I Test Drove A Toyota Pickup, Got A $240 Ticket and I Have To Appear in Court, All Because The Dealer Didn’t Attach A License Plate To The Vehicle

A Texas man goes on a test drive and returns with a police citation and a court date even though he did nothing wrong. Here is Daniel's amazing story. 

Daniel Rocha was in the police crosshairs because of an ongoing dealership feud with the local police department. Automotive News (by subscription) says Daniel was ticketed while test-driving a Toyota Tacoma pickup because the dealership didn't attach a temporary license plate to the vehicle. 

Daniel told Dallas TV station WFAA that the police officer who pulled him over wasn't willing to overlook the issue, even though the missing license plate wasn't Rocha's fault. It's likely because this is not the first time the dealer forgot to attach a plate. 

Daniel was left feeling utterly baffled and unfairly treated, as he received a ticket for a violation he did not commit. 

The officer who pulled him over explained that Daniel was stopped because the truck wasn't displaying a license plate on the back.

"He said this has been ongoing with these dealers," Rocha said. "We've been getting on these guys for doing that," he said the officer told him.

"He said in order for us to make the dealerships abide, we're going to start citing the customers." 

The dealership where Rocha was shopping for a new Tacoma, Longo Toyota of Prosper, Texas, told WFAA that it was the first time a customer had been ticketed for no license plate.

"Safety is a top priority at Longo Toyota of Prosper, and we are dedicated to providing a secure environment for everyone," the Toyota store general manager said in a statement.

"Our community is very important to us, and we have been active supporters since we opened nearly eight years ago. We recently became aware of an issue during a test drive, which we are actively working to address and resolve." 

"Driver safety is a core value for us, and we proudly sponsor a driver education program in our local area. Our team is dedicated to the well-being of our guests and the community we serve."

The police in Prosper, Texas, see it differently. 

I don't know if this Toyota dealer habitually fails to put a temporary dealer tag on their test vehicle drives, but the report suggests police have seen this many times before. 

It's common for dealers to use special plates, known as "dealer tags," which often display the make and model of the vehicle and the dealership name. However, the Toyota Tacoma Daniel was driving didn't have these, and under Texas law, the vehicle's operator is responsible.

The U.S. Sun says that a spokesperson for the Prosper Police Department said: "Failure to display dealer tags on a test-driven vehicle properly is a violation of Texas law. Under state law, vehicle operators are held responsible for any citations if this law is ignored."

"We urge all car dealerships to comply with these regulations to ensure the safety of their customers and prevent future violations."

To make matters worse, Daniel Rocha must take more time and appear in court because of the violation.  

And the story has a tragic twist. 

Daniel's truck shopping was not just a routine task. He was looking for a new pickup because his son had tragically lost his life in an accident, and it was Daniel's truck he was driving. 

"I lost my son in a car accident, and that was my truck. I would rather have my son here, but I'm just looking for a vehicle."

Daniel said Longo Toyota offered to reimburse him for the $240 ticket after first discounting the vehicle by that amount, although the dealership denied doing so.

After enduring the stress of the situation, Daniel was left without a car for even longer, as he decided not to purchase the Toyota Tacoma pickup.

"It does upset me that I'm in the middle of this feud that's going on," Rocha told WFAA.

Conclusion:

When you go on a test drive in a dealer's vehicle, make sure they attach a dealer tag or license plate to the rear of the vehicle. Many dealers put it in the back window, which is acceptable if it shows clearly. 

It could save you from paying hefty fines and going to court.

Have you had a bad car dealer experience you'd share with readers? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out another incredible story:

"I Vomited Blue Bile After Painting Rivian’s R1T, I Asked For a Respirator, But the Supervisor Denied My Request." Find Addison's troubling story here. 

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Longo Toyota of Prosper