CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – Have you recently checked the state of your license plate? If the paint is peeling or the registration sticker is obscured, you might be at risk of being pulled over and cited.
Traffic Stops Due to Plate Issues
West Virginia State Trooper Gabriel Starcher explains that traffic stops often occur when plates have covers, peeling paint, or significant dents. “A lot of times people donβt realize itβs illegal or they havenβt paid attention to their plate and realized how bad it has started to peel,β said Trooper Starcher.
Legal Implications of Plate Obstructions
Even protective plate frames, if they cover the registration sticker, are illegal. βIf theyβve got a tag cover or even ones that come from the dealership and you canβt see the sticker for the year that it expires, thatβs illegal,β Starcher clarified. Other problematic covers include clear or tinted plastic ones.
Impact on Investigations
Illegible plates not only violate the law but can also hinder investigations. βIt makes it a lot harder to track down because instead of just being able to run the plate number and get a response, weβll have to go and get with the DMV and see if we can find plates that have the same rest of the numbers and not just the one thatβs obstructedβ¦ It can lead to mix-ups and further investigations,β said Starcher.
Production Issues and Plate Longevity
There have been recent anomalies in license plate production. “In recent years, there have been a lot of bad batches of new plates that are peeling off within a few years,β Starcher noted.
The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) addressed this issue, with Director of Vehicles Services John Springer stating, “Nothing that weβve seen would speak to an overall problem, I mean they do wear out.β The DMV suggests that the average lifespan for a license plate is around 7-10 years.
Replacement Process
Trooper Starcher advises that once peeling starts, itβs better to act quickly. If your plate is peeling or has peeled, you can get a replacement at no extra charge when you renew your vehicle registration. The DMV offers replacement plates, including replicas, either online or in person at the time of renewal.
βThere is a checkbox you can check to say, βHey, I need a new license plate, mine is worn, damaged.β Whatever the case may be. Weβll also allow you to do that at the time of renewal if youβre walking to an office you could tell that specialist that βHey, my plateβs worn, I need to get a new one,ββ Springer explained.
For plates in extremely poor condition that cannot wait until renewal, the DMVβs website states that a new plate costs $10, with additional charges for a replica plate.
Choosing the Right Plate Frame
If you prefer a license plate frame to prevent bending, choose one with cutouts on the corners to ensure a clear view of the registration sticker. This will keep you compliant and avoid unnecessary citations.
By maintaining your license plate in good condition and ensuring it meets legal requirements, you can avoid potential traffic stops and citations, while also aiding law enforcement in their duties.
Matt Pinner is a dedicated journalist for WVPrepBB.com, specializing in USA and crime news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for uncovering the truth, Matt brings timely and insightful reporting to his readers. His work on WVPrepBB.com keeps the community informed and engaged with the latest developments in national news and criminal justice.
