Bill > AB1085

This bill amends the California Vehicle Code to further restrict license plate obstruction and alteration, expanding existing prohibitions on interfering with license plate visibility. Specifically, the bill makes it illegal to install or affix a shade or tint that obstructs the reading of a license plate by electronic devices used by law enforcement, toll facilities, or emission sensing devices. The bill also prohibits manufacturing products designed to obstruct license plate recognition and increases the financial penalty for violations to $1,000 per item sold or manufactured. Under the new provisions, individuals are still prohibited from erasing, painting over, or altering license plates in ways that prevent visual or electronic capture of the plate's characters. The bill maintains existing requirements for license plate mounting and visibility, including specific mounting height regulations for various vehicle types. By creating a new crime related to license plate obstruction, the bill technically creates a state-mandated local program, though the bill states that no specific reimbursement will be required for local agencies implementing these new regulations. The legislation aims to ensure that license plates remain clearly readable for law enforcement and electronic monitoring purposes.

Budget and Finance, Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1085