A California motorist found out the hard way that superhero-style gadgets have no place on public streets after officers uncovered a device designed to make a license plate disappear with the press of a button.
The unusual setup came to light during a traffic stop involving a black BMW, the California Highway Patrol said, later highlighting the encounter in a lighthearted social media post.
“Holy hidden license plate, Batman!” the agency wrote.
According to CHP, an officer spotted what looked like a movie-inspired mechanism mounted around the car’s license plate.
Authorities said the device could conceal the plate instantly, making it unreadable to anyone trying to see it, including red-light enforcement cameras.
“If you aren’t wearing a cape and driving the Batmobile, it may be time to reconsider your modifications,” the post added.
The CHP’s post quickly drew reactions from social media users, many of whom joked about the device.
Logan Lewis commented, “Avoiding tolls with this might actually be genius.”
William Chow wrote, “Where do I get one? Asking for a friend.”
Ryan Hilderbrand added, “I bet he uses that more than the blinkers.”
While the gadget sparked laughs online, California law takes the issue seriously.
Under California Vehicle Code Section 5201, both front and rear license plates must remain clearly visible and readable at all times.
The state also strengthened enforcement through Assembly Bill 1085, which specifically prohibits the use, sale, or manufacture of products designed to obstruct or interfere with license plate readability.
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Authorities say physical and electronic plate-hiding devices are commonly used by drivers involved in illegal street racing, sideshows, robberies and grand thefts because concealed plates make it harder for witnesses and law enforcement to identify vehicles tied to crimes.
The devices can also be used to dodge California’s pay-by-plate toll systems on bridges, express lanes and FasTrak routes, allowing drivers to avoid paying fees and shifting costs onto law enforcement agencies and taxpayers.
