Pennsylvania AG Notes Settlement in License Plate Case

Attorney General Tom Corbett today announced a consumer protection settlement with a central Pennsylvania business accused of misrepresenting the legality and effectiveness of various "photo blocking" products, which are intended to defeat traffic cameras used by law enforcement.

Corbett said the Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (AVC) was reached with Innovative Media Inc., of Harrisburg, which advertises and sells products on various Web sites, including: www.PhantomPlate.com, www.PhotoBlocker.com, and www.InvisiblePlate.com. The products sold on the Web sites include PhotoBlocker Spray, PhotoShield Cover and Reflector Cover, all designed to conceal vehicle license plates from traffic cameras.

Corbett noted that the use of any of these products is a violation of Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, which clearly prohibits the use of any products that obscures automated red light enforcement systems. Several red light camera systems are currently used to monitor dangerous or accident-prone intersections in Philadelphia.

"Encouraging consumers to attempt to defeat red light cameras and other traffic safety devices puts every Pennsylvania motorist and pedestrian at risk," Corbett said. "The sale of products that are illegal to use in Pennsylvania also leaves consumers open to prosecution."

According to the AVC, Innovative Media engaged in a series of misleading or deceptive practices in the advertisement and sale of various photo-blocking products.

"The www.PhantomPlate.com Web site includes dramatic claims such as 'no more red light camera tickets' and 'make your car invisible to traffic cameras,' without clearly explaining that the use of these products violates Pennsylvania law," Corbett said. "The Web site also makes questionable claims about the effectiveness of the products; confusing statements about testing done by various news agencies and police departments; inaccurate information about patents for these products; and previously included information about the admissibility of traffic camera photographs in court - which amounted to the unauthorized practice of law."

Corbett said the consumer protection settlement includes the following requirements:

• Innovative Media must cease conducting business in Pennsylvania.
• The company must clearly disclose that it is unlawful to use these products in Pennsylvania.
• The company must pay $5,000 in civil penalties.
• The company must pay $20,000, to be used by the Office of Attorney General for future public protection and public educational purposes.