- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Buckeye Today
By the People, for the People
Driver Stopped for Fake 'DOT Exempt' Plate in Arizona
Trooper finds suspended license and outstanding warrant during traffic stop.
Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:22pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A damaged 'DOT EXEMPT' license plate highlights the legal consequences for drivers who attempt to circumvent vehicle registration and licensing laws.Buckeye TodayThe Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Highway Patrol reported that a driver was recently pulled over in the Buckeye area for displaying a clearly fictitious 'DOT EXEMPT' license plate that lacked a state name. The trooper also discovered the driver's license was suspended and she had an outstanding misdemeanor warrant in Maricopa County.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of drivers attempting to circumvent vehicle registration and licensing laws by using fake or altered license plates, which can pose a public safety risk. AZDPS is reminding the public that all drivers on public roads must comply with state and federal vehicle laws.
The details
During the traffic stop, the AZDPS trooper determined the 'DOT EXEMPT' plate was clearly fictitious and lacked any state identification. The driver was also found to be driving on a suspended license and had an active misdemeanor warrant for her arrest in Maricopa County. Based on the lack of statements and other documents in the vehicle, it appeared the driver may have identified as a 'sovereign citizen' and claimed she was 'traveling' rather than driving.
- The traffic stop occurred on April 1, 2026 in the Buckeye area.
The players
AZDPS Highway Patrol
The Arizona Department of Public Safety's Highway Patrol division, responsible for enforcing traffic laws across the state.
Maricopa County
The county in Arizona where the driver had an outstanding misdemeanor warrant.
What they’re saying
“'The plate read 'DOT EXEMPT' and lacked a state name, making it immediately suspicious,'”
— AZDPS
“'She was taken into custody and booked for the warrant, along with two additional misdemeanor charges. Based on her lack of statements and other documents located inside her vehicle, it appeared she identified as a sovereign citizen and claimed she was 'traveling,' not driving,'”
— AZDPS
What’s next
The driver will face charges related to the fake license plate, driving with a suspended license, and the outstanding warrant.
The takeaway
This incident serves as a reminder that all drivers on public roads must comply with state and federal vehicle registration and licensing laws, regardless of any personal beliefs about exemptions. Attempting to circumvent these laws can lead to criminal charges and jeopardize public safety.
