Plain English Breakdown
The effective date is not provided in the official source material.
AB-1085: New Rules on Blocking License Plates
This law makes it illegal to install shades or tints that block cameras from reading license plates and adds new fines for making these products in California.
What This Bill Does
- Prohibits installing a shade or tint that blocks electronic devices from reading a license plate.
- Bans the manufacture of products designed to hide a license plate within the state.
- Sets a fine of $1,000 for each item sold or made that breaks these new rules regarding shades and tints.
- Keeps existing bans on painting over plates or using frames and shields that block cameras.
- Makes clarifying changes to current laws.
Who It Names or Affects
- Drivers who install shades, tints, covers, or other devices on their vehicles.
- Businesses or individuals who manufacture products intended to obscure license plates in California.
- State and local law enforcement agencies that use electronic cameras for traffic safety.
Terms To Know
- Electronic device
- Cameras used by police, toll roads, or emission sensors to read license plates automatically.
- State-mandated local program
- A new rule that requires local agencies to enforce a state law because the bill creates a new crime.
Limits and Unknowns
- The official text does not list an effective date.
- The bill states no reimbursement is required for local agencies but only gives a general reason without specific details on that reason.
- The law applies to devices that obstruct electronic reading, relying on existing definitions of what counts as obstruction.