Motorcycle Plates: Are They Visible To Toll Cameras?

Toll cameras are a common concern for many motorcycle riders, especially those with license plates tucked under the tour pack. While some worry about being unfairly charged, others seek ways to deliberately avoid toll charges and speed cameras. The effectiveness of toll cameras varies depending on the location and the angle of the camera. Some states, such as Indiana and Illinois, allow retroactive toll payments online if your license plate is not scanned. To avoid charges, some riders suggest bending the plate slightly or placing it deep under the tail, making it harder for cameras to capture. However, others caution against breaking the law and advise simply riding within the speed limit.

Toll cameras can't always read plates under the tour pak

The angle and position of the license plate can play a role in its visibility to toll cameras. Adjusting the tour pak to a rearward position might reduce the chances of the plate being read. Additionally, the height of the toll cameras and the presence of booths can impact their ability to capture plates. Cameras hanging from gantries may have difficulty reading plates under the tour pak, while lower-mounted cameras near booths may have a better chance of capturing the plate information.

To avoid toll charges, some motorcyclists have resorted to creative methods, such as popping a wheelie or covering the plate while passing through toll booths. However, these practices are illegal and can lead to serious consequences if caught by law enforcement. It is important to note that toll evasion is a criminal offence and can result in penalties and fines.

To ensure compliance with toll payments, some states offer transponder passes or allow retroactive toll payments through their websites. These options provide alternatives to relying solely on license plate recognition by toll cameras. Additionally, the use of reflective tape or infrared LEDs on license plates can make them unreadable to certain types of cameras. However, it is essential to follow local laws and regulations regarding license plate modifications.

Some US states have motorcycle-specific toll tags

In the US, toll roads can be a confusing and frustrating experience for motorcyclists. Some states require cash payments at toll booths, while others offer transponder tags or prepayment options. There are also variations in toll rates and exemptions for motorcycles, adding to the complexity. However, some US states have introduced motorcycle-specific toll tags to simplify the toll road experience for bikers.

For example, in New York, motorcyclists can obtain an EZ-Pass for their bikes, which offers discounted toll rates compared to cars. Similarly, Texas offers a motorcycle-specific toll pass called the Texas Motorcycle Pass, which allows bikers to pay tolls quickly and easily without stopping at toll booths. These state-specific toll tags are designed to be mounted on motorcycle windshields or kept in a secure location, such as a pouch.

The benefits of these motorcycle-specific toll tags are twofold. Firstly, they eliminate the need for motorcyclists to stop at toll booths and pay in cash, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming. Secondly, they offer discounted toll rates compared to car drivers, recognising that motorcycles are typically smaller vehicles with fewer axles.

However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of these toll tags depends on the toll road system in place. While some toll roads have gantries with cameras that can detect the tags, others may still rely on booth-mounted cameras, which may not always capture the license plates of motorcycles, especially if they are tucked underneath a tour pack or windshield.

In conclusion, while some US states have introduced motorcycle-specific toll tags to streamline the toll road experience for bikers, the varying toll systems and detection methods across the country can still lead to confusion and frustration for motorcyclists. Motorcyclists are advised to research the toll requirements and exemptions in the states they plan to ride through and ensure they have the appropriate toll tags or transponders to avoid fines and administrative fees.

Reflective tape can obscure plates from cameras

While there are no definitive answers, some sources suggest that toll cameras may not always be able to capture motorcycle plates tucked under the tour pack. However, it is important to note that attempting to obscure your license plate is illegal in most places.

Reflective tape is one method that can be used to try and obscure license plates from cameras. Here's how it works:

Reflective tape applied to a license plate can make it invisible to certain types of cameras, particularly those using high-intensity flash. When the camera flash goes off, it illuminates the license plate, and the camera captures the image. However, due to the reflective tape, the camera sensors will bleed or blur the light around the plate's letters and numbers, making them unreadable. As a result, the captured license plate will appear as a fuzzy white rectangle in the photo due to the tape's reflection.

It is worth noting that reflective tape may not work against all types of cameras. For example, a source mentions that reflective spray and gel did not effectively obscure the license plate in their test against a red light camera. Additionally, it is important to be aware of local laws and regulations regarding license plate modifications, as some places may prohibit the use of reflective tape or similar products.

To avoid any potential issues, it is recommended to use a transponder or follow the proper toll payment procedures in your area. While there may be ways to obscure license plates, it is always best to abide by the law and avoid any penalties or fines.

Infrared LEDs can shield plates from speed cams

Infrared LEDs can be used to shield number plates from speed cameras. The IR LEDs are embedded in clothes to overwhelm photo diodes in IR-sensitive cameras used for surveillance. The wavelength of the lights is not visible to humans, so they don't obstruct normal behaviour. This makes it an ideal way to hide in plain sight.

However, using SMD LEDs would help to make the lights less visible to the naked eye. This hack only applies to cameras without flashes. For cameras with flashes, there are flashback products that blind the cameras, effectively overexposing the photograph.

Infrared LEDs can be used to shield your license plate number from speed cameras and red light cameras. You can't jam any radars, but you can make it harder for cameras to take pictures of your digits.

Speed cameras work using infrared technology. They use infrared LEDs to read your plate during the day and night. IR light is invisible to the human eye.

There are devices that emit IR lights to blind the IR cameras. IR camera protection devices emit a high-intensity IR light that is projected onto the plate and effectively blinds the device's camera. This light is invisible to the human eye.

Toll cameras in some areas are ineffective

The ineffectiveness of toll cameras in capturing motorcycle license plates has been a topic of discussion on various forums and websites. Some users have shared their experiences of not being charged for tolls despite riding on toll roads. This has prompted responses from others, suggesting creative ways to avoid toll cameras, such as using reflective tape or infrared LEDs to make license plates unreadable to cameras.

However, it is important to note that toll camera technology varies across different locations. While some toll cameras may struggle to capture license plates tucked under motorcycle trunks or tour packs, others may have lower-mounted cameras specifically designed to capture these plates. Additionally, some toll areas have booths with rear cameras that can capture license plates from below.

To combat toll evasion, authorities have implemented various measures. For example, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has increased fines and enhanced enforcement efforts, leading to a higher number of summonses issued for obstructed, missing, or fictitious license plates. Additionally, some states are considering legislation that would allow police to arrest drivers for theft of services if they are caught using mechanical or electronic devices to avoid toll cameras.

While toll cameras in certain areas may be ineffective at capturing motorcycle license plates, it is important to note that toll evasion is illegal and can result in penalties and fines. Motorcyclists are advised to use transponders or pay tolls retroactively if they do not want to risk being fined for toll evasion.

Frequently asked questions