Concealing Car Number Plates: Evading The Camera's Eye

There are several methods to hide a car number plate from a camera, although it is important to note that doing so is illegal in every state. One popular method is to use reflective tape, which can obscure the plate numbers when flash photography is used. Similarly, a clear-coat high-gloss reflective spray can be used to wash out the image of the plate. Another method is to use a Fresnel lens, which obscures the plate when viewed from a high angle, such as the angle at which cameras are typically placed.

Use reflective tape

Reflective tape is an effective way to obscure your number plate from roadside photo-radar cameras and those using high-intensity flash. The tape works by reflecting the camera flash, causing the camera sensors to bleed or blur light around the plate's letters and numbers, making them unreadable. The number plate will appear as a fuzzy white rectangle in the captured image.

You can purchase reflective tape online and apply it to your license plate. If your number plate is white, cover the white areas with the tape. You can choose to cover only the registration number or the entire plate. Ensure that you do not obstruct your number plate in a way that violates state laws, as this can result in fines.

The effectiveness of reflective tape depends on the camera technology. While it may work for roadside photo-radar cameras, it may not be effective against cameras with video support, as they can reduce the motion frames to capture the full plate number. Additionally, it is important to note that obscuring your license plate, even with reflective tape, is illegal in all states when on the road.

By using reflective tape, you can increase the chances of your number plate being unreadable by certain types of cameras. However, it is important to be aware of the limitations and potential legal consequences of this method. Always follow local laws and regulations regarding license plate visibility and road safety.

Install a bike rack

Bike racks are a great way to transport your bicycle, but it's important to ensure it doesn't obstruct your rear lights or number plate. If it does, you could face fines or criminal charges.

There are three main types of bike racks: rear-mounted, tow bar, and roof-mounted.

Rear-mounted bike rack

This is the most common type of bike rack in the UK as it is cost-effective and doesn't require additional mounts or attachments. It has a metal frame that sits against the back of the car and uses four to six straps that hook onto the edges of the car boot. It can fit up to three or four bicycles.

When installing a rear-mounted bike rack, be careful not to scratch or damage the rear window. If your car has a rear camera or sensor, ensure the rack doesn't obstruct it. Wrap the straps around the sides of the boot and use the adjustable fittings to tightly secure the bike and rack. Use the hooks and straps to lock each individual bicycle in place to prevent movement during transport.

Tow bar bike rack

There are two types of tow bar bike racks: one that bolts directly to the tow ball using an adjuster screw, and another that clamps around the tow ball. The tow bar-mounted rack attaches to the mounting plate underneath the vehicle. Together with the tow ball fitting, this type of rack can often carry more weight than a rear-mounted rack.

To install a tow bar bike rack, first secure the rack to the underside of the vehicle. Then, fold out the wheel cradles, load your bike (rear tyre first), and use the locking arms to secure each wheel and bike in place. Finally, use the additional straps and buckles to lock the frames and wheels securely.

Roof-mounted bike rack

Roof-mounted racks attach to bars fitted horizontally across the top of the vehicle. They don't impact boot space and are easy to install and remove. However, they can affect the aerodynamics, fuel consumption, and handling of the car, especially in high winds and adverse weather conditions.

To install a roof-mounted bike rack, first assemble the rack on the ground. Then, attach it to the crossbars on the roof of your vehicle, making sure the front of the rack faces the windshield. Use the straps and buckles to secure the bike to the roof rack, and the rubber padding to lock the wheels in place. Tighten the wheel locks and engage the locking safety mechanism.

Legal considerations

While bike racks can obscure your number plate, it is illegal to intentionally hide your license plate from toll or speed cameras. Most states have laws against obscuring license plates, and doing so can result in fines and demerit points that can lead to license suspension.

To avoid legal issues, ensure your license plate is always visible and compliant with local regulations. If your bike rack obscures your number plate, consider moving the plate to the rack or obtaining a duplicate plate to attach to the rack. Additionally, ensure your bike rack is securely installed and does not obstruct your rear lights or sensors.

Spray photo blocker spray

Photo blocker spray is a clear spray that, when applied to your license plate, is supposed to make it so reflective that it reflects the flash from a camera back towards the camera. This overexposes the image of your license plate, making the picture unreadable.

However, testing of these products has shown that they do not work as effectively as claimed. While the date stickers on license plates were overexposed, the camera had no problem reading the plate. The substantial distance and sharp angles between the plate, strobe flash, and camera dissipate the increased light long before it reaches the camera lens. Additionally, the camera's polarizing filter can easily brush aside any extra glare.

Despite this, some people still claim that photo blocker sprays work, and there are videos online that seem to demonstrate their effectiveness. However, these results can likely be attributed to specific conditions that are not typically present in real-world scenarios, such as the camera being at plate level and point-blank range.

If you are considering using a photo blocker spray, it is essential to understand the limitations of these products and the potential legal consequences of attempting to obscure your license plate.

Use a Fresnel lens

A Fresnel lens is a great way to hide your number plate from cameras. This method makes your number plate visible when viewed straight on but obscures it when viewed from a high angle, such as where a camera is typically located.

The lens works by refracting light and creating a prism effect, which causes the light to bend and creates a distorted image. This means that when a camera flash hits the Fresnel lens, the light is reflected back, and the camera image is overexposed, rendering the picture unreadable.

To use a Fresnel lens effectively, you can apply reflective tape to your number plate first. This tape will further distort the light and make it harder for cameras to capture your plate. When applying the tape, cover the registration number or just the part of the plate without it. For example, if your plate is white, apply the tape to the white areas.

The reflective tape, combined with the Fresnel lens, will make it much harder for cameras to capture your license plate, helping you avoid unwanted tolls or speeding tickets.

However, it is important to note that obscuring your license plate is illegal in many places, and you may be subject to fines or other penalties if caught. This method should be used with caution and at your own risk.

Spray a clear-coat high-gloss reflective substance

Spraying a clear-coat high-gloss reflective substance on your license plate can be an effective way to prevent cameras from capturing your number plate. This method works by increasing the contrast and light reflection on the license plate, causing excessive light that covers and obscures the registration numbers.

There are a variety of products available on Amazon that can be used for this purpose, including:

• Auto Shield Spray License Plate Clear Coating
• Rust-Oleum 214944 Specialty Reflective Spray
• Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Clear Coatings Aerosol
• Maxima 78920-2PK SC1 High Gloss Coating
• USC SprayMax 2K Glamour High Gloss Aerosol Clear
• Nexgen Ceramic Spray Silicon Dioxide

It is important to note that while this method can make it more difficult for cameras to read your license plate, it does not guarantee complete invisibility. Additionally, using any substance to obscure your license plate is illegal in many places, so be sure to check the laws and regulations in your area before attempting this method.

Frequently asked questions