What is the law regarding obstruction of license plates, plate covers & sprays in VA?

[MattP]

So is it legal in VA to spray one of those clear red light camera/radar blocker sprays on my license plate if it doesn't obscure/obstruct the letters and if it's undetectable? And what is the law regarding the license plate covers that supposedly block the red light cameras and the radar guns? I heard the covers are legal if you can read the license plates from directly in front or behind(as in, not from an angle or from the sides), but I don't know if that's true or not. Answer all the questions please, and thanks in advance.

[Kimble]

Answer all the questions please

You looking to have us build a defense for your ticket in court, Matt?

[Puddle Pirate]

LIS > Code of Virginia > 46.2-716

Section B.

[ChesCopPodz]

Nothing can obstruct any part of the plate that needs to be read. Can't cover the letters/numbers, the state name, or the expiration stickers. Nothing in the code states it only has to be clearly visible from directly behind. Just that nothing can obstruct any of the information. And the law lists a bunch of stuff then states, "or any other covering" which includes the spray.

You're out of luck since the whole point of those special plate covers and sprays is to make the plate not clearly visible to the camera.

[scott715us]

The plates you're speaking of do not block RADAR. I'm not sure where you heard that one from, but hey it's your money to blow. Besides, the plates you speak of are clear. It's the shape that the plate takes that prevents the red light camera from capturing all of the digits on the plate (due to bending the reflection from a photo flash or sunlight). I'm not aware of one state where they are legal. Even if it's not specifically outlined in any state law, I would bet that many officers wouldn't have a problem charging you with obstruction (or something similar) if you have one on your vehicle to avoid prosecution blowing red lights. I would probably be more inclined to hit you with stiffer charges if I find one (like reckless driving). Keep in mind that license plates are government property. They don't belong to you. If an officer has any problem reading any part of it (from any angle) you're normally in violation.

In short, don't buy one.

[MattP]

No, I haven't gotten a ticket. Not yet anyways, and as of right now nothing is sprayed or mounted on or around my license plate, nor has anything ever been sprayed or mounted on or around my license plate.

[Chef_Au]

Here, anything that obstucts your plate or would prevent the effective operation of a camera will earn you a ticket with a fair few monies attached or a summons to court.

Last bloke I caught with one of those reflective number plate covers on his bike lost his licence for 12 months after I charged him for possessing an anti speed measuring device