As far as I can tell, there is no real point to handicapped plates. They let you park in handicapped spots. Period.

The hanging placards are removable. When hung from the rear-view mirror, they let you park in handicapped spots.

If there is a difference, please explain.

"...the handicapped spots are up front, well lighted, etc, makes it that much easier for the bad guys to spot your "ad" and follow you HOME or elsewhere, where many of the crimes occur."

When crimes against the handicapped occur, do you think the criminal speaks up and says, "Oh, I knew she wouldn't be a problem because she was driving a car with handicapped plates".

Don't look for figures on crimes based on the victim's license plate, because in many cases no one even realizes that's why the crime occurred. Wildman800 may be aware of his surroundings, but most people could have someone follow them home in a bright purple VW Thing with blinking headlights and not notice it.

And just because you haven't been a victim yet, doesn't mean you won't be one tomorrow.

Sue