I have a question for my more experienced GA peeps.
I've been thinking about citing for tinted and translucent tag covers. I always thought it was a bit hummy to write it, but I sort of came to a realization that the likely reason those covers are on there are to avoid being scanned by traffic and ALPR cameras and to reduce the visibility of an officer using his or her eyes to observe it. I know the cover in and of itself is illegal. However, what if you pull the person over and straight up ask him or her why the cover is on there and they point blank tell you it's to avoid detection (from any of the previous reasons).
Would you cite the original charge? Or do you think this would apply:
Are traffic and ALPR cameras surveillance equipment under the law for the purpose of this statute?
I've been thinking about citing for tinted and translucent tag covers. I always thought it was a bit hummy to write it, but I sort of came to a realization that the likely reason those covers are on there are to avoid being scanned by traffic and ALPR cameras and to reduce the visibility of an officer using his or her eyes to observe it. I know the cover in and of itself is illegal. However, what if you pull the person over and straight up ask him or her why the cover is on there and they point blank tell you it's to avoid detection (from any of the previous reasons).
Would you cite the original charge? Or do you think this would apply:
O.C.G.A. 40-2-6.1 (2010)
40-2-6.1. Obscuring license plate in order to impede surveillance equipment
Any person who willfully covers any license plate with plastic, other material, or any part of his or her body in order to prevent or impede the ability of surveillance equipment to clearly photograph or otherwise obtain a clear image of the license plate is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000.00.
40-2-6.1. Obscuring license plate in order to impede surveillance equipment
Any person who willfully covers any license plate with plastic, other material, or any part of his or her body in order to prevent or impede the ability of surveillance equipment to clearly photograph or otherwise obtain a clear image of the license plate is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000.00.
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