AB 1085 and License Plate Obstruction: Why “Tinted Covers” Can Be a Big Deal After a Hit-and-Run
After a hit-and-run crash, you’re left trying to think of anything you can use to help police identify the runaway driver. It often comes down to one factor—whether or not you remember any part of the driver’s license plate. Witnesses only have seconds to read it, and traffic cameras may or may not catch it. When a license plate is obscured by a tint, special paint, or plastic cover, victims often lose the only real leverage they have when it comes to finding a reckless driver. Car accident attorneys with experience in hit-and-run crashes can often step in and help.
When you need an aggressive, experienced attorney to fight for you, it’s time to reach out to DeWitt, Algorri & Algorri, LLP. Our car accident law firm is proud to have highly experienced trial attorneys like attorney Patrick Nolan. With millions of dollars in trial awards, it’s clear that he is committed to helping his clients fight for what they are owed. Call us at 855-WINNING (946-6464) to set up a consultation with our car accident lawyers.
An Overview of AB 1085
AB 1085 clarifies and expands enforcement of California’s rules regarding license plate visibility. These requirements are found in the state’s Vehicle Code. The goal remains the same, making sure that license plates are visible and legible to law enforcement, witnesses, and cameras. This law includes tougher penalties and closes loopholes in the law as it was previously written.
This law specifies that any devices or coverings that obscure readability violate the law. The law also punishes those who sell or manufacture the devices in California, not just those who purchase and use these devices.
What Counts as Obstruction?
People often assume that “obstructing” a license plate just means covering it entirely from view. However, even partially covering the license plate or just making it harder to read can put you at risk of costly fines and citations. Examples include:
- Tinted or smoked plate covers: Dark plastic overlays may be marketed as protective or “anti-camera” to consumers. These overlays make it hard or impossible to read license plates in low light. They may also cause glare when photographed or lit up by headlights, making them illegible.
- Frames that block information: Some decorative frames can block the state name, registration date, or parts of the license plate number. Even if different parts of the plate are only partially blocked, this may be a violation of AB 1085.
- Reflective sprays and glare-inducing films: There are several products on the market intended to interfere with camera readability, which makes it hard for local governments to catch speeders or those who run red lights. This is clearly against the law.
- Dirty or altered plates: Bent plates, excessive grime or dust, or plate modifications can all make plates illegible.
Why AB 1085 Matters After a Hit-and-Run
If you’ve ever called a car accident attorney for a hit-and-run, you know just how stressful these accidents can be. In these situations, any information you can get from a license plate is crucial. Something that obscures a reckless driver’s license plate could leave an accident victim without any real identifiable information in a situation where even a few digits can help.
This situation can also keep witnesses or nearby cameras from helping. Witnesses may be unable to catch the plate number, and red light or traffic cameras may yield unusable photos due to tints or sprays. The result is often an investigation that is derailed or dead in the water from the very beginning.
Even when victims hire car accident lawyers to help them seek compensation after a hit-and-run, their options are often limited. They may be left tapping into their own uninsured motorist coverage instead of securing compensation from the at-fault party.
Common Misconceptions About Tinted Plate Covers
Drivers often assume that tinted plate covers, sprays, or other devices are legal because they are sold online or in stores. However, availability does not equal legality. That’s why the state imposes heavy fines on stores or manufacturers making these products available. People also believe that they are in the clear as long as part of their license plate is legible, when the law actually prevents any part of the plate from being obscured.
Let Our Pasadena Car Accident Law Firm Discuss Your Next Steps—Call DeWitt, Algorri & Algorri, LLP Now
Our California car accident law firm is here to fight for you as you work to hold reckless drivers accountable. Let’s talk more about your case and next steps. Just contact us online or call us at 855-WINNING (946-6464).
Mark Algorri has successfully represented individuals and their families in matters involving serious and catastrophic injuries, insurance claims denials, and wrongful deaths, achieving a success rate of 99 percent for our clients.
