As part of the continued implementation of License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology across WVU parking lots, the WVU Parking Management team now offers front vanity plates as an option for drivers who would like to back in or pull through parking spaces.
As a reminder, the LPR system helps Parking employees verify parking permissions using vehicle license plate information. Cameras installed on Parking patrol vehicles scan the license plates of parked vehicles as the patrol vehicle drives through WVU parking lots. This technology aids in identifying those who are parked in a permit lot without a permit or those who have not paid for short-term parking.
Because LPR cameras can only scan plates that are visible from the drivable aisles of parking lots, vehicles should be parked with their license plate facing the aisle. Drivers whose vehicles only have a back license plate should not back into or pull through spaces unless they purchase a front vanity plate from the Parking Management Office.
The vanity plate can be displayed on the front of your vehicle so your vehicle information remains accessible to the LPR system any way the vehicle is parked.
Vanity plates are available for purchase for $20 at the Parking Management Office located in Mountaineer Station, open Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. The office is a cashless location. Payments can be made by credit or debit card.
For a limited time, vanity plates can be obtained for free in exchange for a donation of ten non-perishable food items as part of our Food for Fines donation drive, which benefits The Rack. Donations can be brought to the first floor of Mountaineer Station from Dec. 1-10 from 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on weekdays.
Full enforcement and potential citations for violations will resume on Jan. 1, 2026.
For more information about the LPR system, read the FAQs. For questions, email transportation@mail.wvu.edu.