Q. Are tinted license plate covers legal in California? I have a friend who got a fix-it ticket for having one, but it is different from mine—his is sort of a bubble over the plate, which makes it harder to read, but mine is flat and lightly tinted. Should I be worried? Paul A. I would be if I were you. According to California Vehicle Code § 5201 (f)(2), which provides that “a covering shall not be used on license plates except as follows:” The installation of a license plate security cover is not a violation of this subdivision if the device does not obstruct or impair the recognition of the license plate information, including, but not limited to, the issuing state, license plate nu