Hide the plate, dodge the toll? States say enough is enough

Road safety and traffic enforcement are getting a closer look in states across the country. One target is a simple device that can make a license plate disappear. State lawmakers are taking action against license plate flipping devices, also known as license plate flippers. These devices can be manual, electric or mechanical. They are installed on vehicles and can be used to hide a license plate. One reason drivers use them is to avoid paying tolls. With the push of a button, switch or other mechanism, a driver can change plates or hide the vehicle's registration from view. Law enforcement agencies across the country say they are seeing more drivers hide or switch their plates. In some cases, the goal is to avoid tickets, tolls or other legal consequences. The problem is simple. When a plate disappears, so does a key way to identify the vehicle. States crack down on license plate flippers Lawmakers in at least nine states have outlawed the use of license plate flippers. And these devices are not hard to find. Some can be bought online for less than $100. Texas and Washington were the first states to adopt rules against the devices more than a decade ago. California , Delaware, Florida , Illinois, Tennessee and Pennsylvania have taken action more recently. Wisconsin joined that list earlier this year. The Wisconsin rule covers license plate concealment devices, including license plate flippers. The ban goes beyond simply using the devices. It also prohibits selling, possessing, buying or installing them. Violators can face fines of up to $1,000. They could also spend up to 90 days in jail. Rep. Bob Donovan, R-Greenfield, said the rule takes aim at a growing trend. 'License plate flippers are increasingly weaponized by those intent on breaking the law,' Donovan said. 'With the purchase of a cheap gadget online, criminals can hide their license plate easily and vanish into traffic before law enforcement can catch up.' Kansas Kansas has had a similar rule in place since the summer. Since July 1, drivers cannot use materials or objects that cover a license plate. The rule also puts limits on license plate frames. They cannot block the state name, tag color, expiration month or the actual license plate number. That includes clear, opaque or other plastic-like materials that make the plate harder to see or reduce its reflectivity. The law does not stop at Kansas-registered vehicles. Out-of-state vehicles are covered, too. Drivers will receive warnings through the end of the year. Starting Jan. 1, violators face a $60 fine. Supporters say keeping license plate information visible can make a real difference when something goes wrong. A visible plate can help identify vehicles involved in hit-and-run crashes and other incidents. It can also help police track down stolen vehicles. New Jersey New Jersey lawmakers are taking their own shot at license plate flippers. The Senate passed a bill this summer that targets the use of the devices. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reported losing about $40 million in toll revenue in one year because of obscured or missing license plates. S4265 is designed to crack down on toll evasion and efforts to avoid law enforcement. Sen. Patrick Diegnan, D-South Plainfield, said the bill also covers products designed to hide or change plate identification. 'Drivers who intentionally hide their license plates are undermining public safety and fairness,' Diegnan said. 'Whether the goal is avoiding tolls, evading traffic enforcement, or escaping responsibility for dangerous driving, these practices make it harder for law enforcement and transportation agencies to do their jobs.' 'This legislation sends a clear message that intentional license plate obstruction will not be tolerated,' he said. The bill covers more than traditional license plate flippers. It also targets retractable license plate holders, reflective sprays, tinted or blackout license plate covers and other devices used to hide a plate. Under S4265, violators would face a $500 fine. Repeat offenders would face a $750 fine. Additional offenses could also result in motor vehicle and insurance eligibility points. The bill is now in the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee. LL More Land Line coverage of state news is available.