License plate flippers outlawed in Illinois under new law starting Jan. 1

A new law banning license plate flippers was signed and is expected to take effect Jan. 1, 2026, according to a community announcement.

The measure, introduced by State Sen. Steve Stadelman, D-Loves Park, was designed to address concerns about drivers using devices to hide or switch license plates and avoid legal consequences.

The law clarifies that using tape, flippers or any device to obscure registration plates or evidence of registration issued by the Illinois Secretary of State is illegal, according to the announcement.

“All drivers need to be held to the same standards on the road,” Stadelman said in the announcement. “People shouldn’t be using plate flippers to skip tolls, dodge cameras or evade police."

Illinois joins other states in outlawing license plate flippers, which are often used to avoid identification during traffic violations. Senate Bill 1883 was signed into law in July.

This story was created by reporter Abreanna Blose, ablose@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.