What Car? Q&A - Are numberplate sprays legal?

Q: I've seen cans of a special spray that you can use to cover a number plate in order to reflect the flash from a speed camera. Are these effective and are they legal?
Roger Linch

A: Although it's not illegal to sell these products, if you use them it could be construed as numberplate tampering, and that can result in a fine of up to £1000.

There have been a number of different products, including sprays, which claim to make speed cameras ineffective. Many speed cameras now use infrared radiation, rather than a flash photograph, so even if a product were effective, it wouldn't necessarily help you to avoid a speeding fine.

It is legal to use a GPS system to alert you to the location of speed cameras.

Our best advice is not to speed and don't waste your money on these products.