California to Intensify Regulations on License Plate Cover Vendors with Hefty $10K Penalties | Carscoops

      Fines would be imposed for each cover sold, potentially hindering a growing trend in the state.

      20 hours ago

      by Stephen Rivers

      A bill in California aims to increase penalties for the production and sale of license plate blockers in the state.

      Currently, the penalty stands at $250 per plate, but lawmakers seek to raise it to $10,000.

      Assemblywoman Catherine Stefani asserts that these blockers contribute to theft, robbery, and toll evasion.

      Across the United States, some drivers are discovering new methods to evade tolls, aided by technology. From plate flippers to blockers, a number of motorists have made the art of avoiding detection quite sophisticated. California is now attempting to take a tougher stance, targeting not only drivers but also the companies that manufacture and distribute these devices. If successful, offenders could face a $10,000 fine for each unit produced or sold.

      According to Assemblywoman Stefani, her proposed legislation, AB 1085, aims to strengthen the state’s position. It escalates the stakes for committing an already illegal act—manufacturing or selling devices that obscure license plates. Presently, individuals caught doing so face a $250 fine for each instance.

      The updated bill proposes to raise this fine to $10,000. “These devices have become tools for criminals,” stated Stefani. “They are associated with vehicle thefts, robberies, and toll evasion, compromising public safety and costing the state millions in lost transportation revenue. This bill is designed to ensure enforcement measures can keep up with technology intended to mislead.”

      Undoubtedly, the technology in question is evolving. Offenders have access to devices ranging from plate flippers to those that physically or electronically conceal plates. Moreover, it isn't just toll evaders using these tools; speeders and reckless drivers have also adopted them to escape accountability. This aligns with previous reports concerning driving behaviors on both coasts. In some cases, burglars are also employing these devices.

      Interestingly, the state informed Carscoops that it amended the bill to cap the total fees at $10,000. On April 8, the bill's wording was changed to indicate a fine of $2,500 instead of $10,000. When inquiring about this alteration, a spokesperson provided clarification.

      “We reduced the figure in the legislation because the actual fines will include uniform bail and penalty schedule additions. Therefore, the adjusted amount in the bill will translate to approximately $10,000 per violation once implemented in practice.” While this bill still faces significant legislative scrutiny before becoming law, it appears to be progressing.

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