speedpeddler

Haven't tried any of the various ones being sold around the web because I hear they don't work well if at all. But, heres and idea i read about on another forum that I think has promise and wondering if anyone here has any first hand knowledge.

Guy got some 3M computer privacy screen material, the kind that prevents your screen from being seen from the side, cut it to fit a license plate frame, laid it on its side so the block works from above or below but not the sides, and swears it works.

I've seen these in large offices before and they do work well at blocking the view of a screen from a casual passer by. It's just black unless your sitting directly in front. The concept makes stupid sense and I'd like to give it a try.

So. What do you think?

Pufftrees

Sounds like it should work to me. The cameras aren't using any special spectrum or anything so if it blocks the view from above it would block the camera during it's snapshot.

Try it and tell us!

sack5000

What is the purpose of said idea? It's certainly illegal since all states require the license plate to be in plain view.

Toadster

it would be in 'plain' view from behind -ever use a security screen on a laptop?

not sure how effective it would be at the slight angle on the bumper - does it hang flat?

BBBSS

They just added speed cameras in Chicago so I may have to look into this more. I know the plate covers on the market obscured half the plate from one angle, and the other half from the other angle but made them look normal from directly behind. The problem is ANY cover even a plain clear one is illegal in IL now. Kinda invites a cop to look closer if you have anything over the plate. These speed cameras are gonna be a problem for me though so this is an interesting idea.

My biggest Q is weather you are gonna be so far past the camera when it takes the picture that you'll be within the viewing angle of the cover? It's not taking the picture/video only from a sharp angle above you. If it's obvious your plates obscured till you get further away you may attract a knock on your door that you don't want.

Perhaps if we all form a mob and tear down these camera's we can rest more easily?

Toadster

maybe a film that can be put over the plate, like a wrap kit ?

clear wrap that distorts the light - hmm, millionaire territory here

ilovemaui1

Mythbusters tried every plate cover on the market and they all failed. Think about it. If you can see the plate why wouldn't a camera pick it up?

cij911

Iirc, the camera uses an IR sensor to focus, so the theory is the camera, at certain angles, will not be able to focus on the plate. as mentioned all the covers on the market failed because the angle was not as suggested as the car moves further away.

westu93

Idk, i think id rather just not run lights with cameras on them. lol

Toadster

need to find a way to scramble the camera -if you can fool a laser speed gun, why not a camera?

E55Freak

in CO you don't have to pay the "photo tickets" unless an officer actually comes to your door and serves you with a ticket. Then you have to pay and take care of it....lots of people are ignoring them and taking their chances.

jmb614

I use an Escort RedLine coupled with the Escort Live app on my droid that notifies me when I am approaching a red light or speed camera. Saved my a$$ more than once.

The app also has a 'social media' aspect to it, allowing others running the app to report the location of live police, cameras etc, which then appears on your device. There are quite a few in Columbus using it so it is very helpful.

cij911

I got a $207 ticket for having a device that interferes with a police officer's Laser Equipment....Waaaaaa

CVC28150....He claimed my Laser Interceptor was a laser jammer and did not accept that it was a parking aid.

taurran

I have one of those on my laptop screen right now. You have to be more than 45 degrees to the side for it to work.

Toadster

should be easy enough to fight in court or in writing

AgSilver

(1) Is there a CA statute prohibiting laser jammers?

(2) Did the policeman see and photograph the installed device after asking for your permission to do so? If not, remove it in case the court orders an inspection if you choose to contest the citation. Careful here, your conversation with the policeman was most likely recorded. Don't get caught lying to the court.

Next time, slow down to the posted speed and then turn off the jammer so the gun can get a reading.

sloanbj

There is a state law in CA about obscuring license plates: VC5201.1. Comes with a $250 fine.

Shifter

What about a reflective material, so at night the flash would light it up? Do they flash even during the day?

cij911

(1) Yes, laser jammers are now illegal in Ca. (and most states as well)....

(2) The police officer did not take a picture of my car, but he did say that he saw "jammers", although I have no idea what he is talking about ....

r00kie

or not run red lights period.

ilovemaui1

They do flash during the day. When I purchased my wife's Lexus I was driving it home from the dealership when I went by a speed camera. I was acquainting myself with all the new knobs and buttons on the dash and was not really paying attention to my speed. I was going 45 in a 40 mph area. I looked up just in time to see the camera flash from the back of police van parked beside the road. Fortunately my vehicle had not been registered yet, so they had no way to know where to send the ticket.

ilovemaui1

I generally use my Tom-tom GPS because I can move it from car to car and frankly it is much easier to operate than my 2003 SL GPS. The tom-tom will also warn you of red light cameras. Not that I would run a red light, but it does make you aware of the situation. Tomtom also allows users to report known cameras, so it will warn others using the tom-tom when they approach known speed and red light cameras.

cij911

Please explain here or in PM....Apparently there is a new law in Ca. & most other states that prohibits anything that can alter or prevent a police officer from determining your speed with radar or laser....

aeroman

There is a cover that is clear unless you push a button then it goes grey and you can't see through it very well. You can find youtube videos of them being demonstrated.

I am going to check into the laptop screen thing though.

taurran

You planning to rob a bank or something?