California Highway Patrol officers in Solano stopped a driver of a black Volkswagen Jetta equipped with a motorized license plate-hiding device. The driver admitted to using the mechanism to evade Express Lane and bridge tolls.
State law prohibits the use of products designed to obscure license plates. According to California Vehicle Code Section 5201.1, the base fine for operating a vehicle with such a device is $250 per violation, excluding additional state and county penalties.
Legislation effective since 2025 further restricts the alteration of reflective coatings on plates. Authorities noted that toll evasion can lead to civil penalties and complications with vehicle registration.
