License plates: obstruction or alteration.

Assembly Member Stefani's license plate visibility measure expands California's prohibitions on devices that obstruct automated plate reading systems. The legislation adds shades and tints to the list of prohibited items that cannot be installed if they impair license plate recognition by law enforcement cameras, toll facility systems, or emissions testing equipment.

The bill establishes a $1,000 fine per item for manufacturing or selling products designed to obscure license plates in California, while maintaining the existing $250 penalty for operating vehicles with such devices or altering a plate's reflective coating. These provisions supplement current requirements for proper license plate mounting and maintenance, including specifications for plate positioning and visibility.

Existing exemptions remain in place for temporary weather covers on parked vehicles, properly installed security covers that don't obstruct registration tabs, and accommodations for wheelchair lifts and carriers when vehicles display appropriate disability placards and identification. The measure preserves law enforcement's authority to temporarily remove covers when inspecting parked vehicles.