Stuff

If you don't think the manner in which your situation was handled then why did you use the process in the first place. You sound fishier then than the 11-99 Foundation. Playing both ends.

(Note from Jack: It was NOT my situation that I described. Just an example posting from the internet. I do not have a license plate frame on my car)

Hmmm... I think your theory has merit. Just today, I saw a Ferrari with the 11-99 license plate frame on the back. I didn't see the front of the car, so I don't know if there was a frame or even a license plate on it, but I doubt it. The guy driving the car looked about 18 and not a day over!

11-99 Fundation plates are a great way to help financially support what the CHP offers to its "internal family". On the other hand the plates DO OFFER an "out" so to speak to those who can afford this luxury while those who can't - get the big tickets and court fines. I am not promoting to speed and be wreckless, just have safe fun - and enjoy your exotic car, while being respectful and safe to others. Not trying to offend anyone!I have worked hard for my money and vehicles, I want to enjoy them... this doesnt mean I hotrod around, sometimes I just want to utilize the horsepower once in a while :)

Hey Jack,
I saw one of these in a Maybach today going to Balboa Island!

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/5742/maybach5hi.jpg

try not to be so jaded. chances are someone with wealth enough for ferraris can afford to get an attorney to fight every traffic ticket and won't care about increases in insurance. better they are stepping up to the plate, voluntarily, and helping an organization that is worthy.

Ah - another case of I can't have it so no one else can either. On the freeway a "fast" car going 100 (traffic conditions permitting) is MUCH safer than an SUV going 80 - but I see the latter much more frequently. Just because you want to complain about a few haves you are risking spoiling a program that geatly benefits the widows, orphans and families of our everyday heros - the police. Shame on you!

Of course this was not my point at all. My point is that this program gives the impression that our everyday heros, the California Highway Patrol, is corrupt and trading speeding tickets for donations. It is sad to me that they are doing this, even if the end result benefits widows and orphans. Isn't there a better way?>

I see those license plate frames on most luxury cars, not just fast cars. I thought something is fishy. (I'm not a member) I got a ticket a year ago and not my fault (swear to God) and went to court and fought it and lost. I bet if I was a member of this 11-99 foundation I would have been off easily. (But I would not be stupid enough to support those punks because my fine and increase in insurance cost is much much lest then the $1800 member cost.)

The CHP isn't "trading speeding tickets for dontations" in this case; the 11-99 foundation is an independent charitable entity. I have cited folks with the 11-99 foundation plate frame for unsafe driving.

The 11-99 program big-wigs actually come to the CHP Academy and tell the cadets to report anyone who attempts to use their 11-99 membership to get out of an enforcement action. The 11-99 foundation will revoke one's membership and get their "flatbadge" back.

If it's any consolation, I've never met an officer who lets 11-99 members go. Anyone who acts like the CHP owes them a favor or is indebted to them will not likely be let off with just a warning. Personally, I think that if someone genuinely supports what we're doing, they'll support getting a ticket for driving in a manner that puts other members of the motoring public at risk.

Too much analysis. Police do have a certain amount of discretion when it comes to writing tickets. Lets face it, safety is the reason their there. If somebody supports an organization that supports their fallen colleagues they are going to be looked upon favorably. Nature of the beast.There are no guarentees that you will be treated differently and I suspect it may depend on the agregious of the violation. Nevertheless , again there are no promises implied or promised. I think this organization is brilliant. These guys are dying out there for ya, and I for one, am glad to be a friend and have a way to express my thanks.

(Karl, first you say that people will be "looked upon favorably" because of the license plate frame and badge, then you say there are is nothing "implied". I find these two statements contradictory. You can always express your thanks by giving a check. No need to wear the license plate frame or carry the badge. But it is not a big deal to me. I find it more funny than anything else.

Let me be clear. I look upon my niece who is doing very well at UCLA favorably, which is not to say that I am implying that she will be treated differently than her siblings. And yes one can always give a check. No argument there. In fact, do it !

Let me be clear. I look upon my niece who is doing very well at UCLA favorably, which is not to say that I am implying that she will be treated differently than her siblings. And yes one can always give a check. No argument there. In fact, do it !

Get caught driving drunk or foolishly and see what happens with your frames and badge. I have had CHPs let me go several times. I am not a member and I drive a red Saleen Mustang in the Bay Area a bit more freely than I should. I have been stopped several times and let off with them telling me to slow it down. But the odd thing is my boss is a BIG supporter of CHP and the local PD he has received two tickets for speeding with badge, frames and dropping big names. THEY DID NOT WORK! If I had the doe I would give without the benefits. Go CHP!

I live in an upscale neighborhood. One of my neighbors drives an S-600 MBZ and he speeds around in this 25 mph zone all the time. I walked by his house the other day and he has the 11-99 plate frame. I heard this gets you off if you get pulled over by a CHP so I Googled it. After reading all the posts I think it's just another way for arrogant jerks with fancy/fast cars to advertise their egos.I guess you could call that "getting off"! It may be a good cause...probably is but the marketing is especially clever. I'll bet the CHP officers who posted are right. If you deserve a ticket the plate and badge won't help.

For claification. Membership in the CHP 11-99 Foundation does not imply nor provide for favoritism. Members that are stopped and use and/or display their membership credentials with an expectation of leniency loose their membership in the Foundation. The Foundation takes back the credentials and other Foundation property, including the license plate frames. The Foundation also sends the revoked member a check reimbursing their membership fee. Just ask the two Ferrarri owners, now ex-members, that were stopped in May by the CHP in Monterey. Membership abuse results in revocation of membership. Ask the BMW driver in Arcadia that is calling me to plead for his membership back after implying he was with the CHP when stopped by a LASD Deputy. We do not put up with any BS and we routinely revoke memberships. I know becasuse that's my job with the Foundation. Don't join for any other reason than to support the families of the brave men and women of the CHP. Incidently, seven of which have given their lives for you in the last 11 months. If you're joining with an expectation of receiving a break forget about it.

Please. Don't insult our intelligence. There are thousands of good charities out there, but if you own an expensive and powerful car the most desirable charity is the 11-99 Foundation. For only $1800 you can demonstrate your generosity toward widows and orphans as well as yourself. Money for them. Forgiveness for you.
If the "Foundation" wanted to look less like a formalized system of bribery, it would eliminate the noxious plate, the badge, the other accoutrements, and celebrate its contributors anonymously . .. as occurs in the more reputable charitable organizations.

I have only been a part of the 11-99 foundation for a few months and needless to say it does help. I have been let off the last to times I have been pulled over.

I am a 11-99 member, Silver level (that means a $10,000 donation), and believe that by being a 11-99 member means I have to be a better driver, by example. I frankly would be disappointed if a CHP hesitated to do his/her job if I was speeding and gave me only a warning.

Donate to the 11-99 for the right reasons. The CHP does a great job and the 11-99 Foundation is a righteous cause.

I am proud my silver 11-99 license plate frame. It is difficult to see from a distance, which for all those skeptical people, means I donated to the 11-99 Foundation without any hope of the 11-99 license frame giving me a break.

FYI. I drive my bright red Porsche like an old lady. Driving a great car is fun within the law.

I was just surfing the net for info on what the heck the 11-99 Foundation was! I drop my child off at school in Los Gatos, CA (land of the posers, in their Beemers and Mercedes) and they ALL seem to be members. I was beginning to think it was some secret society for the rich and showy. Let's just say they are never seen on a Toyota. Always some fancy import. I came home and now it's clear to me. Mind you that none of the plates say "CHP" that I could see. I think people want to you view them as "special". No one has ever asked me for a donation. Of course I don't drive a BMW.

I just saw one today on a Subaru...that's why I decided to Google it. I definitely don't consider a Subar a "showy" car. I would guess that some people truly join for the cause and others for the perceived benefit.

Guys,

Two things to consider. One, cars manufactured today perform at a safety level only science fiction could imagine when the national speed limits were imposed. ABS, Active Braking, Active Suspensions, Distronic Control, Stability Control Systems, Body Roll Control, 4 Wheel Independent Suspensions, 4 Wheel Disk Brakes, Head's Up Displays, Speed Sensitive Power Steering, and a plethora of other advancements allow for increased speed with better safety.

Two, it is unfortunate that it takes a separate organization supported by wealthy individuals to support the families of those who died for all of us. Therefore, if it takes the owners of these cars which are engineered to stop in 1/4 the distance and avoid accidents 99% of the time, when compared with cars from the 1970's, to pay thousands to support the CHP and get a break for doing so, then I'm ok with that. And if these individuals speed, remember they are doing so in cars built to do so in a very safe manner. If you get an 1199 membership, you should also be required to take extensive driver training. Imagine a culture of expert driving like we see in Germany. Driving is dangerous not because of the speed, but because of lack of skill and attention. More deadly accidents occur at 40 MPH and below than at 100MPH and above. I would suggest a consideration of these points before those who won't contribute cry in their soup. With this said, I understand that membership will not prevent tickets. Thus one can only assume these individuals pay thousands because they value having the best trained highway patrol in the world.

Hmm...$1800 for a license plate frame or ~$200 for a speeding ticket. I don't see the economies of scale in the license plate frame for the purpose of getting out of tickets.
Even if you get several tickets you're still well away from the $1800 cost of the license plate frame. So, even if you DO get out of a speeding ticket or two...or three...or four...you've still paid more than the fines would have been. AND the money you've spent goes to a good cause.
My question to you is: How else would you be able to convince people that have the money to part with it? Remember, even non-profits and clubs must provide some kind of VALUE or (if we're honest) guilt trip to their constituents lest they fall away and their cause be lost.
I say spend the money on the license plate frame if you can. If you're doing it to get out of a couple of tickets I don't imagine your financial sense will allow you to do so for very long.
Let's think these things through before slamming people who have the means because we assume they are doing it for less than admirable reasons.
An $1800 license plate frame is NOT more cost-effective than paying for a few speeding tickets. I'd be more vocal about America's RIGHT (yes, I said right) to drive and our poor (at best) requirements to obtain a drivers LICENSE. It should be a permit. Along the lines of a library card..
IMO :)

"John", A speeding ticket may just be a few hundred dollars. A DUI ticket may be more and may result in removal of license. Even a handful of speeding tickets can result in losing your license. On top of that, insurance rates can increase dramatically. So, on the financial side, there are many aspects you have not considered. Do the math and check what a ticket actually costs in time and increased insurance premiums then let me know if it is still "worth" it. - Jack

I've seen several comments above commenting on the fact that high performance cars are far safer and so the CHP 11-99 frames on these cars don't endanger safety. Yes these cars are safer but that shouldn't be license to speed. Do police officers now need a database of vehicle types and do they need to index the speed limit to the vehicles capabilities? This is a complete crock. And I'm certainly not saying this out of jealousy as I drive a G35 with stability control, awesome sports brakes, abs, etc. and so my car would definitely fall into the performance category and thus according to above arguments give me license to speed. This is absolute nonsense.

As for the foundation, the cause is extremely worthy but having to show it with a licence plate frame is ridiculous. Are there any stats on the rate of those with or without the frame being let off by the CHP upon being pulled over? The only way to prove they don't help with this is statistics in my view (even given that fact this wouldn't include those who aren't even pulled over because of the frames).

Dan, I completely agree. One of the people posting said that high-performance cars can stop much faster etc. but the fact is that reaction times are no different in a better car and there is no protection against "the other guy" who is driving with a cell phone and changing the satellite radio channel while drifting into your lane. Thanks for your comments. -Jack

I live in Marin and it seems that around every corner there's an 11-99 foundation car. Although I don't shun driving sweet cars, rich people shouldn't weasle out of tickets no matter what it supports. CHP's should be told not to go all soft on 11-99ers in thier training!

It is very unfortunate that preference and discrimination still exist. But this is just another face of corruption. Is the same as corrupt officers covering up for other corrupt officer. I donate to many organizations and none of them give me a license to violate the law. This is just shameful.

Where do you apply for membership for the 11 99 Foundation? On there website (www.chp1199.org) I see where you can make a donation, but it does not mention license plate frames or ID badges. I also do not see where you need to donate $1800.00 to receive the mentioned items.

Jesus, some of you people sound like you want to kill all rich people! Anyways, we've had these license plate frames on our cars since 92 and haven't received a ticket since then. Back in 92 I didn't even have a license yet and now im the racer of the family. My parents simply donated to help out the fallen officers of the CHP. Thank God they did that since it helps me a lot =).

p.s. I sorta agree with the driver training thing. FCCA (Ferrari Car Club of America), PCNA (Porsche Club N. America) and BMWCCNA (BMW Car Club of N. America) helped out a lot not with just racing, but with reaction times.

Kill rich people? Who said that? Eliminate corruption, sure. Killing people... you are making that up. But thanks anyway for the anecdotal evidence that the frames are effective in reducing tickets. -Jack

geez, alot of you resent rich people! i'm not one, but i am a car nut. i do a long commute five days a week and beleive me, most people are innattentive drivers at best. most people who spend enormous sums of money on high performance cars do so because they love to drive and typically pay more attention when they do. i'd rather ride with "rich person" in an actual sports car than a dumb-ass in an suv who's talking on the cell phone. even my not too expensive acura will drive at a hundred down i-5 in light traffic quite safely.
if i had $1800.00 i'd gladly
support the 11-99 foundation. not to get out of a ticket, but because i appreciate the dangerous job the chp does.

Mike, I don't see the resentment here. I just see that people are disappointed that it appears that a quasi-governmental agency is selling get-out-of-ticket license plate frames (or at least the implication that the cop won't ticket you). Considering the price of the frame, certainly wealthier people would buy them, but it is no surprise that someone would buy them. The surprise is that they are being sold. Kind of a bad thing. Money shouldn't buy an excuse from the law - whether the law is reasonable or not. That is the basis of the rule of law. It is sad to see it eroded in any way. -Jack

I personally have no beef with the plate holders advertising the 11-99 Fdn... if they didn't exist, how would the majority of us writing here even know about the Foundation? I googled it tonight, too. It's simply great advertising! The wallet may be a bit much, but hey, the discretion is up to the officer. Hard to argue with people going out of their way to help others. Especially families of officers who take to task on a difficult job which puts them at high risk.

I don't care about wealthy people showing their support of a good foundation -- and if a cop factors that into his or her decision as to whether to give a ticket or not, well, so be it. What I care more about is the unbelievable SPELLING of the people writing to this site! Hey! What school you went?

Is a license plate holder an official credential (I do not know, but don't think so). SO here is an idea for those potential entrpreneurs: Make a virtual copy of these plate holders-- call them novelty plates-- and sell them for 10$ a piece on the internet. You will be a rich man or woman... then you can donate some of your money to the real charity, put more cars on the road with the advertiding of the organisation, and keep the show offs from feeling their exclusivity. Everyone but the snobs benefit.

Note: I think this is why a "badge" comes with the membership as well. Anyone can make a fake plate or steal one... -Jack

I tend to agree with others on this posting that using the foundation plate-frames are a simple way to express wealth. You never notice a foundation frame on a Ford or Chevy, it's always on the big, expensive cars. Living in the bay area has shown to me that little men, with huge egos and equally huge bank accounts, will do anything and everything to show the world "Yea, im rich... and your not!" I think supporting the foundation is a great thing, but I believe that if all we were trying to accomplish was support, we could do that without the fancy frame.

As a member for approximately four years, I have been pulled over twice. I got one speeding ticket and a warning with a suggestion that I use the cruise control. The speeding ticket was for doing 78 on the freeway and the warning was for doing 75. I am not wealthy and my license plate frame sits proudly on my Toyota Prius. I am certain that you will read what you want into my comments.

I work on expensive, fast cars and many of my customers boast that their 11-99 plate frame stops them getting tickets. What is more a ticket for exceeding 100mph will cost a lot more than $200. In California it could mean loss of license plus insurance cancellation.

I am in search of a 11-99 foundation frame. I can't find anything on the CHP or foundation website that gives me any info. Where can I get one? I am happy to pay for it, but I am having trouble confirming where to go to get one. Help!

Note to Jody: To get one, you join the 11-99 foundation and they will send you one with your membership. Good thing you are happy to pay for it as it is not particularly cheap. -Jack

Being a recently retired CHP officer that served over 30 years, I have to say "Who Cares?" First, the 11-99 guys are movers and shakers who cuddle up to the highest ranking brass on the CHP, not the ground pounders. Sure, some younger guys may be intimidated by the 11-99 credentials, but most are not. Trust me when I say there are far more of you 'regular' folks out there who get out of tickets than 11-99 members. In all my years on the road, I never stopped an 11-99 member. Yet 30%+ of my stops resulted in verbal warnings. Believe me, there are far more 'ladies' who are willing to show the cop their 'credentials' to get out of a ticket than any 11-99 member and in the end the lady gets a ticket too. The 11-99 foundation does a tremendous job of supporting the rank and file officers in a time of need. When we have an officer die in the line of duty, they immediately step up and write a check to the spouse which helps eliminate a major concern during the grieving period. I'm certain there are some members who join thinking the credentials are a 'get out of jail free card', but give credit to the guys and gals out there driving the black and whites, they are professionals and dedicated to their job to serve and protect YOU.

The best not-getting-a-ticket-because-of-the-1199 frame story I know:

A kid at my high school was driving 130mph on a 55 zone. His girlfriend was in the front seat, also illegal because he hadn't had his license 6 months yet. OH, and the best part? He didn't have a license PLATE in either the front or back.

But, he DID have the 11-99 Foundation plate frame, and evidently it was enough for the cop to give him a mere warning.

I've watched this site for quite a while, and get a kick out of some people's perceptcions. Here are some points worth making.
1. As Chairman of the 11-99 I have received a ticket in the last 3 years. All of my predecessors received tickets during their terms. I also do not have an 11-99 frame on my license.
2. Most officers give warnings to a large percentage of their "stops". It is perfectly within the delegated discretion for them to do so.
3. Most members continue to donate to the Foundation after they receive their lifetime membership. Sounds pretty selfish doesn't it? There is no obligation to donate after joining, and there is no recognition given. People just do it.
4. Does it make sense to pay several thousand dollars to join, so that you can get out of a $200 ticket?

Note to Bob: I'm greatly heartened by the way that the 11-99 foundation has "cleaned up their act" by removing the open offers of badges and license plate frames from the site. I think that shows the integrity of your organization and am glad about it. Let me address a couple of your points:

1) You and your predecessors seem to receive a lot of tickets. May I suggest obeying the traffic regulations? :-)

2) I'm aware of this and have benefited from a number of kind-hearted CHP officers who have understood that a warning would be just as (or possibly more) effective than a ticket.

4) At your current rate of infractions, the $1800 for lifetime membership would be a break-even proposition in 9 years if you consider the cost of tickets only. This does not include the time associated with dealing with tickets, paying for and attending traffic school, increased insurance costs and potential loss of license for repeat violations. Sounds like a bargain to me. :-)

All that said, I'm glad to see that the approach of "selling" memberships with the hazy implied promise of leniency seems to be going away. If you are responsible for that, then Thank You.

-Jack

I think I'll casually remove an "11-99" frame from a nearby exotic next time I visit my local Whole Foods supermarket... that way I can obtain the benefits without the cost.
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Ah..., but without the "Gold Card" to back it up you are busted. -Jack

You guys make me sick... so what if the 11-99 club gets you out of a ticket.. Do you think a cop pulling over a family member, neighbor, bowling league team member of whomever, will let this person slide on a speeding ticket? or if you tip the waiter or waitress at your local coffee house.. will they provide you better service? The answer to both questions is... Yeah.. Probably!!

So I must ask you.. whats your complaint? Is it that you think law enforcement is corrupt, or are you just jealous because you arent a member?

First of all... All these so called "gotten out of a ticket" claims are hear say.. The only person that really knows the motive behind the warning is the police officer that issues it. So if you want to base your complaint on hear say testimony, then ask the officer for his statement...

Over the course of my 30 years of driving, I've received a couple of verbal warnings from CHP and local PD's and its not because I can afford to donate to a worthy cause.. I just think they were nice peace officers and gave me a break..

But if you're convinved, a license plate frame will make your crime less severe, then go out, donate and quit complaining!!

So - I saw the Foundation frame for the first time ever today, on an exec's car where I work. Didn't know what it was, thought I'd look it up to see what kind of a nice guy this was. Found your posts.

The car is a Porsche GT3. Occam's Razor says: I'm on Jack's side, about as plain as the nose on your face.

Regardless of reality, the appearance of impropriety is damaging. It is a good thing that this has been mitigated. Nor is it unreasonable to think, that more than once, a feeling of empowerment held by the odd Foundation member has itself led to a tragedy.

The cause is good, and the service that the CHP provides to us, often at their own peril, is invaluable. I hope that the Foundation, or any other organization, will steer itself away from tactics that suggest impropriety, to detriment of the image of the CHP.

Frankly, I believe that the demographics of the membership (older, calmer, more responsible drivers) has a greater effect than the license frame. My last ticket was for 68 in a 65 ten years ago. I do my speeding when there is nobody in sight, never on the freeway. Result: no tickets, no encounters with the CHP. I don't think having an 11-99 license frame for the last 7 years made any difference.

If you are driving dangerously, no self-respecting CHP officer will let you off. If you are speeding but safe and sober, you might get off with a warning with or without an 11-99 Foundation membership.

What the license plate frame does is simple: it lets the officer know that you are on his side, not some psychopath who's going to shoot him. The traffic stop is less stressful for him, so naturally you are more likely to get a break _if_ your offense is minor. On the other hand, if you are obviously endangering the public, the membership could actually work against you. Either way, calling this "corruption" is quite a stretch.

The above is merely conjecture, since I haven't been pulled over by the CHP is so very many years. I'm just speculating on how I would react to the license frame if I were on patrol.

I think people should lighten up. Like most, I consider myself a reponsible driver. However, sometimes we get a bit careless and perhaps drive a little faster than we should, but that doesn't equate to being a reckless driver who have no regard for other's safty. I think its perfectly okay for a CHP officer to occasionally cut somone a break and let traffic violaters off on a warning. If I am a CHP officer and I am risking my life everyday out on the streets, you bet I'll be more inclined to be lenient on minor offenders who have donated sizable amount of money to a foundation that would benefit me and my family if I were ever injured on the job. We've all seen cases where a CHP officer would hide next to inconspecuious speed traps (such as a lower speed limit immediately after a sharp turn), waiting to catch unsuspecting motorists. If you were unlucky and fell into a situatoin like this, wouldn't you wish the officer would give you a break? That's exactly why I got the 11-99 foundation license plate frame. $1800 for life-time membership is really not that much. plus its for a good cause. everyone should join.

Re: Herm's post - I don't think any real officer is going to let his guard down one bit if he sees someone with a license plate frame that may 'indicate' the occupants of a pulled-over vehicle are on 'his side' or not, that's a sure-fire way to entice a cop up to you so you can shoot him or her, IF you are into cop-killing.

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If that is true, then wouldn't ANY infraction be an enticement for cop-killing? A burnt-out taillight and expired registration would be just as effective. Personally I think if a cop sees this on a late model Mercedes 500 he is going to feel pretty much at ease. - Jack

This is a very interesting thread that a colleague forwarded to me after realizing that I had an 11-99 license plate frame on one of my cars: a Toyota Prius. Sure, I have a 911 that I drive on the weekends here in Orange County but it has a USC Donor license plate frame because I am a very loyal alum. Funny, the 2 times I got stopped driving the weekend car I was given a warning to slow down. Perhaps the officers were relatives of Reggie Bush?

Jack, I understand and respect your position but this is just ONE example of the many inequities in this country where privilege comes with money. I certainly can't fault you for your opinion, but I wonder what your next cause will be? There are alot of windmills to attack; and we all know life is not fair.

Oh - I have an extra frame lying around the garage. You want it? I have the card and badge too, but I never carry them with me; always been a money clip kinda guy.....
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Thanks for the heaping helping of condescension! Come back anytime. -Jack

It's funny how quick it is to have your mind made up about what a CHP Officer or any other officer for that matter should or shouldn't do. Half if not most of these comments posted come from disgruntle disqualified half wits how have never been in a position of authority, more over a "COP". Yet you have assumption that because of a license plate frame you will get a break, I have sympathy for you ignorant, non educated twits how believe that we live in Mexico, or Singapore where the officers can be persuaded. Lets not forget the hearsay stories which that’s all there are hearsay, who doesn't add more sauce to their tacos when telling someone else a "story" of where they fought the law and the law lost. The best solution is talk to an officer, who (keep in mind) has already made their mind up about giving a ticket prior to the vehicle coming to a full stop. I also see that most have never read up of the history, good cause, and fundamental of the 11-99 foundation. Every CHP officer that has lost their life has family out there that will forever also be changed. I support the 11-99 foundation and bottom line I am responsible for my driving actions and should be held accountable. Take time out to read on fallen heroes from the California Highway Patrol website and you will see that a majority of fallen officer are not because of a gun battle, but careless drivers who believe they own the road. These vehicles that can easily go over 100mph well there’s a place and a designated areas for that type of showboating; the highways is not part of it. Should the drivers been killed and not the officers then it would justice served. I should also mention that I have an 11-99 frame on my 89 jeep wrangler, and a KA4993 on my other vehicle a sign of wealth; I don't think so let’s call it support.

#1 lisense plate frame to steal off one car and put on another. You dont have to donate to own one.

The $1800 membership figure is way out of date. It was a minimum of $5000 back in late 2005 and upwards of $20,000 depending on the level you wished to contribute at.

I can totally vouch for the culture of corruption these plates create. Here's my story.

I bought my 11-99 plates about two years ago. I never got a ticket since, even though I drive a red Porsche and go pretty fast all of the time. I routinely drive 80+ right through CHP radar traps.

I was at an office party last year and I had a few too many. I thought it was ok because a co-worker said he'd drive me home and he wasn't drinking. It turned out that he bailed out early and forgot about me. Meanwhile I needed to get home to the wife so I thought I'd chance it.

I was zipping along the 101 at my usual clip and doing a fair amount of weaving through what was fairly heavy traffic. At that point I saw the red light in the rear-view and pulled over. The CHP officer first apologized for pulling me over, but said he "had no choice". You see, apparently I had cut off a car a few miles back caused an accident, and there were injuries (I was actually pretty drunk so I didn't even see the it). The officer asked for my license and registration, at which point I produced my 11-99 badge. He said this was pretty serious, so I should really slow down when I drive drunk like this. He also asked me never to relate this story since he could get in a lot of trouble. I drove off without even a ticket.

***

I love the Internet. The story above is all complete bullshit. I don't have the money to buy $2000 license plate holders, I don't own a Porsche, and I've never driven drunk. I'm just an envious guy that wants to add to this "debate" here and make sure that other people can't have what I can't afford. If there's an anti-nicer-car-than-mine-is blog out there somewhere, I think I'll weigh in on that one too and make up another story about how they are all dangerous and kill the environment.

*** ***

Of course that's bullshit too. But I'm making some points about and the spirit behind many of these posts, and how you shouldn't believe anything you read on the Internet.

As for these plates, we all know what they are for and what the deal is. You help a lot of very needy people in exchange for the freedom to not be caught in another 76-in-a-65 radar trap.

If you ask any insurance company that runs the numbers, they will tell you in no uncertain terms that wealthier people with nicer cars that drive a little higher than the speed limit some of the time are NOT the people causing accidents. Far from it. Unfortunatly they don't have the ability to be that clever about how they structure their rates, so the rule just applies to anybody that gets a speeding ticket no matter what. Same goes for the license suspension thing.

If only somebody ran a study for the accidents caused by cars with 11-99 plates. We all know it would be close to zero. Cutting this privilege out of the world of freedom isn't going to accomplish anything.

I'm not going to engage in the other bullshit that some others have engaged in here either. The reason why most (not all) people buy these things is to get out of speeding tickets. Cut that out of the picture, and all you are left with is less money for widows orphans of CHP officers, and less qualified recruits joining the CHP because it's one less benefit they get. That in turn will make our roads more dangerous. Bravo.

You will, however, make a few rich guys angry. For many, unfortunately, more dangerous roads and the suffering of widows and orphans is worth the trade-off.

LC

I am so tired of hearing how the CHP are out to save the world and help us. Maybe they just like to drive fast and carry guns. Maybe it is just a power trip. Has anyone heard of the corruption of the CHP? It has a name now and is called the "Chiefs Disease"? (Google it) They are going out on disability in the last year of work and collecting big time from the state. What about the motor officers that take their bikes home and at the end of shift, while off duty, travel at more than 20 over the limit. Please give me a break and stop telling me that you are saving me from something. How about the escorted Lambo Club runs down the freeways at 100? Donations have nothing to do with that…right? I have been on those runs and money talks.

Buy a cop…$1800. The CHP and the top brass have lost their creditability.

I personally think most people are ignorant about people with 11-99 plates. All of my fathers best friends and hook ups were CHP officers, I don't really want to play the violin for them or their jobs because they choose to put their lives in danger everyday, and to donate $1800 is a little price to pay for most people living in California to support all the men and women on our highways that put themselves in danger. Not to mention they help out with tickets or certain situation you may run into with CHP officers and/or most police officers since they see you are willing to help their causes.
- Gina, Hillsborough,CA

Really? The fees went up? I just starting was $1800 regardless.....

Police and fire personnel observing (and being paid for)this kind of "professional courtesy" might have been understandable (not right) in the days when they made relatively small wages, circa the early twentieth century, but given the handsome salaries (recent instances of fire personnel grossing over $120-$150k per year and police start at $70k and move to $100k over three to five years) they are being paid today, if you choose to go into this line of work and have a family then you'd think you'd have the sense to buy a healthy amount of life insurance to take care of your family if something were to happen to you, instead of relying on collecting what we now understand to be questionably earned funds from the CHP 11-99 Foundation.

I would like more information on joining your organation.

Thank You:

Fred R. Yaekle

I am a valet driver at a four star restaurant in the bay area and well I see a lot of nice cars which is awesome because I am car enthusiast. But when I started to valet I noticed that on some of the cars, and only the nicer cars, they had a license plate border that read “CHP 11-99 Foundation.” Right away I was asking questions of why are these plates only on nicer cars and secondly why is “CHP” printed on their. I then started to notice these plates on the road and my suspicions grew when the fact that the cars carrying these were only pricier vehicles. Finally I had to ask an individual I knew that had one of these on his cars which is again a 2006 7 series BMW and he told me he had got it because he donated some money to the CHP. He then said he had given the money for the plate which had come in handy. He then explained one instance where it saved him. He said he was going over 90 mph on highway 85 in San Jose and he saw a cop pull up behind him and lag behind for a bit then proceeded to drive to his left side. The gentlemen then of course started to slow down knowing that he was probably going to get pulled over but instead the cop just gave him an arm single to slow down his speed. The CHP officer then just kept on driving and my friend told me he then understood what a wise investment he had made. So in my opinion it’s pretty obvious that the CHP know exactly how to get donations. And also the people that buy them are not stupid either and know exactly what there getting out of it. So you if you’re really pissed about this then either lobby to have the license plates be made illegal. Or go to your local mall and have an identical made for you for about 50 bucks.

When i was 26 years old i bought a 1973 pantera and had a license frame that said "who says crime doesn't pay?". I got the idea from watching the TV show "Baretta". The first ticket i got was for doing 60 in a 55. At stop lights I could see the officer behind me calling in. Within a year I lost my license, the car and my age had a lot to contribute, but the license frame was clearly a bust. It is hard to believe the opposite would not be true.

Good day,

The issue for me isn't the economics or safety of performance cars. The issue is the appearance of corruption.

I have worked with non-profit groups for many years and if I had been on the board of the 11-99 Foundation I never would have approved that license plate frame and a wallet with a badge in it. Even if some officers and supporters say that it makes no difference in getting tickets, some people will give the money because it appears there will be tit for tat and to the public it appear that this is the case - and only a simpleton would imagine that it made no difference if you get pulled over.

It also seems suspicious because the of the wording on the frame. '11-99 Foundation member' hardly seems like a message from a charitble organization that is looking for sponsors. It seems more like a secret message. If they wanted to use the frame to garner support they should have worded the frame that way.

Call your local museum, public TV station or symphony and ask what it will cost you to get one of their license frames. I bet it won't be $1800.

At best this is bad judgement and at worst a cynical attempt to get donations or influence the law.

It's the same as the old days when donating to the county Sherriff's office, put the bumper sticker on your family car, and you're less likely to be pulled over.

But the 11-99 org seems to be an A-holes way of buying off the right to pull illegal and dangerous traffic maneuvers that the rest of us can't do. It's as if 'if you're rich enough to afford the entrance-fee, then go right ahead and cut people off, and drive way too fast'!!!

Awesome!!

i would like to know where to get one...i have a highly modified 05 subaru that is well over 400 hp to all 4 wheels... i drive on the street and i desperatly need one, so what if i never know if the plate and card saved me but i beats having me open my hood and get much more than a speeding ticket. lol...i love the thrill of "spirited" driving. and why not take every advantage of something. i am sure most people do in life. and as soon as i have enough money i will gladly buy one, 1800 is far less than i was planning to pay. (5000) as i was told by some people. good luck to all of you who are trying to get one. :) and to everyone else, stop crying about it! living in so cal is great, espicially due to the higher volume of fast cars you can find to race and make your normal day thriling. hahaha