Man caught with drugs wins appeal over towing ball and license plate

MUSKEGON (AP) - The Michigan appeals court says there's nothing illegal about a towing ball blocking the view of a license plate. In a 2-1 decision, the court reversed a Muskegon County judge and ruled in favor of Charles Dunbar, who was caught with drugs and a gun. Dunbar claimed the 2012 stop and search of his pickup truck violated his rights. Deputies say they stopped Dunbar because they couldn't easily read his license plate. Appeals Judge Douglas Shapiro says there's nothing illegal about a hitch ball or other towing equipment blocking a plate. Shapiro says it's the plate itself that can't be obscured, under Michigan law. Judge Patrick Meter disagreed, saying it's unreasonable to expect police to weave in traffic to get a better look. The decision was released Wednesday. Published: Fri, Sep 12, 2014