The WVU Parking Management team now uses License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology in campus parking lots to help ensure a more efficient and seamless parking experience.
The LPR system utilizes cameras to help Parking employees easily verify parking permissions using your vehicle's license plate information, so it’s important to make sure your license plate details are accurate and up-to-date in the Parking Portal.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the LPR system work?The LPR system utilizes cameras on Parking Management patrol vehicles to scan license plates in WVU parking lots. To ensure the system can properly identify your vehicle, license plates must be clearly visible from the driving aisle in parking lots.
How can I purchase a vanity plate?Drivers may purchase a vanity plate 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.
How will the vanity plate be associated with my vehicle/parking account?Each vanity plate has a unique number and will be linked to your Parking account and/or parking permit just as state-issued plates are linked.
Can I still back into or pull through parking spaces?If your vehicle has both front and rear license plates, you can continue to back in or pull through spaces. If your vehicle only has a rear license plate and you would like to back into or pull through parking spaces, please purchase a front vanity plate from the Parking Management office. This helps ensure your vehicle information remains accessible from the LPR system.
Am I required to have a vanity plate?No. Vanity plates are only necessary if you would like to back in or pull through a parking space and do not already have a state-issued front license plate.
Can I link my own vanity plate to my vehicle?No, you cannot.
Will I continue to enter a space number to pay for parking?Because the LPR system is also integrated with ParkMobile and campus pay stations, drivers will now enter their license plate number instead of entering a space number when paying for short-term parking.
How does the LPR system enhance safety?The University Police team has partnered with the Parking team to identify the vehicles of persons of interest or those who are not permitted on campus property so we can continue to keep our campus safe.
Will my vehicle information be shared with anyone else?No. WVU will not distribute your vehicle information to any third parties.
Will the new system have any impact on the cost of parking?No, drivers will not see any changes to the cost of parking as a direct result of LPR implementation.
Who can I contact with questions?If you have any questions or need assistance updating your information, please contact the Parking Management Office at 304-293-5502.