Diane Green
Traffic cameras are a common feature at intersections to prevent drivers from running red lights. To avoid getting a ticket, some people use license plate covers or sprays to prevent their license plates from being clearly seen by these cameras. While tinted license plate covers are illegal in all US states, clear covers and sprays are not considered breaking the law in some states. These anti-camera products work by reflecting the flash of the camera, causing overexposure and making the license plate unreadable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Clear polycarbonate plastic with a thin layer of prismatic material |
| Effectiveness | Readable from directly behind but obscures one or more numbers at an angle |
| Installation | Easy to install, simply slip over the license plate |
| Durability | Weather-resistant and long-lasting |
| Legality | Illegal in some states |
| Cost | Cheap |
What You'll Learn
License plate covers
One example of a license plate cover is the SunFlex Zone License Plate Cover, which is an ultra-thin, clear layer of protection against red light cameras. It filters out infrared light while allowing visible light to pass through, ensuring 100% transparency at all angles. The SunFlex Zone cover is shatterproof, weather-resistant, and waterproof, and it does not turn yellow in the sun. It is designed to fit standard US plates and is easy to install.
Another option is the Zade Original Protector Anti-Photo Radar License Plate Cover, which is invisible to the naked eye but reflects most red light camera flashes. Its curved design also helps bounce radar lights off the license plate.
The Super Protector License Plate Cover by On Track Manufacturing is another popular choice. It consists of two sections of prismatic material, each covering half of the plate, so that one half of the plate is always concealed regardless of the camera's location. This cover can also be used in combination with a license plate frame.
The PhotoShield License Plate Cover, which has been featured on CSI Miami, is another well-known product. It incorporates a thin diffusion lens that distorts the license plate when viewed at an angle, making it unreadable to cameras. When viewed directly from behind, the license plate remains clear and legible.
While license plate covers can be an inexpensive and effective way to prevent red light camera tickets, it is important to note that attaching anything to your license plate that makes it unreadable is forbidden in most states. Tinted covers that obscure license plates are illegal in all states. Therefore, it is essential to consult your state's laws and regulations before using any license plate covers or similar products.
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License plate sprays
Effectiveness of License Plate Sprays
The effectiveness of license plate sprays in preventing a ticket is debated. While some sources claim that these sprays are a cheap and effective way to avoid red light and speed cameras, others have tested products like PhotoBlocker and found that they did not prevent the license plate from being read by cameras. In this test, PhotoBlocker was applied to three different license plates (California, Michigan, and Colorado) and the plates were photographed using a red light camera. The results showed that the numbers on the plates remained clearly legible, even with the spray applied.
Legality of License Plate Sprays
It is important to note that altering or obscuring a license plate is illegal in most states. While the use of license plate sprays may not be specifically mentioned in state laws, it is generally illegal to attach anything to a license plate that would make it unreadable. It is recommended to consult local laws before using any products that could alter the appearance of a license plate.
Examples of License Plate Sprays
Some examples of license plate sprays include:
- PhotoBlocker™ Spray: Marketed as the world's best-selling anti-camera spray, PhotoBlocker claims to make your license plate invisible to cameras. It is a clear spray that is applied in four coats, with a drying time of one hour between coats. The suggested retail price is $49.95.
- Rust-Oleum 214944 Specialty Reflective Spray: A multifunctional spray that creates a reflective coating on the license plate, making it unreadable in photos taken by red light cameras. It is easy to apply and dries quickly, but it is not recommended for use on dark-colored license plates.
- Seymour 16-511 Reflective Water-Based Coating: A clear coating that produces a bright-colored reflection when lit by a flashlight or camera flash. It is durable, weather-resistant, and water-based, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
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Smart license plates
In addition to the above, smart license plates can also be used to make your license plate number invisible to red light cameras. This is achieved through sensors that can detect the flash from a red light camera and then trigger flashes on the sides of the plate, making it too bright for the camera to capture.
While smart license plates offer a host of benefits, there are also some privacy concerns that have been raised. For example, a connected vehicle provides information on its location, and other data could be accessed through the OBD port. Additionally, some may be uncomfortable with the idea of their vehicle sharing information on things like expired parking tickets or speeding fines.
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License plate-flippers
The use of license plate-flippers for evasion purposes is illegal. State and local legislators in Tennessee and Pennsylvania have introduced laws to crack down on these devices, with similar measures being considered in other states and cities. The sale, possession, and manufacture of plate flippers have been banned in Tennessee, with those found in violation facing fines and jail time. Philadelphia has also banned the purchase, installation, possession, and sale of license plate flippers, punishable by a $2,000 fine.
Despite these efforts, license plate-flippers remain widely accessible online, with prices ranging from as little as $50 to a few hundred dollars. While the use of these devices may provide a sense of anonymity to drivers, it is important to note that they are illegal and can lead to significant legal consequences.
In addition to license plate-flippers, other methods to avoid detection include the use of license plate covers and sprays, which reflect light or create a gloss that obscures the plate from cameras. However, it is important to consult state laws before using any of these methods, as altering or obscuring license plates is generally illegal in the United States.
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Smart glass license-plate covers
The smart glass technology employed in these license-plate covers is known as PDLC (Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal) or PNLC (Polymer-Network Liquid Crystal) film. These films have unique properties that make them switchable between transparent and opaque states. In the case of PDLC, the film is transparent when an electrical current is applied, while PNLC film is clear without an electrical current. This functionality allows drivers to instantly obscure their license plates when desired, providing a level of privacy and security that static license plate covers cannot offer.
The installation process for smart glass license-plate covers is straightforward. The product typically comes with a control switch that can be easily installed within the driver's reach. With the flip of this switch, the smart glass can be changed from transparent to opaque, concealing the license plate information from view. It is important to note that the wiring for this technology is battery-powered, ensuring that it does not interfere with the vehicle's electrical system.
One notable product in this category is the GHOSTPLATE™. The GHOSTPLATE™ Road Warrior™ cover utilizes a PDLC membrane that is naturally opaque, obscuring the license plate information. When power is applied, the membrane switches to a transparent state, allowing the license plate to be visible. This product provides the flexibility to choose when your license plate is exposed, offering peace of mind to those concerned about privacy and the potential risks of identity theft.
It is important to remember that the use of license plate covers may be regulated by local laws. While smart glass license-plate covers provide enhanced privacy, it is the driver's responsibility to ensure compliance with the relevant legislation in their area. Before installing any device that can obscure license plate information, individuals should consult their local regulations to avoid any legal issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Anti-traffic camera license plate covers are clear covers that you can place over your license plate to obscure it from view when seen at an angle. They are usually made from polycarbonate plastic and have a thin layer of prismatic material that reflects light, making it hard for cameras to read the license plate.
Yes, there are sprays available that you can apply to your license plate that will reflect the flash of a camera, making the license plate unreadable in the photo.
In most states, it is illegal to attach anything to your license plate that would make it unreadable. However, blockers like clear covers and sprays don't conceal your plate, and they are not specifically mentioned in the laws of some states. It is important to consult your state's specific laws before using these products.
Installing a license plate cover is a quick and easy process. It simply slips over your license plate, and you may need to use screws to fasten it in place.
One potential drawback is that license plate covers may be more obvious to law enforcement than sprays, which are invisible to the naked eye. Additionally, some covers may not fit license plates from every country.
