James Bond’s gadget-filled cars have featured everything from machine guns to ejector seats, but one California driver settled for something a little simpler. Their Volkswagen Jetta was equipped with a push-button device capable of making its rear license plate disappear from view.
The California Highway Patrol’s Solano office recently caught the Jetta traveling in an express lane with its plate completely obscured. Footage shared by CHP shows the black sedan passing the patrol vehicle before attracting the officer’s attention.
Something changed as the officer followed the Volkswagen. The previously hidden license plate had suddenly reappeared, giving the patrol officer a pretty good reason to investigate further.
Once the Jetta was stopped, the mystery didn’t last long. According to CHP Solano, the sole occupant admitted to using the device specifically to avoid paying Express Lane and Bay Area bridge tolls.
The License Plate Disappears At The Push Of A Button
View this post on Instagram
Body-camera footage reveals how straightforward the setup is. An officer presses a button on a small remote, causing a black shield to move over the Jetta’s rear license plate and completely hide it.
Another press moves the shield away and exposes the plate again. That would allow a driver to conceal the registration while passing toll cameras before restoring the car to a seemingly normal appearance afterward.
CHP described the setup as a license plate hider and used the incident to remind drivers that such devices are illegal in California. Under California Vehicle Code 5201.1, operating a vehicle equipped with a switchable frame, flipper, or another product intended to obscure a license plate is prohibited.
Those Avoided Tolls Could Get Expensive
CHP says the base fine for operating a vehicle with one of these devices is $250 per violation. State and county penalty assessments can push the actual amount considerably higher.
California law also requires license plates to remain clearly visible and legible. Toll evasion itself is prohibited and can result in traffic citations, civil penalties, and potential DMV registration holds.
The Jetta driver’s attempt to save money on tolls could end up costing far more than simply paying them. The disappearing plate might look like something Q Branch dreamed up, but unlike James Bond, this Volkswagen couldn’t make the highway patrol disappear with it. Perhaps try a smokescreen next time?!