Assembly Member Clinton Calabrese, a Democrat from Cliffside Park, voiced support for S4265 at an Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee hearing on Monday. Photo credit: Aidan Vanhoof/NJ State House News Service

By Aidan Vanhoof
NJ State House News Service

TRENTON, N.J. – Intentionally concealing license plates, or selling those devices, ranging from sophisticated flipping devices to tinted covers, may soon be illegal in New Jersey, after an Assembly committee unanimously moved a measure Monday.

Such obstructive technology can be quite creative.

Sprays apply a clear coat that reflects light to blind automated license plate readers. Other technologies allow for the license plate to be retracted, obscured or temporarily flipped with the push of a button using magnets, covers or tints.

“The bill addresses the deliberate obstruction of license plates by individuals attempting to evade law enforcement, tolls and other charges, that we all pay for,” said Assembly Member Clinton Calabrese, a Democrat from Cliffside Park. “We’ve seen devices and products specifically designed to conceal and obscure license plates, including blackout numbers and sprays.”

The Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee passed S4265 unanimously without public testimony. 

“This is common sense legislation,” said Assembly Member William Sampson, a Democrat from Bayonne.

Under the measure, the first violation brings a $500 fine. A second offense incurs a $750 fine. Additional driving violations would lead to two motor vehicle penalty points and two insurance eligibility points. Vendors are fined for each violation.

Fines can still be imposed if the license plate is obscured, regardless of the method, if it is seen as a deliberate attempt to evade law enforcement or tolls. The measure would exempt license plate frames or debris that may accidentally obscure the plate. 

“Honestly, it’s shocking this tech is sold on the marketplace,” said Calabrese. “This legislation makes clear that intentionally obstructing the plate for the purpose of evading fines is illegal, and it prohibits not only buying, but selling products designed for that purpose.”

Calabrese cited a 2022 study by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey claiming over $40 million in toll revenue is lost to missing, altered or hidden license plates. 

The measure unanimously passed the Senate in June, 40-0. 

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Aidan Vanhoof is a journalism major at Rowan University.