Top License Plate Camera Blockers & Reflectors

20th Sep,2023

Anti Camera License Plate Cover

Let’s face it, some states just want to get revenue from red light tickets and not to mention that most red light cameras are owned by private companies. Getting tickets from red-light camera violations can waste your money in fines or your time in court.

So, we’re here to recommend cheap alternatives to help you beat the system without breaking the law. Let’s take a look at license plate blockers, covers, and spray. 

Table could not be displayed.

Top 2 License Plate Blockers – Reviews & Buying Guide

1 – Sunflex Zone License Plate Cover

Photoshield cover

The SunFlex Zone license plate cover is an inconspicuous piece of protection against cameras. The thin and clear design is undetectable by the naked eye and won’t invite unwanted questions from law enforcement.

The installation is much easier than license plate sprays, which will only take a few seconds. The cover can last much longer and weather different elements. Not only will it protect you from red light cameras but it will keep your plate looking new from harsh weather.

It’s made to fit standard US plates, the shatterproof license plate cover utilizes the latest technology that features 300 nano layers that filter out infrared light and only lets in natural light.

PROS:
  • Easy installation
  • Paper-thin design
  • Undetectable by the naked eye
  • Shatterproof
  • Won’t yellow in the sun
  • Fits standard US plates

CON:
  • May not fit every country’s plates
  • Only works with IR camera flashes
  • Costs more than a spray

Check Today’s Price

2 – Rust-Oleum 214944 Specialty Reflective Spray

rust oleum reflective spray

This multifunctional reflective spray prevents your license plate from being recognizable in a photo by creating a reflective coating. It blocks your license plate from the prying eye of the red light camera by creating a coat that reflects light. So when a traffic camera flashes, this spray makes your license plate appear illuminated and overexposed in the photo.

The application is fairly simple but we recommend removing your license plate then applying the spray. The spray is undetectable to the naked eye unlike license plate covers.

The spray dries quickly, letting you get the job done in a matter of minutes. It also covers an area of about 15 sq ft., which can be useful if you have other license plates or surfaces to protect. 

Aside from your license plate, it also works well on other surfaces including concrete, stone/brick, plastic, metal, and wood.

Weatherproof and durable, you can use this indoors and outdoors. Just make sure you thoroughly clean the surface where you intend to apply the spray for better adhesion.

PROS:
  • Reflective coating blocks red light cameras
  • Fast-drying formula
  • Undetectable to the eye
  • Creates a weatherproof coating
  • Can be used both indoors and outdoors
  • Successfully keeps your license plate covered by illuminating it under flash

CON:
  • Doesn’t work well on dark colors
  • Needs a few coats

Check Today’s Price

Best License Plate Blocker Buyer’s Guide

Hiding a number plate from speed cameras has been an issue for a lot of drivers. We all hope not to get a ticket, but it’s known that speed cameras can make errors sometimes. Instead of having to contest the validity of a ticket or pay a hefty fine, using a license plate blocker is a more practical solution.

But with the many options out there, there are some important features to consider to make sure you’re not wasting your money on scams.

license plates

Long Lasting

The best license plate camera blockers and reflectors should be long-lasting. Even though a license plate blocker isn’t very pricey, we want to get the most out of one application. Some cans can coat as many as 4 license plates, including their license plate frames, but it must be durable since you don’t want to have to keep reapplying it.

Sprays dry invisibly, so it’s also hard to see when they need reapplication. If you don’t look closely, you might not know that you need to reapply another coating until you are snapped with a speed camera. Red light camera flashes should be reflected by the license plate but if there isn’t enough coating, the numbers could probably still be made out.

So, how long does a license plate blocker last? Well, some manufacturers boast ones that will never come off, but we find that hard to believe. Either way, find one that’s long-lasting to get the most for your money.

If you go for a cover as a license plate blocker, they come much cheaper and can also be switched out whenever you feel the need to. They last as long as the spray versions, but since they’re physical covers, you actually get an idea when they should be replaced.

hidden license plate

What Surface?

It won’t matter how adhesive the formula is and how many red-light cameras it can save you from if it doesn’t adhere to the surface of your plate. For example, the Rust-oleum spray can virtually cover any surface and it can stick like a second skin. But whatever spray you purchase, make sure the formula goes well with whatever you intend to use it on.

For the license plate covers, this is less of a concern. You can easily slip it over any license plate without having to worry about surface material and dimensions. Overall, when picking out the best license plate camera blockers and reflectors, consider the surface first.

Water and Weatherproof

Your license plate can take quite a beating out in the real world. So aside from avoiding red light and speeding cameras, a license plate spray is also expected to withstand harsh elements. As such, it’s important that the spray is weather and waterproof. Whether you use it outdoors or not, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that spilling something on your photo blocker spray won’t wash it right off.

With the license plate cover, it should be waterproof as well. This could also protect your license plate from debris when driving over rough terrain. A cover is tougher than a spray, especially since it’s a physical barrier protecting your number plate.

license plate blocker

Fast-Drying

For sprays, always get a fast-drying formula. A lot of the license plate sprays are easy to spray on but could take hours to dry. Any formula that dries under 30 min is impressive and won’t take too much out of your day. Also, if it’s fast-drying, there is less chance of getting dirt and dust stuck on the surface.

But other than drying quickly, you also want it to dry as a clear coating that is invisible to the naked eye. Even though photo blocker plate sprays are legal in most places, you still don’t want law enforcement to notice a coating on your plate.

For those who are not as keen to apply a spray themselves, the license plate blocker cover is a much easier option. Simply slip it over your number plate and you’re done. You don’t have to wait for it to dry or wonder if you applied enough of the number plate spray. The catch with a cover, however, is it’s more obvious up-close. A spray is more discreet, so it’s really up to you.

Conclusion

License plate blockers are a cheap but efficient way to make your number plate invisible to traffic cameras. Since red-light cameras can be prone to errors, having blockers like sprays or license plate covers can save you the time and money it takes to fight a potential speeding ticket.

These blockers aren’t illegal and they don’t block your plate completely. In a direct angle, your license plate can still be clearly seen. But when a traffic camera takes a photo of your car, your plate will be illuminated or distorted. Overall, these license plate blockers are cheap solutions to potentially expensive problems with traffic tickets, so they’re a small but worthy investment.

Our Top Pick Sunflex Zone License Plate Cover

Photoshield cover

The Sunflex plate blocker is easy to install and will block infrared red camera flashes. It’s clear and won’t be noticeable by law enforcement. It also keeps your license plate looking new since the cover protects your plate from weather conditions. 

Check Today’s Price

William Johnson

William Johnson is the owner and founder of RatedRadarDetector.org. He writes about car accessories, with his passion stemming from a deep enthusiasm for all things automotive. His website, RRD, focuses on in-depth reviews of car accessories to help people find the best and latest products in the market.