Mediocre Inventions That are Probably Illegal: The Plate Flipper

Written By: Seyth Miersma

Filed Under: Aftermarket/Tuners, All News, Etc., Gadgets November 26th, 2007 11:45 AM

Even though the prototype looks a bit like it was put together by the Serovich twins, the Plate Flipper may have more than a little commercial value…for criminals.

The device, which allows a driver to “flip” their license plate down, is supposed to give individuals a chance at sending a message to following drivers. We’re a little vague as to why anyone would want to repeatedly, and with the element of surprise, send one small message to fellow commuters. Perhaps as a more elaborate and hard to see take on several rude hand gestures?

(Click through to read more about the Plate Flipper.)

Realistically, the value of the device would seem to lie in its ability to hide your plate number, at the touch of a button, from those who might want to evade prosecution from traffic cameras or tollbooths.

What good (and legal) use could you put the Plate Flipper to? Let us know in comments.

+ Strange New Products: Plate Flipper - License Plate Message Text

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14 Comments

Reilly November 26th, 2007 11:58 AM Link

I’ve had dreams of a system like this, but because it seems wildly illegal, I never did anything about it. Seems like someone else did.

Scratch November 26th, 2007 12:07 PM Link

I’ve seen devices similar to this made for the tuner crowd that want to hide their license plate during shows, but display while on the road.

The Stig November 26th, 2007 12:17 PM Link

Legal? Oh. Nevermind…………

dante November 26th, 2007 12:49 PM Link

Hell, why not go all the way and make the plate slide out of the way and have a second stolen or otherwise bogus plate underneath?

Paul In Jersey November 26th, 2007 2:20 PM Link

What!? You don’t have one yet? Where have you been!?

Nate Luzod November 26th, 2007 4:11 PM Link

Seems a bit pointless, as you can see the reverse of the letters and numbers when the plate is lowered. You’d need something flat to cover the back of the plate for it to really work.

Sean November 26th, 2007 6:13 PM Link

This is absolutely perfect for traffic cameras!

I do agree with Nate, that the backside of the tag should be covered too.

Jonathan Fung [Gotakon] November 26th, 2007 9:05 PM Link

Am I the only one who thinks the setup looks unattractive when the plate is flipped down?

Sean November 26th, 2007 11:07 PM Link

It does, but how often will your plate be flipped down?

Madison November 27th, 2007 8:27 AM Link

For $130 I can send a lot of messages to people by some other means.

The WINDING ROAD Holiday Gift Extravaganza - Winding Road December 16th, 2007 1:49 PM Link

[…] The Plate Flipper; a perfect gift for the criminal or bandit on your holiday shopping list. […]

Thomas C Tomasko January 9th, 2008 10:07 PM Link

Now it needs a paint ball gun mounted under it, with a machine-gun like rapid fire sequence that occurs for controlled bursts as soon as the plate is down

Winding Road » Archive » British Traffic Cameras Fooled by ‘Euro’ Plates January 24th, 2008 11:01 AM Link

[…] drivers have found a new, albeit illegal, way to outwit the much-loathed traffic cameras in that […]

Winding Road » Archive » Chinese Drivers Outsmarting Speed Cameras May 7th, 2008 10:36 AM Link

[…] drivers are using number plate switching devices to get away with speeding in the south of the country. Drivers are employing remotely controlled […]

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