{"id":359782,"date":"2026-06-13T23:27:12","date_gmt":"2026-06-13T23:27:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/359782\/"},"modified":"2026-06-13T23:27:12","modified_gmt":"2026-06-13T23:27:12","slug":"cunning-batman-style-gadget-discovered-on-california-car-during-traffic-stop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/359782\/","title":{"rendered":"Cunning Batman-style gadget discovered on California car during traffic stop"},"content":{"rendered":"

A California driver learned that comic-book tricks don\u2019t fly<\/a> on public roads after officers discovered a device that could make a license plate vanish at the push of a button.<\/p>\n

The unusual modification was found<\/a> during a traffic stop involving a black BMW, according to the California Highway Patrol, which spotlighted the case in<\/p>\n

\u201cHoly hidden licenses plate, Batman!\u201d the agency wrote.<\/p>\n

CHP said an officer noticed what appeared to be a gadget straight out of a superhero movie<\/a> attached to the vehicle\u2019s license plate.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The gadget is straight out of a comic book attached to a vehicle\u2019s license plate. Facebook\/CHP \u2013 MARIN<\/p>\n

With a single button press, the plate disappears from view, preventing it from being read by anyone, including bridge toll cameras.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you aren\u2019t wearing a cape driving the Batmobile, it might be time to rethink your modifications,\u201d the post added.<\/p>\n

The CHP\u2019s post quickly drew reactions from social media users, many of whom joked about the device.<\/p>\n

Logan Lewis commented, \u201cAvoiding tolls with this might actually be genius.\u201d<\/p>\n

William Chow wrote, \u201cWhere do I get one? Asking for a friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ryan Hilderbrand added, \u201cI bet he uses that more than the blinkers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"At<\/p>\n

At the press of a button, the license plate disappeared from view. Facebook\/CHP \u2013 MARIN<\/p>\n

While the gadget sparked laughs online, California law takes the issue seriously.<\/p>\n

Under California Vehicle Code Section 5201, both front and rear license plates must remain clearly visible and readable at all times.<\/p>\n

The state also strengthened enforcement through Assembly Bill 1085, which specifically prohibits the use, sale, or manufacture of products designed to obstruct or interfere with license plate readability.<\/p>\n

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\"Michael<\/p>\n

Michael Keaton as Batman with his \u201cBatmobile\u201d for \u201cBatman\u201d the movie. DC Comics Inc<\/p>\n

Authorities say physical and electronic plate-hiding devices are commonly used by drivers involved in illegal street racing, sideshows, robberies and grand thefts because concealed plates make it harder for witnesses and law enforcement to identify vehicles tied to crimes.<\/p>\n

The devices can also be used to dodge California\u2019s pay-by-plate toll systems on bridges, express lanes and FasTrak routes, allowing drivers to avoid paying fees and shifting costs onto law enforcement agencies and taxpayers.<\/p>\n