Evading Traffic Cameras: License Plate Cover-Up Techniques

There are a variety of methods to prevent your license plate from being read by traffic cameras, including license plate covers, sprays, and other devices. These products work by reflecting or obscuring the license plate, making it unreadable to the camera. While these methods may be effective in avoiding a speeding ticket, it is important to note that altering a license plate is illegal in most states and can result in legal consequences.

License plate covers

There are several license plate covers on the market that offer this feature, including:

• SunFlex Zone License Plate Cover
• Zade Original Protector Anti-Photo Radar License Plate Cover
• On Track Manufacturing Super Protector License Plate Cover
• PhotoShield License Plate Cover
• The Reflector License Plate Cover

These products vary in their specific features, with some offering additional protection from steep angles or radar lights, but they all share the common purpose of preventing your license plate from being easily read by traffic cameras.

It is important to note that while these products can provide a level of anonymity, it is illegal in most states to attach anything to your license plate that would make it unreadable. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your local laws before making any alterations to your license plate or installing a license plate cover.

License plate sprays

Red light cameras use a strong flash to photograph cars' license plates. Clear sprays for license plates work by reflecting this light back to the camera, which makes the photo overexposed and unclear.

How to Apply License Plate Spray

It is recommended that you first remove your license plate and then apply the spray. Most sprays will dry in a matter of minutes, and one can may be enough to cover four license plates.

Best License Plate Sprays

• Rust-Oleum 214944 Specialty Reflective Spray: This multifunctional spray creates a reflective coating on your license plate that prevents it from being recognizable in a photo taken by a red light camera. It is very simple to apply, but it doesn't work well with dark colors.
• PhotoBlocker: This is the best-selling license plate spray based on a patented formula. The spray makes your plate shiny so that when a photo is taken with a flash, it becomes illegible. You need to apply four coats and allow the license plate to dry for at least an hour between coats.
• Seymour 16-511 Reflective Water-Based Coating: This clear coating produces a bright-colored reflection when lit by the flashlight of a red light camera. The spray must be applied over the aluminum base coat or clean, bright aluminum. It is resistant to any type of weather conditions and is water-based.
• Auto Shield Spray License Plate Clear Coating: This spray provides an invisible defense by creating a reflective coating on your license plate.

Considerations

While license plate sprays are a cheap and efficient way to make your number plate invisible to traffic cameras, it is important to note that in most states, it is forbidden to attach anything to your license plate that would make it unreadable. Check your local laws before using these products.

Smart license plates

The Reviver smart license plate, also known as the Rplate, has a direct connection to the Department of Motor Vehicles, allowing for the synchronization of registration information and instant renewal via a smartphone app. This eliminates the need to stand in line for new license plates and can be a game-changer for rental car companies and fleet managers. The Rplate Pro, an upgraded version of the Rplate, offers additional features such as tracking, control, and recording of driving behaviors, making it attractive to fleet managers and parents of teenage drivers.

In terms of public safety, the smart license plate can display alerts such as Amber and Silver alerts, as well as theft alerts, and instant identification of lapsed registration. The plate can also be customized with banners to support sports teams, alma maters, and more. The Rplate is currently legal and available in California and Arizona, with more states considering adopting this technology.

While smart license plates offer a range of benefits, there are also concerns about privacy and the potential for over-surveillance. Some people may be uncomfortable with the idea of their vehicle's location and other data being easily accessible to authorities. Despite these concerns, smart license plates seem to be the next big advancement in license plate technology, offering a range of features that go beyond the traditional metal or acrylic plates.

License plate flippers

The use of license plate flippers for evasion purposes is illegal in the United States, as it is generally prohibited to alter or obstruct a license plate in any way. States like Texas and Washington have explicitly banned the devices, and other states like Tennessee and Pennsylvania are in the process of implementing similar bans.

The accessibility and affordability of license plate flippers make them appealing to those seeking to avoid detection. They can be purchased online, with prices ranging from $50 to a few hundred dollars, but their use comes with significant risks. Penalties for using or selling these devices can include hefty fines and even jail time, depending on the state and the specifics of the case.

While license plate flippers may provide a sense of anonymity, it's important to remember that breaking the law can have serious consequences. Evading tolls, speeding, or committing other traffic violations with the aid of license plate flippers can result in severe penalties if caught by law enforcement. It's crucial to abide by the laws and regulations regarding license plates and vehicle operation in your area.

Smart glass license-plate covers

Smart glass license plate covers are an innovative way to keep your license plate information private from unwanted viewers. These covers allow you to switch between obscure and transparent modes with the simple push of a button or the click of a key fob. This gives you complete control over when and where your license plate information is exposed.

Smart glass license plate covers are typically powered by batteries, and their functionality relies on the application or absence of an electrical current. When power is applied, the plate cover switches to a transparent state, allowing your license plate to be visible. When the current is suspended or interrupted, the plate cover becomes opaque, effectively hiding your license plate information. This technology is often referred to as PDLC (Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal) or PNLC film, where PDLC is transparent with an electrical current, and PNLC is clear without it.

These smart glass covers are different from tinted license plate covers, which are illegal in all states. Smart glass covers do not permanently obscure your license plate; instead, they give you the ability to temporarily hide your plate information when needed. This feature can be especially useful for antique car collectors, limousine services, specialty vehicle manufacturers, or individuals concerned about identity theft.

It is important to note that the legality of using license plate covers varies across different states and countries. While most states prohibit attaching anything that would make the license plate unreadable, some states only require the plate number to be easily readable and clear. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your local laws and regulations before installing a smart glass license plate cover to ensure compliance and avoid any potential legal issues.

Frequently asked questions