Avoid Traffic Cameras: Tips For Staying Off The Grid

Traffic cameras are an increasingly common feature of roads in the US, with many states adopting their use to enforce speed limits and monitor red lights. While some people try to avoid traffic camera fines by using sprays to obscure license plates or dark window tinting to conceal identity, these methods are illegal in some states and can carry heavier fines than the original traffic ticket. So, how can you avoid traffic camera fines? The simple answer is to drive safely and follow the rules of the road.

Use a license plate cover

Using a license plate cover is one method to avoid traffic cameras. These covers are made of strong, clear polycarbonate plastic with a thin layer of prismatic material that reflects light from the cameras, rendering the license plate unreadable. The cameras are typically mounted at an angle of 20-22 degrees from the vehicle's path, and the license plate covers are designed to obscure the plate when viewed at this angle. However, when viewed directly from behind the car, the plate remains readable, as required by law.

It is important to note that obscuring your license plate is likely illegal in most states. While the specific laws vary, many states prohibit attaching anything to your license plate that would make it unreadable or partially obscure the registration information. Some states, like California, have specific fines associated with using products to hide license plates. Therefore, while license plate covers may provide some level of anonymity from traffic cameras, it is essential to consult your state laws before using them.

There are different types of license plate covers available on the market. Some popular options include the SunFlex Zone License Plate Cover, which is an ultra-thin, clear layer of protection that filters out infrared light while allowing visible light to pass through. It is shatterproof, weather-resistant, and waterproof. 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. It also has a curved design that helps bounce radar lights off the license plate.

When choosing a license plate cover, it is essential to consider the legality, effectiveness, and ease of installation. While these covers may provide some protection from traffic cameras, they may also carry legal consequences if used in violation of state laws. It is always advisable to drive safely and follow traffic rules to avoid fines and penalties.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the effectiveness of license plate covers in evading traffic cameras is questionable. While they may work in certain scenarios, advanced camera technologies can still capture license plates despite these covers. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the limitations of these products and not solely rely on them to avoid traffic camera fines.

Tint your windows

Tinting your windows can be an effective method to avoid traffic cameras issuing you with a ticket. Dark window tinting can obscure a person's identity, making it difficult for cameras to identify the driver. This is especially useful at night when the lack of light can work to your advantage.

However, it is important to note that there are laws in place regarding window tinting. In California, for example, 70% of light must be able to pass through the front windows. Additionally, it is illegal to add any extra reflective material to the windows. These laws aim to balance privacy with safety and to ensure that drivers still have adequate visibility.

While tinting your windows, it is crucial to stay within the legal limits to avoid fines and penalties. If you are pulled over, law enforcement officers may use test strips to check if your tinted windows exceed the legal limit. This could result in fines, negating the original intention of avoiding a ticket from a traffic camera.

Furthermore, advancements in technology have enabled traffic cameras to better identify individuals despite tinted windows. Therefore, while window tinting may provide some level of anonymity, it is not a foolproof method, and it is always best to drive safely and abide by the rules to avoid any penalties.

Use a GPS app

Using a GPS app is an effective way to avoid traffic cameras. There are several apps available that provide alerts about speed traps, speed cameras, and police locations. These apps can help you avoid getting a speeding ticket and make your driving experience more predictable and stress-free.

One popular app is Waze Navigation & Live Traffic, which offers live maps and crowd-sourced alerts from other drivers. The app provides real-time safety alerts, including police, potholes, speed bumps, sharp curves, and more. It also alerts you to upcoming speed limit changes and lets you know where police and red-light and speed cameras are located. Waze also offers voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation, multi-lane guidance, and toll pricing information.

Google Maps is another option that has introduced a feature to alert drivers about speed traps. Users can pinpoint the location of speed traps or spots where police park their vehicles out of sight to catch speeding drivers. The feature displays a small radar gun icon at these locations, and Google states that it believes this information can help drivers be more careful and make safer decisions.

Other apps that can help you avoid traffic cameras include Police Detector, Radarbot Speed Camera Detector, Speed Cameras and Radars, and Sygic GPS Navigation. These apps provide alerts about speed traps, fixed or mobile radar detectors, and speed cameras. They also allow users to report and share information about traffic issues and hazards.

When using these apps, it is important to follow certain safety guidelines. Always launch the app and program your destination while parked before starting your trip. Never interact with the app while driving, and always follow applicable laws regarding smartphone use while driving. Additionally, remember that these apps are not an excuse to intentionally break the speed limit or evade law enforcement.

Flash your lights to warn other drivers

Flashing your lights to warn other drivers of upcoming speed cameras is illegal in the UK. While it may be hard to prove, this action could be considered a breach of section 89 of the Police Act 1997, under "willfully obstruct a constable in the execution of his/her duty".

If you are caught warning other drivers about speed cameras, you may be fined £1,000 and serve 1 month in prison for police obstruction, according to the Crown Prosecution Service.

The use of speed cameras is intended to keep road users safe and reduce the risk of distracted driving. These cameras are able to detect all speeds and capture vehicles travelling at excessive speeds.

Instead of trying to avoid speed cameras or warn other drivers about them, it is best to simply follow the speed limit and drive safely. This will not only help to keep you and others safe on the road, but also help you avoid getting a speeding ticket or penalty.

In addition to following the speed limit, there are other ways to maintain safe driving practices and avoid speeding tickets. These include taking a traffic school or defensive driving course, which can help you become a safer driver and may even reduce or eliminate your ticket penalties.

Drive safely

Traffic cameras are an unpopular method of monitoring drivers at intersections and issuing tickets for offences such as speeding, running red lights, and disobeying bus lane rules. While some people try to outsmart these cameras, this can be dangerous and cause problems for other road users. In some states, it is illegal to use tactics to avoid traffic cameras, and fines are issued for doing so.

The best way to avoid traffic camera tickets is to drive safely and stay aware of your surroundings. This means adhering to speed limits, stopping at red lights, and following road signs and lane markings. By driving defensively, you can reduce your risk of accidents and tickets.

Taking a traffic school or defensive driving course can help you become a safer driver. These courses teach you about your state's laws, defensive driving techniques, and accident avoidance. Completing a course may even reduce or eliminate any penalties incurred from a traffic violation.

You can also look at a red light camera map to be aware of areas where red light cameras are installed. This can help you avoid citations and keep your driving record clean.

Frequently asked questions