I think this is an urban myth, but my friend swears a nurse she knows told her it works and loads of medical type people do it.
The theory is, the speed camera cannot 'see' through undeveloped x-ray film placed over the car number plate.
The number plate is supposedly still visible to the naked eye, however, so if a human cop sees you he or she will not notice anything amiss.
My reason for thinking it is an urban myth is that if it was true, why don't we hear about people doing it? There are lots of people who would be lining up to take advantage of something like this if it was true.
Her argument to that is, how would ordinary people get undeveloped x-ray film, it's only available via medical channels and those folks are used to keeping their mouths shut!
If you have any facts, a web site, an informed opinion or just a good theory ~ please let me know.
I'd really like to win this one :-D
Please Note: I am NOT planning to try this, even if it is true!
2007-09-22 20:05:01 · 8 answers · asked by thing55000 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Your friend is wrong. Anything put over the plate in an attempt to obscure the number is, as you know illegal. Any film will be spotted by the police as well.
X-ray film, exposed to light, will also turn foggy.
2007-09-22 20:24:13 · answer #1 · answered by Fred C 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Discovery Channel show "Mythbusters" did a piece on items that are supposed to shield your license plate numbers from cameras. None of the items worked, the camera caught the plate every time with the exception of when they used a drag racer that reached 200 mph. The race car was through the area before the camera could trip. Anyone foolish enough to drive those speeds have more problems than just a ticket.
2007-09-22 20:55:26 · answer #2 · answered by Chris L 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Not sure about xray film, but there are commercially available number plate holders that will not allow photographs of the plate they enclose. Not sure of the science, I believe it is along the same lines as spectacles that darken in sunlight.
It is illegal to use them for their designed purpose, but it is not illegal to sell them or buy them.
To address your question, I doubt that xray film would achieve the same thing. If it has already been exposed, surely it would not darken as the camera flash went off?... Don't know, but I doubt the claim has merit
2007-09-22 20:16:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Myth
2016-05-21 05:13:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having been an x-ray dark room tech in my youth, I can tell you that if you dont develope the film and it is exposed to light, (like putting it over your license plate) it will darken quickly to the point that you can't see through it and you will get stopped for obscuring your license plate.
2007-09-22 21:47:45 · answer #5 · answered by Gray Wanderer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They did this one on Myth Busters, and declared it Myth Busted. They tried about 10 different items from spray ons to different covers and nothing worked, not even the commercial products that everyone uses.
2007-09-29 10:30:54 · answer #6 · answered by stevenschuttler 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try ghostplates its a holo cut peice of plastic that stops pictures taken side on to your number plate and even from over head cameras
2007-09-30 18:37:15 · answer #7 · answered by the p 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sound like its pretty dangerous. Don't Do It!
2007-09-23 08:42:31 · answer #8 · answered by Butter 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋