Spray that blocks photo radar may be legal to buy, but not to use, police say
Motorists can buy a spray that blurs information on licence plates to photo-radar machines
Montreal police have a warning for motorists trying to avoid getting photo radar tickets by hiding their licence plates — they're on to you.
In an interview on CBC Montreal's Daybreak, Insp. André Durocher of the Montreal police traffic safety division said PhotoBlocker spray, a clear substance that reflects light, has been around for a while.
Some motorists have used the spray on their licence plates, making them unreadable to photo-radar devices.
And while the product itself likely has some legal use, Durocher said, using it on a licence plate is definitely illegal.
He pointed to two different articles of the Highway Safety Code: Section 333, which prohibits the use of any material capable of interfering in any way with the operation of a radar device, and Section 334.1, which gives a peace officer the power to remove, or require the removal, of any object or material at the expense of the owner of the vehicle.
Anyone caught using the product is liable to a $500 fine and $181 in fees, he said.
Durocher said photo radar machines take photos of the licence plate but also drivers' faces. And while he wouldn't say exactly how, he said police have ways of finding people who use the spray.
The spray is available online. Durocher asked what kind of message it sends to market and sell products that help people break the law.
"I don't know what kind of businessman wants to openly say 'I like to break the law …' I don't think it's very good for business," he said.
He offered up what he called a "great trick" to drivers worried about getting speeding tickets — just slow down.