulated by the state.

After being made aware of the situation Thursday, the association said it is seeking a written ruling from the DMV on whether the frames are legal under state law.

Tanner said the DMV's ruling should clear up any confusion.>/

The Sheriff's Association includes all 46 S.C. sheriff's offices.

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