The Director of Motor Vehicles.

Assembly Member Stefani's license plate legislation targets the manufacture and use of devices that prevent electronic identification of vehicles, proposing new restrictions and substantially increased penalties for violations. The measure would prohibit installing or affixing shades and tints that interfere with license plate recognition by law enforcement systems, toll facilities, or emissions monitoring equipment.

The bill would establish a $10,000 fine per item for manufacturing or selling license plate obstruction devices in California, marking a forty-fold increase from the current $250 penalty. The existing prohibition on operating vehicles with such devices or altering license plates would maintain the $250 fine per violation. The measure retains current exemptions for wheelchair lifts and carriers when vehicles display appropriate disability placards and identification.

Under the proposal, license plates must remain clearly visible and legible, mounted between 12 and 60 inches from the ground for most vehicles, with specific allowances for certain commercial and specialized vehicles. The bill preserves existing requirements for temporary plate replacement and limited use of protective covers, while adding language to prevent circumvention of electronic identification systems.