Q: What was the purpose of the story on "photo blocker?” Running red lights is a major problem sometimes with deadly consequences. I don't run red lights so the story did not benefit me. The only people it benefited were people looking for ways to be one step ahead of the law, now they have a way. Thank you! Forget the fact that it is illegal, law-breakers don't care -- they'll order it and take their chances. I think that was totally irresponsible on the news media's part, and wish that some thought went into the stories that are reported. I don't think that was "newsworthy"! All it did was enable the people that have no regard for the law.

Sincerely,

Sandra

A: Thanks for watching, and taking time to write so that we may respond. Yes, there will always be people that want to skirt or break laws – however, you will notice in the online version below, News 8 Reporter Bob Greene is clear about possible consequences when he says that, “using it could get you in legal hot water.  A transportation statute says license plates cannot have any coating, covering or protective material that distorts their visibility.”  Reporting a news story doesn’t constitute a promotion, an endorsement or even a “how-to” – and in this case, for those thinking about using this product -- Bob’s report may just provide some timely food for thought.

Spray used to foil red light cameras

03:56 PM CDT on Friday, September 1, 2006

By BOB GREENE / WFAA-TV

Garland and Plano are among a growing number of cities now using automated cameras to ticket motorists who choose to ignore red lights.

Garland police spokesman Joe Harn defended the cameras as a crime deterrent. "[They] cut down on the serious injuries and then also the deaths that are caused."

But the thought of being photographed has some drivers looking for a way to circumvent the street corner cameras, and they've found it in a 24 oz. aerosol can that promises to make a license plate unreadable.

PhotoBlocker instructs users to spray four coats on a plate; it produces a glaze that is supposed to create a glare, rendering letters and numbers on the plates illegible in photographs.

Driver Emma Smith said she isn't happy knowing the product is out there for speeders to purchase. "If someone ran that red light, I want to get that tag number," she said.

Drivers should know that while PhotoBlocker claims to be "100% legal to buy and sell," actually using it could get you in legal hot water.

A transportation statute says license plates cannot have any coating, covering or protective material that distorts their visibility.

"It's against the law, and if we catch them, we're going to prosecute them," Harn said.