Vehicle Code section 5201.1

(a)

A person shall not sell or manufacture a product or device in this state that obscures, or is intended to obscure, the reading or recognition of a license plate by visual means, or by an electronic device as prohibited by subdivision (c) or (d) of Section 5201.

(b)

A person shall not operate a vehicle with a product or device that violates subdivision (a).

(c)

A person shall not erase the reflective coating of, paint over the reflective coating of, or alter a license plate to avoid visual or electronic capture of the license plate or its characters.

(d)

(1)A conviction for a violation of subdivision (a) is punishable by a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per item sold or manufactured.

(2)

A conviction for a violation of subdivision (b) or (c) is punishable by a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) per violation.

Source: Section 5201.1, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=5201.­1.­ (updated Jan. 1, 2026; accessed Dec. 8, 2025).

Green check means up to date. Up to date

Verified:
Dec. 8, 2025

§ 5201.1's source at ca​.gov