Каліфорнія введе суворі штрафи у розмірі $10 тис. для продавців покривал для номерних знаків

In California, there is a proposal to raise the penalties for producing or selling devices that can block license plates in the state.Currently, the fine is $250 per license plate, but lawmakers are pushing to increase this amount to $10,000.Assemblywoman Catherine Stefani argues that these blockers lead to theft, burglary, and avoidance of toll payments.Across the USA, a specific group of drivers is discovering innovative ways to avoid paying tolls with the help of technology. From manipulating license plates to using blockers, some drivers have turned evasion of identification into a form of art. California is now aiming to tighten regulations not only on drivers but also on companies producing and distributing such devices. If the state has its say, offenders could face a $10,000 sanction for each unit they manufacture or sell.According to California Assemblywoman Catherine Stefani, her bill AB 1085 aims to provide the state with more control in this matter. It transforms the manufacturing or selling of any device that hides a license plate, which is already illegal, into a riskier venture. Currently, violators of this law in the state face a $250 fine each time they manufacture or sell such a device.Once the bill is enacted, this fine will amount to $10,000. “These devices have become tools for lawbreakers,” she argues. “They are associated with car thefts, robberies, and toll evasion – undermining public safety and causing the state to lose millions in transportation revenue. This bill ensures that law enforcement can keep up with deceptive technology.”Without a doubt, the technology she refers to is advancing. Offenders have a range of options, from devices that flip license plates to those that physically cover them or use electro-tinting. It’s not just toll avoiders who utilize these gadgets, though.The San Francisco Standard reported that speeders and reckless drivers are also utilizing them to evade fines. This shouldn’t come as a surprise considering the circumstances. In other instances, burglars are employing these devices.Interestingly, the state explained that it modified the bill to prevent the total fees from exceeding $10,000. On April 8, the bill was amended to state a fine of $2,500 instead of $10,000 per violation. We inquired about this change with the state, and here’s the response we received.“We reduced the amount specified in the legislation due to additional uniform bail and penalty schedule additions. Therefore, the new figure in the bill equates to around $10,000 per violation in practice.” While this bill still has a long way to go through the legislative process before becoming law, it appears to be making progress.