HTA Section 13 (2) obstructed license
Hoping to get some help on how this works. I was stopped back in January 2025 and the officer said it was because my license plate was starting to peel. It wasn't too bad, but half of the letter A had peeled away. Reading here, it sounds like it's worth a challenge going to trial because the law is vague and peeling isn't explicitly noted in the HTA. So it comes down to a matter of interpretation.
I had also put a clear plastic cover to prevent further peeling. The officer did not mention this at all during the interaction, but I got the officer's notes and she had put down that letters were peeling and that there's a plastic cover. I wonder if this is just in case the faded plate isn't enough for a conviction.
I requested trial and it is now set for May 2026. So within the 18 months. It is a video trial via Zoom, which I have never attended. So how does this work? Does everyone just log in, wait around until it's their turn, and then speak with called upon? I also want to know, how do I enter photo evidence in this case? The guidance here says to bring 3 copies but that's for in person trial. How do I do that for Zoom trials?
The officer had a bodycam, so I requested for that. The prosecutor's office have not provided it so far. only the notes were provided. is it sufficient to request a stay of the charges for failure to provide disclosure? I'm hoping the video evidence can show that there were no "obstruction" and that the plate is still visible. Otherwise, I would like to enter the photos I had taken that night after the stop as evidence. Would appreciate any advice here. Thanks.
Also, I replaced the plates soon after so will also see if prosecutor is willing to drop the charges. but want to be prepared just in case it goes ahead.