RCW 46.16A.200 relates to concealing license plates so that they are not visible detected by cameras. And while items such as decals have clearly violated this regulation for a long time, there is an update that added license plate covers to the list. From January 1, 2025, having a license plate cover is grounds for a fine. From June 2024, the regulation states that violators will only receive a written warning, with information about the law and other penalties that will begin to take effect during the coming year.
The law against concealment of license plates will take effect from January
Rick Johnson, Washington State Police officer, spoke about this measure and explained the reason why it was put into effect. As he explained, the shield over the license plate is a problem because it alters the license plate. Moreover, at night it becomes almost illegible if it is covered, which represents a clear reason for sanction.
And although many use these protectors just for the idea of taking care of their license plates, others do it with the clear intention of hiding it. This is a strategy to prevent the cameras from registering the cars in violation and thus have a better chance of getting away with it. This is why the authorities decided to impose fines in 2025 for concealment.
The strategy used by New York
Washington is not the only city that decided to fight against illegalities regarding license plate concealment. New York also joined the fight and put into force a law alerting motorists. In its case, it moved forward with the prohibition of the sale and use of “phantom license plates”.
As we already know, this item conceal or alter the license plate numbers, preventing identified drivers from evading toll payments. This is a big step against this situation that jeopardizes road safety and represents a millionaire loss of money for the State.
With this measure, the local authorities seek to recover approximately 200 million dollars a year estimated as losses due to toll evasion. In addition, it is expected to contribute to reduce traffic accidents, since many of the drivers who use the phantom plates tend to violate other traffic regulations and drive recklessly.
One more step towards the eradication of this problem
This new law prohibiting the sale of phantom license plates for the purpose of concealing license plates represents an important step in the right direction. And although traffic controls and regulations have been intensified since the beginning of the year, now they want to go one step further. This is a long-term plan, which will establish harsher penalties, better coordination between states and increase road safety education.
For the time being, there are some strategies used by the New York authorities that have served to reduce road insecurity. One of them is the installation of new surveillance cameras on the city’s bridges and tunnels. This makes it possible to more accurately identify vehicles that evade tolls and drive recklessly. In addition, collaboration between different government agencies and law enforcement agencies has been strengthened.
This issue has been a topic of debate on many occasions. Therefore, the prohibition of phantom license plates to conceal license plates was supported by the rest of the citizens. People are tired of seeing how a handful of offenders benefit at the expense of the rest of society. It is also hoped that this law will help create a safer and fairer environment for all.
