January 1 license plate flipper ban takes effect — drivers face $1,000 fines as loophole closes

California is rolling out a new law that tightens regulations around license plate flippers and other obscuring devices. To begin in the new year, the legislation prohibits both the use and distribution of products intended to hide or manipulate license plates. Drivers using such devices may get fines of up to $250, while sellers incur penalties of $1,000. Even though these devices have been illegal to use since 2008, loopholes enabled them to remain broadly available.