Why Do Motorcyclists Flip Their Plates Backward?

David Muñoz | July 30, 2024 | Motorcycle Accidents

Why Do Motorcyclists Flip Their Plates Backward?

Motorcyclists flipping their license plates backward is a fairly common sight in San Diego, even though it’s illegal. What makes this practice so common among some riders? It’s usually a tactic to avoid legal consequences or avoid paying tolls. Unlike drivers, motorcyclists can more easily cover their plates while riding to potentially escape consequences.

Here’s why motorcyclists may flip their plates and why it’s a bad idea.

Avoiding Traffic Violations

One of the primary reasons motorcyclists flip their plates backward is to avoid traffic violations. Automated systems such as red-light cameras and speed cameras rely on capturing the license plate number to issue tickets. By flipping the plate, riders can evade identification and subsequent fines.

This method, however, is not foolproof. Many modern cameras are equipped with technology to capture images from multiple angles, rendering the flipped plate strategy ineffective.

Evading Pursuit

Sometimes riders are even more brazen, flipping their license plates when they see law enforcement to evade pursuit. Their goal is getting away before police can run their plates through the system. During high-speed chases, a flipped plate makes it harder for police to identify the bike.

This tactic is especially prevalent in the world of illegal street racing.

This practice doesn’t just increase the risk of a motorcycle accident; when it fails, the penalties are even greater.

The Thrill of Rebellion

For some, flipping their plates backward is an act of rebellion. It represents a defiance of authority and societal norms. This thrill-seeking behavior is often seen in younger riders who are drawn to the adrenaline rush of outsmarting the system. 

While it may provide a temporary sense of empowerment, the long-term consequences can be severe. Violators may face hefty fines, criminal charges, and increased danger on the roads.

Avoiding Tolls

FasTrak is used throughout California to pay tolls electronically on tolled bridges, roads, and express lanes using a sticker transponder.

Motorcyclists may turn to a license plate flipper to avoid paying costly tolls. In the San Diego area, I-15 Express Lanes are free for motorcyclists without the toll charged to solo drivers who cannot use a carpool lane. However, the SR 125 Toll Road (South Bay Expressway) has tolls up to $2.75 with FasTrak. Motorcycles pay the same toll rates as other two-axle vehicles.

The FasTrak system uses cameras to capture front and rear license plates of vehicles without transponders. Drivers then receive violation notices in the mail. The drivers must pay the toll and a penalty which increases if it isn’t paid on time.

Motorcyclists may flip their license plate before the camera can capture it. They may then use Express Lanes and tolled roads without paying tolls. SANDAG lost millions in revenue through mischarged tolls in recent years. 

In the Bay Area toll cheats have cost the region about $13 million per year in tolls. This lost revenue is attributed to new cars without unique plates and tactics like plate flipping.

The legal ramifications of flipping a motorcycle license plate backward are serious. According to California motorcycle laws, plates must be clearly legible, unobstructed, and uncovered. Motorcyclists must abide by Vehicle Code § 5201 CVC, which requires securing a license plate and keeping it clearly visible. An infraction can be punished by a fine of up to $196.

Flipping your license plate can result in other charges, including charges related to fraud.

There is another hidden risk to this practice of avoiding tolls and tickets. It can make it harder for police and witnesses to identify a vehicle after an accident. Without a legible license plate, it becomes even harder to find a hit-and-run driver after a crash.

Flipping a motorcycle license plate might seem like a clever trick to evade law enforcement and tolls, but it isn’t just illegal; it can be dangerous. If you are caught, you face additional penalties on top of any traffic offenses you may have been committing. Avoiding dangerous behavior like this is just one way to uphold your duty to other motorists on the road.

Contact the San Diego Motorcycle Accident Law Firm of Mission Personal Injury Lawyers Today To Get More Information

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.

We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers
2515 Camino del Rio S Suite 350, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 777-5555

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032

We also serve the state of Texas. Contact our personal injury law office in El Paso for legal assistance today.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000