Hit-and-run accidents add a layer of stress and confusion to an already tough situation. When drivers flee the scene, injured victims are often left without the compensation they need to recover. In cases across Southeast Los Angeles County, the difference between identifying a driver or letting them go free often comes down to just a few digits on a license plate—and that’s the issue addressed by AB 1085. When you’re working with a car accident lawyer in California on a hit-and-run case, this law can make a significant difference.
At the Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates, we have seen many times how hit-and-run accidents cause physical pain, emotional stress, and even anger at reckless and irresponsible drivers. We’re committed to helping injured drivers and passengers seek justice. Attorney Robin D. Perry, Esq. worked as a Deputy District Attorney before opening his own practice, so he knows how criminal cases may influence civil cases—and how to use those investigations. Call us at 562-216-2944 to set up a time to meet with our car accident law firm now.
What is AB 1085?
AB 1085 addresses gaps in the already-existing laws regarding license plate visibility. Prior to AB 1085, the state had already attempted to keep license plates visible by making it illegal to paint over reflective coating, erasing reflective coating, or alter a license plate to avoid capture of the plate. It was also illegal to use a casing, frame, border, or other device that would obstruct or impair reading of the license plate.
This new law, passed in 2025, goes one step further. It prohibits someone for installing or affixing a shade or tint that keeps electronic devices from identifying license plates. This includes readers used on toll roads, used on high-occupancy toll lanes, and used by law enforcement. AB 1085 also makes it illegal to manufacture or sell these products in the state.
Why Obscured Plates Are a Hit-and-Run Problem
Obscured plates are a massive issue in hit-and-run cases, as any car accident attorney will tell you. Many people don’t know this, but you don’t necessarily need an entire license plate to identify a driver. A few digits, along with the car’s color and model, can be enough to track down a driver. But when drivers take intentional steps to obscure their license plate numbers, victims are often left without options.
Witnesses who see a driver flee the scene of a crash may fail to get any information from the license plate if there’s a cover on the plate or a tint that makes the text illegible. If a driver uses a device that keeps cameras from reading the plate, nearby cameras may see the hit-and-run driver but not be able to provide any usable information for law enforcement.
How AB 1085 Affects Hit-and-Run Investigations
This new bill may affect hit-and-run injury cases. First, you have to remember that proving negligence is a big part of a personal injury case. If someone violates AB 1085 and is eventually caught anyway (always a possibility, especially if the vehicle is unique in any way or leaves pieces behind at the scene of the crash), their intentional efforts to hide their license plate may prove negligence.
It’s important not to assume that a driver cannot be identified or tracked down, especially if you have a car accident attorney with experience in these types of cases. Even if one camera reveals illegible images of a license plate, that doesn’t mean other surveillance cameras use the same technology or imaging equipment. In today’s surveillance-heavy world, it is very hard for hit-and-run drivers to run forever.
The Local Impact of AB 1085
Communities throughout Southeast LA County rely heavily on camera footage during crash investigations. There’s no shortage of cameras that may capture valuable information, from shopping centers and apartment complexes to small businesses and intersections. Areas like Downey and Bellflower have dense commercial corridors full of businesses with surveillance cameras intended to protect their goods and shoppers. Norwalk and Cerritos are home to arterial roads with dense traffic. These roads use a variety of surveillance cameras and tools to ensure compliance with traffic laws. Enforcement of AB 1085 can make these and nearby communities safer.
Injured in a Hit-and-Run Crash? Talk to A Car Accident Law Firm in California
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident and you’re not sure how to advocate for yourself and your right to seek compensation, talk to the California car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates. Schedule a consultation by calling them at 562-216-2944 or getting in touch online.
