By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that would prohibit the use of tinted or smoked license plate covers, along with any bracket, frame or covering that alters or obscures the license plate’s visibility. Specifically, the bill prohibits anything that obscures the license plate; the color of the license plate; the name or abbreviated name of the state; or any character or characters, decal, stamp or other device indicating the month or year in which the vehicle’s registration expires.

“I filed this bill after working with constituents who were concerned that tinted license plate covers may seem harmless, but in reality they make it harder for tolling systems, accident investigators and law enforcement officers to do their jobs,” said sponsor Rep. Bruce Ayers (D-Quincy). “With Massachusetts now relying on electronic tolling infrastructure, it’s critical that plates remain clear and fully legible. This legislation is about fairness safety, and ensuring our transportation system works the way it’s supposed to.”