Pa. could soon place ban on devices that flip license plates on cars

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Pennsylvania could soon adopt a ban on devices that flip vehicle license plates.

“These devices are becoming more prevalent on Pennsylvania roads and more drivers are using them to avoid tolls, avoid law enforcement, and conduct criminal activity,” said Philadelphia Democratic State Rep. Pat Gallagher who introduced the bill that would outlaw the devices.

The devices are easy to get online. Cheaper models allow the license plate to be manually tilted up so it can’t be read. More intricate versions are electric and can even switch to another plate.

Under the bill, anyone driving a car with a license plate flipping device would be subject to a $2,000 fine.

The bill mirrors an ordinance the City of Philadelphia adopted earlier this year. It passed the Pennsylvania House 201-to-0 and now heads to the state Senate.