Paper/Wax Backing On Vehicle Inspection Stickers?

[1ForAllFor1]

Hi guys and gals,

I live in Washington, DC, so if there are others on here who also reside in the District, they would probably be best suited to answer this question, but any feedback at all is welcomed:

Does anyone know if it is acceptable to remove the ugly paper/wax backing on sticky vehicle inspection stickers? The sticker looks bad enough itself, crudding up my windshield, but without the ugly paper backing, at least it would appear clear and smooth, and SLIGHTLY less hideous.

I don't want to break the law by removing the backing if it's intended to make the sticker easier to read by law enforcement, so I'm just trying to figure this out.

Thanks!