Quote Quoting eug1077
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I appreciate the response. Just to clarify, he didn't know much about NJ law. I told him that inspection stickers are on the windshield in NJ, and mine is on there and valid. He didn't even acknowledge that my plates were from NJ, basically just treated it as if they were from CA, and didn't have an expiration tag. Yes, the plate is currently registered in NJ and valid through May of 2011.
You have to admit though, that to expect every officer to be intimately familiar with the laws/rules and regulations of every one of the 50 states is a bit of a stretch. You also have to realize that most neighboring states (to California) require and utilize a sticker on the rear plate, and that inspection stickers stuck on the windshield is mostly an east coast standard.

No, a NJ should not be treated any differently than any other driver from any other state, but with the "front windshield sticker" being an anomaly out west, I don't see anything unreasonable with regards to the stop.

Officer saw your plate, did not see a sticker... Is it reasonable for him to pull you over to further investigate? Should any subsequent alleged violation discovered by the officer be deemed as invalid? I guess that's for the judge to decide!

Quote Quoting eug1077
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If you plead not guilty and do a TBWD, and are found guilty, can the original fines (ie: the 466 dollars increase). Basically, is it a risk by pleading not guilty and later found guilty as opposed to just pleading guilty to begin with?
No! Your mere "not guilty plea" and your exercising the option to hold the state to the burden of proving their case will not result in any additional fines or court costs.

Quote Quoting eug1077
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... am thinking it might be cheaper to plead guilty and pay the $466 then to go through registering the vehicle, smog test..etc, and also getting a CA license, and have the car here for maybe 3 weeks tops.
No doubt... Add in the administrative correction fee of $25 (for each) and the fact that you would have to re-register your vehicle once you return to NJ...

Still, I would try the TBD to see where the judge will take it; at least, you might get a dismissal on the 12951 violation as Carl has suggested. So you might get a part of that $466 refunded.

Quote Quoting eug1077
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If I do plead guilty - will there be anything to prevent me from being charged with the same exact thing immediately after pleading guilty and paying the fine, if I am in fact pulled over again before I leave?
Nope... Unfortunately not. You'll have to take your chances on that one!

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Also, if you plead guilty at the arraignment in CA, can you ever appeal your decision?
Once you enter a plea of guilty, your fine amount is due and payable and subsequently your case is closed. While you can request that your case be re-opened under specific and limited circumstances, simply "changing your mind" is not a valid reason to expect that to happen.