Bill banning license plate flipping devices headed to governor’s desk
Rep. Pat Gallagher November 13, 2024 | 3:47 PM
HARRISBURG, Nov. 13 – Legislation (H.B. 2426) introduced by state Reps. Pat Gallagher, D-Phila., and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, that would explicitly ban license plate flipping devices in the state today passed the Pennsylvania Senate.
License plate flipping devices enable a license plate on a vehicle to be changed to another license plate either manually or electronically. When affixed to vehicles, these devices can be used to conceal a license plate, modify its appearance, or switch one license plate to another. Drivers can use these devices to evade identification for purposes such as avoiding tolls, reckless driving, or even more nefarious criminal activity.
“There are currently many ambiguities in our state law that allow individuals to use these devices as loopholes to get out of making payments they owe,” Gallagher said. “The city of Philadelphia recently took action on this issue by prohibiting these devices in the city, and now it’s time for the entire state of Pennsylvania to follow suit.”
“House Bill 2426 represents an important move toward accountability on our roads,” Scott said. “License plates are vital for vehicle identification, and it’s crucial that our laws clearly prohibit the use of license plate flipping devices, which allow drivers to evade identification. These devices can be used to bypass tolls, engage in reckless driving, and even facilitate more serious crimes without detection. By banning these devices statewide, we are closing a loophole and strengthening public safety across Pennsylvania.”
This bill now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law.