Remove registration stickers to avoid out-of-state police stops, AAA recommends

[left-of-center2012]

http://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/12882729-74/remove-registration-stickers-to-avoid-out-of-state-police-stops-aaa-recommends

Pennsylvania drivers heading out-of-state for the holidays could face sticky situations thanks to their license plates.

Specifically, they could find themselves pulled over by police in other states for appearing to have expired registration stickers — which aren't required in Pennsylvania anymore.

Pennsylvania stopped issuing license plate stickers to motorists renewing vehicle registrations at the end of 2016.

Although some law enforcement agencies in surrounding states have been informed, there remains the possibility of drivers with outdated stickers being pulled over, according to the AAA.

“One way to avoid the possible inconvenience of being pulled over by law enforcement is to remove the outdated sticker on your plate,” said Theresa Podguski, director of legislative affairs for AAA East Central. “It can be a tough task, but we do offer some removal tips.”

The organization's tips for removing registration stickers:

• Apply heat with a heat gun or hair dryer set on low.

• Use a razor blade, preferably plastic, to loosen a corner.

• Carefully run the razor blade beneath sticker as you peel.

• Use a wet sponge to remove some of the tough adhesive and continue to peel.

• Clean remaining residue with window cleaner, rubbing alcohol or adhesive remover.

[hlthe2b]

1. I should think it would be very obvious on older plates

whether from the scratches left trying to pry it up or the uneven fading from the sun on the rest of the plate.

Interesting that some states are doing this...

[John1956PA]

2. Pennsylvania is encouraging online registration renewal to avoid mailing and other costs.

Mailing costs and sticker production expenses are significant. By going to a non-sticker, non-mailing, online registration process, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDot) is saving a lot of money. Of course, motorists who wish to renew via mail may still do so. I prefer the online registration renewal method which I find to be quick and easy.

[Merlot]

3. Not having stickers is a good idea, I wish our stae would do that

but they stand to loose a revenue stream - expired tags is a gret excuse to pull someone over and then find other reasons to ticket.

I wonder if the lost revenue would be made up in the costs saved? Although the bigger issue of cops having a good exuse to pull someone over is probably the reason it won't happen.

[packman]

4. I remember the time when Pa required TWO plates

that had to be renewed with NEW plates each year. Then they went with the stickers that had to be displayed on the windshield, then the stickers on the plates.