Massachusetts could be the next state to ban tinted license plate covers. Several states, including New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, have already banned them. Many others are considering taking action to address the issue.
Why Tinted License Plates Get Banned
Why are tinted license plates so controversial? The tinted or smoked plates often allow motorists to evade detection by electronic toll readers. Some license plate frames can also conceal license numbers from detection. Both make it difficult for police to read important information such as registration expiration dates and even state names.
State House News Service reported that Rep. Bruce Ayers of Quincy has legislation (H 4029) pending on Beacon Hill to “block colored glass, colored plastic, brackets, holders, mountings, frames, or any other type of covering that ‘alters or obscures’ license plate features.”
The legislation cleared one hurdle in the House and requires one more vote of approval before advancing to the Massachusetts Senate for consideration.
Benefits of Banning Tinted License Plate Covers
SHNS reported that Ayers claims New York has had tremendous success since enacting a similar law.
“Notably, New York has recovered over $19 million in lost toll revenue in just one year following stricter enforcement,” he said.
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