Can you be cited for a tow hitch "covering" the license plate?

Question

The tow hitch on my Suburban is in front of my license plate (the license plate is where it's supposed to be and so is the hitch). I want to know why I was pulled over for this. Are you supposed to remove the ball if not in use?

Mind you, I've been ticketed (once) and pulled over (a few times) and NEVER has this been an issue!

What's considered obstruction? The ball only covers the absolute bottom of the plate where it reads "Jamestown" - no numbers are "obstructed"...

Answer 1

You are not allowed to have anything blocking the view of the plate, including trailer balls. Technically you should remove the ball when not in use! Practically, what happened is the police office wanted a reason to pull you over, and that was it! The term for this is "probable cause", and it is required before an office can pull you over.

There are several solutions that you can use. I assume your trailer ball is mounted on the step bumper. You can have a receiver hitch installed , which will allow you to remove the ball and insert when not needed! You can remove the ball. You can also just chalk it up to experience, and unless you have further trouble with the police, do nothing!

I have trailer balls on the bumpers of 3 of my trucks, and have never had a problem! I think you just ran into an officer who wanted to pull you over and that was the excuse!!

Answer 2

Yes. it is illegal to obstruct the plate. So You will have to remove the ball hitch when driving, without a trailer. When the trailer is attached, the plate on THAT covers your butt. :)

Peace!

Answer 3

Not if you put the tailgate down! ;)

Answer 4

obstruction of the plate is illegal -
when your not towing - remove the receiver.

It's just a pin and a rod.