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Sep 27, 2008 3:17 pm US/Pacific
CHP To Stop Issuing Special License Plate Frames
SACRAMENTO (AP) ―
The California Highway Patrol and a CHP benefit foundation are doing away with expensive license plate frames that may have bought some drivers a pass on traffic tickets.
Commissioner J.A. Farrow worries the frames create a perception that contributors to the California Highway Patrol 11-99 Foundation are getting beneficial treatment from CHP officers.
At Farrow's request, the foundation, which takes its name from the emergency police radio code for "officer needs assistance," voted last week to stop issuing the frames by January.
Donors who gave $5,000 received the license plate frame and a brass identification card with a small star similar to a CHP officer's badge.
The foundation says the items aren't designed to buy immunity from traffic tickets.
But an online Mercedes-Benz chat board called the frame "the ultimate speeding ticket solution in California." The frames have been selling online for $250 to $1,000.
Several thousand frames have been issued, and are most often seen on expensive cars like Aston Martins, Lamborghinis, Land Rovers, BMWs, Mercedes-Benzes and Audis.
Farrow this month sent out an agency-wide memo that reiterates the CHP's policy against giving anyone special consideration after the Los Angeles Times raised questions about the frames.
"CHP personnel shall not honor nor recognize any form of communication which purports, infers or extends a privilege or immunity" from enforcement of the law, the memo says.
Farrow, who became commissioner this year, says he was "surprised" and "bothered" by the appearance of preferential treatment for rich donors. But he supports the foundation's work, and the agency's official Web site links to the foundation's home page.
Foundation President Edward Trickey said the group warns on its application form that membership does not buy leniency. It also does background checks on applicants and kicks out donors who seek special treatment.
Trickey said he has received three tickets while working for the charity.
The foundation stopped giving out its brass identification cards in May after the state attorney general issued an opinion that official-looking badges violate state law.
The Fullerton-based organization has raised millions of tax-free dollars for more than 25 years, with the money going to officers who are ill or injured, or families of fallen officers.
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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