The Jalisco Transportation Department (Semov) has issued more than 5,700 tickets to motorists who have fitted plastic covers (known as micas) over their license plates to avoid them being read by speed cameras.
According to state traffic law (article 163), covering up part of – or the entire – license plate carries a fine of between one and five minimum salaries, the equivalent of 75 to 360 pesos.
Meanwhile, fines for speeding range from 715 to 2,125 pesos.
Altering a license plate is a more serious offense and can lead to the vehicle being impounded and, in some cases, criminal charges. Semov officers have impounded around 700 vehicles for this offense to date, the agency says.
It is not illegal to sell the micas, which can be purchased in many outlets in downtown Guadalajara at prices that range from 50 to 800 pesos.
Word has it that the cheaper varieties may not work properly and can be read by the speed cameras.