Using everyday items to obscure license plates in order to evade parking fines may seem clever, but it carries significant risks. A viral TikTok by lawyer Sébastien Dufour has popularized this trend, although it could lead to hefty fines and legal repercussions. The LAPI system monitors license plates for unpaid violations, and attempting to hide them can incur fines ranging from €35 to €3,750, along with potential vehicle confiscation and driving license penalties.
Using everyday items like adhesive tape, cardboard, grease, or even a surgical mask to obscure your license plate in an attempt to dodge fines from parking enforcement might seem clever, but it’s a risky gamble. This trend has gained traction on social media, notably highlighted in a viral TikTok video by lawyer Sébastien Dufour, which has racked up over 3 million views. In his video, filmed alongside a scooter, Dufour claims that hiding your license plate can help you evade the LAPI system, as an unlicensed operator in the enforcement vehicle cannot physically remove the obstruction. This manipulation could potentially shield you from being ticketed.
The LAPI System: A Closer Look
The LAPI system, which stands for License Plate Automatic Identification, facilitates the real-time monitoring of license plates against parking meter data, aiding in the identification of unpaid parking violations. This advanced technology is utilized in various metropolitan areas, including Paris, Lille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Nantes, and Marseille. You may have noticed the Renault Zoe and Peugeot 208 vehicles equipped with an array of cameras and sensors, patrolling neighborhoods and parking lots to scan vehicles for compliance.
Consequences of Hiding Your License Plate
While the amusing side of this trick may be captivating, the repercussions of attempting to outsmart the system can be severe—more so than just a simple parking ticket. Engaging in such practices is illegal and could lead to hefty fines. In cities employing this technology, street surveillance agents (ASVP) are still active on foot, monitoring for deliberately obscured plates. If they catch you, be prepared for an immediate fine of €35. If they escalate the situation by involving the municipal police, you could face a 4th class offense, leading to a €135 fine (which can be reduced to €90 if paid within 15 days, or €30 if paid via telepayment within 30 days). Although there’s no risk of losing driving points, the fixed fine can soar to €375, or even up to €750 if contested in court without valid justification. Plus, there’s a chance your vehicle could be immobilized at the discretion of the ticketing officer.
To recover your vehicle, it’s essential that your license plates are clearly visible to the enforcement agent on-site. According to Article R317-8 of the Highway Code, every motor vehicle must have two prominently displayed license plates that are securely fixed at both the front and back. The law also mandates that these plates must be kept in a condition that ensures their inscriptions remain legible.
Trying to outsmart the authorities with “natural” cover-ups—like snow, dirt, or leaves—is also a bad idea. Law enforcement is well aware of these tactics and can impose fines even if the obscuration appears unintentional.
Moreover, deliberately altering the characters on your license plate, such as changing an ‘E’ to an ‘F’ using tape, is a serious offense. This act falls under Article L. 317-2 of the Highway Code, which addresses false license plates. Violators can face fines up to €3,750 and potential prison sentences of up to five years. Additional penalties may include vehicle confiscation and the loss of up to six driving points, or even the suspension or revocation of your driving license for three years. In the end, the price of a roll of tape could be far steeper than you anticipate.