The
dictionary definition of
immatriculation is "an act, state, or process of being enrolled (as in an official register)." I use it (instead of the word
registration) in a broader sense to signify the totality of what is required to bring a vehicle to a condition where it can legally be operated or left on the public highway. This includes:
* Full compliance with all vehicle equipment requirements (type approval, FMVSS, state-required safety equipment, etc.)
* Insurance, if the jurisdiction in which it is required mandates insurance to meet a financial responsibility standard
* Registration, including keeping it current if the registering jurisdiction requires periodic renewal
* Compliance with driver qualification requirements when the vehicle is being driven (driver has a license; driver is carrying the license with him or her if he or she is otherwise liable for citation or arrest on failure to produce a license immediately; insurance policy is valid when the car is being driven by that driver)
* Compliance with any applicable emissions requirements
* Compliance with any applicable anti-nuisance legislation (aimed at, e.g., noise, smoke)
* If parked on the public highway, compliance with any applicable requirements, including those of a general character that are not signed, e.g. maximum time periods that are designed to prevent inoperable junkers being left on the street (Wichita has a 48-hour maximum)
* Display or carriage of any legally required proofs of the foregoing
I seem to recall a newspaper story some years ago about some state (I have no idea which) issuing two plates but only requiring the rear plate, which then led to someone from that state getting a ticket in DC for not displaying the front plate. (That's unjust, IMO.)
It is unjust, and it is also a perfect illustration of why DC should not be in the business of enforcing other states' requirements. They should definitely focus on diplomatic vehicles, however. Those are effectively locally registered since the State Department issues the plates, and if anything, diplomats should expect to see more stringent enforcement than the driving public at large to compensate for the moral hazard that diplomatic immunity creates. And while I realize this is not under the control of the DC Police, the State Department should be quite aggressive about following up on diplomats whose lawbreaking while driving rises above the level of a traffic infraction to criminality.