Let’s face it, some states just want to get revenue from red light tickets and not to mention that most red light cameras are owned by private companies. Getting tickets from red-light camera violations can waste your money in fines or your time in court.
So, we’re here to recommend cheap alternatives to help you beat the system without breaking the law. Let’s take a look at license plate blockers, covers, and spray.
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Table of Contents
- 1 – Sunflex Zone License Plate Cover
- 2 – Rust-Oleum 214944 Specialty Reflective Spray
- Best License Plate Blocker Buyer’s Guide
- Long Lasting
- What Surface?
- Water and Weatherproof
- Fast-Drying
- Our Top Pick Sunflex Zone License Plate Cover
Top 2 License Plate Blockers – Reviews & Buying Guide
1 – Sunflex Zone License Plate Cover
The SunFlex Zone license plate coveris an inconspicuous piece of protection against cameras. The thin and clear design is undetectable by the naked eye and won’t invite unwanted questions from law enforcement.
The installation is much easier than license plate sprays, which will only take a few seconds. The cover can last much longer and weather different elements. Not only will it protect you from red light cameras but it will keep your plate looking new from harsh weather.
It’s made to fit standard US plates, the shatterproof license plate cover utilizes the latest technology that features 300 nano layers that filter out infrared light and only lets in natural light.
PROS:
- Easy installation
- Paper-thin design
- Undetectable by the naked eye
- Shatterproof
- Won’t yellow in the sun
- Fits standard US plates
CON:
- May not fit every country’s plates
- Only works with IR camera flashes
- Costs more than a spray
2 – Rust-Oleum 214944 Specialty Reflective Spray
This multifunctional reflective spray prevents your license plate from being recognizable in a photo by creating a reflective coating. It blocks your license plate from the prying eye of the red light camera by creating a coat that reflects light. So when a traffic camera flashes, this spray makes your license plate appear illuminated and overexposed in the photo.
The application is fairly simple but we recommend removing your license plate then applying the spray. The spray is undetectable to the naked eye unlike license plate covers.
The spray dries quickly, letting you get the job done in a matter of minutes. It also covers an area of about 15 sq ft., which can be useful if you have other license plates or surfaces to protect.
Aside from your license plate, it also works well on other surfaces including concrete, stone/brick, plastic, metal, and wood.
Weatherproof and durable, you can use this indoors and outdoors. Just make sure you thoroughly clean the surface where you intend to apply the spray for better adhesion.
PROS:
- Reflective coating blocks red light cameras
- Fast-drying formula
- Undetectable to the eye
- Creates a weatherproof coating
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
- Successfully keeps your license plate covered by illuminating it under flash
CON:
- Doesn’t work well on dark colors
- Needs a few coats
Best License Plate Blocker Buyer’s Guide
Hiding a number plate from speed cameras has been an issue for a lot of drivers. We all hope not to get a ticket, but it’s known that speed cameras can make errors sometimes. Instead of having to contest the validity of a ticket or pay a hefty fine, using a license plate blocker is a more practical solution.
But with the many options out there, there are some important features to consider to make sure you’re not wasting your money on scams.
Long Lasting
The best license plate camera blockers and reflectors should be long-lasting. Even though a license plate blocker isn’t very pricey, we want to get the most out of one application. Some cans can coat as many as 4 license plates, including their license plate frames, but it must be durable since you don’t want to have to keep reapplying it.
Sprays dry invisibly, so it’s also hard to see when they need reapplication. If you don’t look closely, you might not know that you need to reapply another coating until you are snapped with a speed camera. Red light camera flashes should be reflected by the license plate but if there isn’t enough coating, the numbers could probably still be made out.
So, how long does a license plate blocker last? Well, some manufacturers boast ones that will never come off, but we find that hard to believe. Either way, find one that’s long-lasting to get the most for your money.
If you go for a cover as a license plate blocker, they come much cheaper and can also be switched out whenever you feel the need to. They last as long as the spray versions, but since they’re physical covers, you actually get an idea when they should be replaced.
What Surface?
It won’t matter how adhesive the formula is and how many red-light cameras it can save you from if it doesn’t adhere to the surface of your plate. For example, the Rust-oleum spray can virtually cover any surface and it can stick like a second skin. But whatever spray you purchase, make sure the formula goes well with whatever you intend to use it on.
For the license plate covers, this is less of a concern. You can easily slip it over any license plate without having to worry about surface material and dimensions. Overall, when picking out the best license plate camera blockers and reflectors, consider the surface first.
Water and Weatherproof
Your license plate can take quite a beating out in the real world. So aside from avoiding red light and speeding cameras, a license plate spray is also expected to withstand harsh elements. As such, it’s important that the spray is weather and waterproof. Whether you use it outdoors or not, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that spilling something on your photo blocker spray won’t wash it right off.
With the license plate cover, it should be waterproof as well. This could also protect your license plate from debris when driving over rough terrain. A cover is tougher than a spray, especially since it’s a physical barrier protecting your number plate.
Fast-Drying
For sprays, always get a fast-drying formula. A lot of the license plate sprays are easy to spray on but could take hours to dry. Any formula that dries under 30 min is impressive and won’t take too much out of your day. Also, if it’s fast-drying, there is less chance of getting dirt and dust stuck on the surface.
But other than drying quickly, you also want it to dry as a clear coating that is invisible to the naked eye. Even though photo blocker plate sprays are legal in most places, you still don’t want law enforcement to notice a coating on your plate.
For those who are not as keen to apply a spray themselves, the license plate blocker cover is a much easier option. Simply slip it over your number plate and you’re done. You don’t have to wait for it to dry or wonder if you applied enough of the number plate spray. The catch with a cover, however, is it’s more obvious up-close. A spray is more discreet, so it’s really up to you.
Conclusion
License plate blockers are a cheap but efficient way to make your number plate invisible to traffic cameras. Since red-light cameras can be prone to errors, having blockers like sprays or license plate covers can save you the time and money it takes to fight a potential speeding ticket.
These blockers aren’t illegal and they don’t block your plate completely. In a direct angle, your license plate can still be clearly seen. But when a traffic camera takes a photo of your car, your plate will be illuminated or distorted. Overall, these license plate blockers are cheap solutions to potentially expensive problems with traffic tickets, so they’re a small but worthy investment.
Our Top Pick Sunflex Zone License Plate Cover
The Sunflex plate blocker is easy to install and will block infrared red camera flashes. It’s clear and won’t be noticeable by law enforcement. It also keeps your license plate looking new since the cover protects your plate from weather conditions.
FAQs
How do you make a license plate unreadable to a camera? ›
Reflector Cover
The Reflector license plate cover is made of high-quality clear plastic and coated with light-reflecting crystals. It reflects the flash back to the camera and overexposes the photo taken of your license plate. The result is an unclear image that will save you a costly speeding ticket.
Does Photo Blocker Spray Really Work? Photoblocker has undergone many different conclusive tests by police departments themselves. In fact, thousands of satisfied customers worldwide have attested to the effectiveness of the Photoblocker spray against speed and red light cameras.
What is a license plate reflector? ›The Reflector™ overexposes photo radar and red light camera pictures by reflecting flash back to the camera blinding it. "If they can't read your tag, you don't get a ticket."
How do I block a police license plate scanner? ›Veil Corporation has engineered and patented a countermeasure called the Veil Stealth Coating. Veil is a broad-band infrared-absorbing coating designed to be applied to plates and clear license plate covers and absorbs the light used by these systems.
What is a ghost plate? ›The Best Privacy License Plate Cover Available
When installed correctly, the GHOSTPLATE™ permits you to have complete control over when and where your license plate information is exposed. You will be able to have the ability to obscure your license plate from probing eyes with a simple flip of a switch.
A speed camera cannot see through a crystallized plate cover. In the crystals inside the cover did not reflect enough light to fool the camera.
What is PhotoBlocker spray made of? ›Made of a high-quality clear plastic cover that is coated with the light reflecting crystals. The Reflector™ overexposes photo radar and red light camera pictures by reflecting flash back to the camera blinding it.
Does stealth plate work? ›When placed over a number plate, it is almost impossible to detect by eye, unless it's inspected from only a few centimetres away.
What is the best way to protect license plate? ›Protect your license plate and registration tags from bugs and road debris with a high grade polycarbonate shield. Made from 1/16" clear polycarbonate, with scratch and UV protectant coating that will not yellow or cloud over time.
What is the best thing to stick number plates to? ›By far the easiest way to fix a new number plate to your car is with VELCRO® Brand Heavy Duty Tape. It's quick and easy to apply, and is extremely strong and durable.
Why should we not throw banana skin on the road? ›
The scent will attract them, even though they may not end up feeding on it. Or, they may make a habit of looking for food along the highways, thereby increasing the risk of wildlife accidents. Banana peels will be an attractant for wild animals until after they break down, which can be longer than a couple of years.
Why do people cover their license plate in pictures? ›Blurring a license plate online is done for two different reasons: either to protect your privacy or to avoid incriminating yourself. It is possible to dig up the owner's info if the number ends up in the wrong hands. It can also be reported to police whether or not you've done something wrong.
Are license plate covers illegal in US? ›Nope, it is illegal to cover your license plate in any jurisdiction.
Should I put a frame around my license plate? ›Many license plates are made of thin metal and can easily be bent around the edges by car washes and normal wear and tear. Licenses plate frames not only look nice, but they can help your dealership name get seen by people all around your area.
Do police cars have cameras that automatically scan license plates which trigger a alarm to pull you over? ›Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) scanning systems are one of the newest technologies in the hands of law enforcement. The system consists of several cameras mounted on a police cruiser, hooked up to a computer inside the vehicle.
What is a flock camera? ›Flock Safety ALPR cameras help law enforcement investigate crime by providing objective evidence. They capture license plates and vehicle characteristics, not people or faces.
What states use flock cameras? ›From Pasadena, California to Lexington, Kentucky to Menasha, Wisconsin, to Newark, New Jersey, the surveillance company Flock Safety is blanketing American cities with dangerously powerful and unregulated automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras.
What is a pusher plate? ›Hobart PUSHER-PLATE Details
Designed to shield the operator from the saw blade, the plate features a built-in, easy-to-grasp handle. Just grasp the handle and use the side with small teeth to push meat into the blade. This plate is for use with select Hobart meat saws.
noun. : sheet steel or sheet iron that has not yet been made into tin plate by being coated with tin or that is used uncoated where the protection afforded by tin is unnecessary (as in certain cans)
What is the spooky plate used for? ›A stone tablet imbued with the essence of ghosts. When used on a certain Pokemon, it allows that Pokemon to gain the power of the Ghost-type.
How do I stop photo radar? ›
Reflector™ Cover
The Reflector™ helps prevent costly tickets. Made of a high quality clear plastic cover that is coated with light reflecting crystals. The Reflector™ overexposes photo radar and red light camera pictures by reflecting flash back to the camera blinding it.
No. License plates must be visible and clear, otherwise what's the point of having them? In every state of the U.S., obscuring your license plate–or tampering with it in any way–is illegal.
How accurate are license plate readers? ›MYTH 1: Detection accuracy below 90% is acceptable
Many users assume that a license plate detection accuracy level around 90% is good enough. Not so, says Luke Normington, managing director of PIPS Technology. “The license plate detection accuracy rate should be 98% or higher,” said Normington.
This is where PhotoBlocker spray comes in to play. By changing the amount of light reflected back to the camera, it is possible to render the picture illegible and blind the traffic camera.
Is PhotoBlocker spray legal in New York? ›A clear spray that distorts a license plate image – and helps drivers beat tickets for running a red light – is selling like hotcakes, despite a law banning its use. PhotoBlocker is being sold in eight New York-area stores and is getting “more popular every day,” according to dealer John Ciampa.
Are license plate covers illegal in Florida? ›Any license plate cover, not just the dark, smoked acrylic type, but even clear covers are illegal in Florida. How about those license plate frames? Nothing is allowed to cover any information on the plate, according to Florida law.
What camera for plate detection? ›LPR cameras are advanced traffic sensors used to capture and digitalize images from license plates.
How do plate readers work? ›Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) systems function to automatically capture an image of a vehicle and the vehicle's license plate, transform the plate image into alphanumeric characters using optical character recognition, compare the plate number acquired to one or more databases (also known as “hot lists”) ...
Do skid plates help? ›Do you need a skid plate? Skid plates are important for off-roading. Especially if you are doing any type of overlanding or rock crawling, skid plates are highly recommended to protect the underside of your vehicle.
How do you secure a front license plate? ›If you have a front bracket, just screw your license plate onto it. If you don't have one, you might consider using an adhesive-mounted bracket or a bracket made specifically for the shape of your model's bumper.
Can I use Gorilla Glue on a plate? ›
A: No. There are many gorilla glue products and 90% are not food safe.
Can you Gorilla Glue a plate? ›Yes. Gorilla Super Glue is the brand's most recommended product for ceramic repair.
Does super glue work on plates? ›Loctite Super Glue Liquid Universal is ideal for repairing ceramic. It's a strong, versatile adhesive which is also waterproof and dishwasher safe. Perfect for fixing a broken plate! If you're carrying out a fiddly repair, try Loctite Super Glue Liquid Precision.
Why do people peel a banana from the bottom? ›Recently brought to our attention via @mylifeasdebra on TikTok, they demonstrated a method of banana-peeling that's one million times easier than how we've been doing it our whole lives. The trick is to peel them just like monkeys do, which is from the bottom. This way, your banana's squish-free and fully-intact.
Do banana peels whiten teeth? ›Banana peels don't do anything to whiten your teeth. Many articles recommend rubbing the peel against your teeth for a few minutes. While this could scrub off some surface stains, it's no more effective than brushing your teeth. Banana peels have no special whitening properties.
Why put bananas in a paper bag? ›You can take advantage of ethylene's ripening properties at home by putting your banana into a closed paper bag; the paper will trap ethylene while letting in enough oxygen to help move the process along. For even faster ripening, add an apple, pear, apricot, or avocado — they also release ethylene.
Why should I blur my license plate? ›The simple answer is that it's a way to protect the privacy of the people in the image. Other reasons include: To comply with GDPR or CCPA regulations. To avoid identity theft: if a thief knows your license plate number, they can use it to find your home address.
Is it OK to show license plate on social media? ›No. In fact, posting license plates online is no different than posting a physical or email address of your company.
Why are license plates blurred on Google Maps? ›Google takes a number of steps to protect the privacy of individuals when Street View imagery is published to Google Maps. We have developed cutting-edge face and license plate blurring technology that is designed to blur identifiable faces and license plates within Google-contributed imagery in Street View.
How much is a ticket for obstructed license plate in New York? ›A violation of these sections of the law is punishable by a fine of no less than $50, but no more than $300. Both New York City and the MTA have lost out on millions of dollars in revenue from unpaid tickets and tolls due to obstructed license plates.
Are smoked license plate covers legal in Texas? ›
Are tinted license plate covers legal in Texas? Covering a license plate with protective material is illegal in Texas.
Are license plate covers worth it? ›As far as car accessories go, license plate frames are one of the most helpful automotive accessories as they're not only visually appealing but also can protect your vehicle. The best license plate frames aren't made from specially designed carbon fiber and they're not rhinestone license plate frames.
Are plastic license plate frames good? ›Plastic license plate frames are not as long lasting or reliable as those made of aluminum or stainless steel, which is durable and won't chip or rust. Carbon fiber is also a good choice. In addition, silicone license plate frames are a good option and are more durable than plastic.
Will metal license plate frame rust? ›Ideally your license plate frame will be rust- and corrosion-resistant. Most products are made from stainless steel with a chrome coating.
What photo app blurs license plate? ›What is the best app for blurring faces? Watermarkly is one of the best. It is very simple and fast. It blurs faces and license plates automatically.
How do you display a front license plate without drilling holes? ›If you need to attach a front license plate, but don't want to drill holes in your bumpers, a magnetic front license plate mount might be the way to go. A magnetic license plate mount is fairly easy to install. You don't need specialized tools, nor do you need to add permanent hardware to the vehicle.
What is the app that removes license plates? ›TIQQLER removes the license plate automatically with artificial intelligence.
Why do people block license plate in photos? ›Blurring a license plate online is done for two different reasons: either to protect your privacy or to avoid incriminating yourself. It is possible to dig up the owner's info if the number ends up in the wrong hands. It can also be reported to police whether or not you've done something wrong.
What apps read license plates? ›Keeping that in mind, the ParqEx app can capture both the license plate and the full image of the vehicle and store it in the app for enforcement of logging purposes. Since the data is stored in the cloud storage, you can retrieve it from the mobile or desktop version of the app, run reports, and more.
What app blurs pictures? ›YouCam Perfect is the best app that can help you blur a picture for free in just a few easy steps. The blur tool in the app is free to use. It allows you to define your blur outline shape, blur size, and bokeh shape.
What state has dark blue plates? ›
| Region | Design | Slogan |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | Embossed dark blue serial on reflective gradient sky blue and white plate with dark blue border line, "Connecticut" screened in dark blue centered at top, screened dark blue state shape at top left. | "Constitution State" centered at bottom, in dark blue. |
If you want to remove mosaic blur from a video, there are some tools that you can use. One of the most effective ways is by using a stabilizing program such as Adobe Premiere Pro CC. Other programs such as Sony Vegas and Apple Final Cut Pro contain this function, which is why it's recommended for users.
What size hole do you drill for a license plate? ›Remove the frame for easier drilling. Using the 1/8" drill bit, drill four pilot holes in the center of each position. Finish the holes by enlarging them with the 11/32" drill bit.
Can you drill holes in front bumper for license plate? ›Use a power drill and a 1⁄8 inch (0.32 cm) bit to drill shallow pilot holes into the bumper. Drill your pilot holes only about 1⁄8 inch (0.32 cm) deep into the bumper. If your bumper is chrome, you'll need to start your holes with a center punch before you can start drilling.
Will Velcro hold a license plate? ›To answer your question, the Velcro WILL hold up fine BUT you may have a problem if you ever want to get the part attatched to the paintwork back off again. However if you have the clearbra then that wouldn't be a problem as the clearbra would come off instead.