Reply #2: Go before the judge and argue it if you want it reduced or suspended

[lebkuchen]

Bring in the repair bills to show you've had a wreck and car work done (and you might want to say the work is on-going and perhaps bring in an appointment slip for your next appointment, or better yet, have the plate already properly attached by the time you go to the courthouse. The judge doesn't want to hear long excuses...(s)he gets them all day, from quite a few losers. You'll see. Dress nicely, btw.

That the rear tag was attached isn't a good excuse for not having the front one. Go with the carwork excuse.