Stealth Blackout License Plate Cover - Remote Control Double Plate Kit (USA/Canada)
A blackout license plate cover is an electronic device that turns your license plate completely black at the press of a button — using LCD glass technology to switch from transparent to 100% opaque in under one second. The PlateVanish Stealth Blackout Double Kit covers both your front and rear plates simultaneously — solid black, no moving parts, sub-second deploy — from one remote. When off, both frames sit at 83% transparency, keeping your plates fully readable while driving.
Built for car shows, track days, and photo shoots where both ends of your build need to be plate-free and the concealment needs to look as premium as the car itself. No curtain track. No flip housing. No white fog. Both plates go completely black in one press — and return crystal clear in one more.
What's in the Box — Double Plate Kit
- 2× Stealth Blackout Frames — LCD glass panels (front and rear)
- 1× Control Unit (cigarette lighter powered)
- 1× Wireless Remote (pre-paired from factory — blacks out both plates simultaneously)
- 2× Cable Connectors
- 1× Power Cable (12V DC)
- 1× Interior Status Indicator — glows when plates are blacked out, dark when plates are clear
- 1× Mounting Hardware (bolts to existing plate holes, front and rear)
Specs at a Glance
- Technology: LCD glass — active blackout panels
- Deploy speed: <1 second
- Opacity when activated: 100% — completely black
- Transparency when off: 83% — plates fully readable
- Remote range: 50 meters / 165 ft
- Power: DC 12V · 2W draw
- Frame size: 157mm × 309mm (6.2" × 12.2")
- Frame depth: 25mm (1")
- Max plate size: 157mm × 309mm (6.18" × 12.16")
- Fits: Standard 12" × 6" USA, Canada plates — front and rear
- Weather resistance: IP65 waterproof — sun, rain, snow
- Warranty: 1-year from date of receipt
How Does a Blackout License Plate Cover Work?
Each blackout frame contains a panel of high-grade LCD glass. In its powered state the glass is transparent and your plate reads clearly at 83% clarity. When you press the remote, the control unit simultaneously activates both LCD layers and both panels turn a solid, uniform black in under one second. Press again and both return to transparent instantly.
Unlike a license plate fogger which transitions to milky white-grey opacity, the blackout goes completely black — producing a clean, deliberate panel look from any angle. From a distance, an activated blackout reads like a blacked-out OEM surround. Nothing mechanical moves on either frame. No noise. No hardware change visible in photos.
The included interior status indicator confirms whether both plates are blacked out or clear from the driver's seat — no guessing, even when the rear plate is behind you.
Blackout vs. Fogger vs. Curtain vs. Flipper — Which Should You Buy?
- Blackout (this product) — LCD glass goes solid black. 100% opaque. The most premium visual result — looks like a blacked-out panel, not a fogged screen. No moving parts. Sub-second deploy. Best for high-end builds where the concealment needs to look as intentional as everything else on the car.
- Fogger — PDLC film goes white-grey opaque. Also no moving parts, also sub-second. More affordable than blackout. Slightly less refined visually when activated.
- Curtain — slides a black panel across the plate face mechanically. More affordable than either electronic option. Best for vehicles with tight bumper clearance.
- Flipper — physically rotates the plate 180°. Most dramatic mechanical action. Best for trucks and vehicles with deeper plate recesses.
The Double Blackout Kit is the premium choice for serious show cars that get photographed from every angle. Both plates go black simultaneously in under a second. No frame hardware visible in any shot. Nothing that looks like a mod — just a car with clean, blacked-out plate surrounds that happen to disappear on command.
Installation — 15 to 25 Minutes, 4 Steps
- Remove your existing plates from front and rear mounts using a screwdriver.
- Bolt each PlateVanish blackout frame to the same holes — uses your existing mounting points, no new holes required for most vehicles.
- Route the power wires into the cabin and connect to the single control unit via your 12V cigarette lighter port. The rear wire routes through the trunk — most vehicles have a trunk light or grommet opening. The front wire routes through the engine bay firewall or front grommet. A direct battery connection wire is available on request for permanent installs.
- Test the remote — it comes pre-paired from the factory. Press the button and confirm both frames black out and clear simultaneously. Mount the status indicator on your dash. Done.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a blackout license plate cover?
A blackout license plate cover uses LCD glass technology to electronically switch your plate between transparent and completely black states at the press of a button. When off, the glass is 83% transparent and both plates are fully readable. When activated, both panels turn 100% solid black — completely concealing both plates with no moving parts and no mechanical noise. Sub-second response.
What's the difference between the blackout and the fogger?
Both are electronic, no-moving-parts plate covers with sub-second deploy times. The key difference is the activated appearance: the blackout uses LCD glass and goes solid black — a clean, uniform dark panel. The fogger uses PDLC film and goes opaque white-grey. Both conceal the plate completely. The blackout is the more premium visual result. For show cars photographed under bright lights, solid black reads more intentionally than opaque white.
What is the best license plate cover for car shows?
For high-end show cars photographed from every angle, the Double Blackout Kit is the top choice — both plates go black simultaneously in under a second with no visible frame hardware in your shots. For the same no-moving-parts technology at a lower price, the Double Fogger Kit delivers identical concealment with a white-grey activation. Both are designed for off-road show use only.
Are license plate covers now illegal? What about the new Florida law?
In October 2025, Florida passed House Bill 253 making it illegal to display any cover that obscures a plate while driving. Several other states have similar statutes. The PlateVanish blackout is a completely different product category. When not activated, both plates are 83% transparent and fully readable. It is designed exclusively for off-road use — car shows, track events, and photo shoots — where the vehicle is not being driven on public roads. Always check your local regulations before use.
Why do car enthusiasts hide their plates at shows and on social media?
Private data brokers purchase ALPR (Automatic License Plate Reader) scan data and sell location histories, addresses, and vehicle records for as little as $10 per lookup. Car enthusiasts who post build photos online use motorized plate covers to prevent their personal information from being linked to their vehicle. The Double Blackout is the most photo-ready option — both plates go solid black simultaneously, and the activated state blends with dark bumpers and trim, looking like a deliberate design decision in every shot from every angle.
Can I use this at a track day?
Yes. Most track operators require plates to be covered or removed before going on circuit. The PlateVanish Double Blackout covers both plates before entering the track and clears them in the paddock — no tape, no tools, no covers to lose. The IP65 waterproof rating handles track conditions including standing water and mud without issue on both units.
Do both plates black out at exactly the same time?
Yes. The single control unit powers both LCD frames simultaneously from one remote press. Both plates go black in the same sub-second transition with no noticeable delay between front and rear.
Is there any tint or haze when the blackout is off?
There is a slight reduction in clarity — the glass transmits at 83% transparency in the off state. In practice this is barely noticeable and both plates remain fully readable to human eyes and standard cameras. It is not a tinted cover — it does not obscure your plates in the off state.
Should I get the Single or Double Kit?
If your vehicle runs plates on both ends and you want both blacked out together — get the Double Kit. One remote controls both simultaneously. If you only need one plate covered (common in states where only a rear plate is required), the Single Kit covers one frame at a lower price point.
Is the remote pre-paired or do I need to set it up?
The remote comes pre-paired from the factory. No frequency matching, no button sequences, no app. Plug in the control unit, press the remote, and both blackout frames respond immediately. Out of the box.
How PlateVanish Compares
| Feature | PlateVanish Blackout | Overseas Brands | Generic / Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | LCD glass — solid black activation | Varies | Mechanical only |
| Deploy speed | <1 second | Varies / unspecified | Not specified |
| Opacity when activated | 100% — solid black | Varies | N/A |
| Dual plate from one remote | ✓ Yes — simultaneous | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Moving parts | None — silent operation | Usually yes | Yes |
| Waterproof rating | IP65 | Rarely specified | No |
| Interior status indicator | ✓ Included | Rarely included | No |
| Based in USA | ✓ Glendale, AZ | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Warranty | 1-year full | Varies | None or 30-day |
| Customers served | 1,400+ · 28 countries | Unknown | Unknown |
Warranty and Support
Every PlateVanish Stealth Blackout Double Kit is backed by a 1-year warranty from date of receipt — covering LCD glass and electronics defects under normal use on both units. If anything goes wrong through no fault of your own, we replace or repair it. No run-around.
PlateVanish ships from Glendale, Arizona, USA. Orders are processed and dispatched within 1–2 business days with free shipping on all USA orders. Support responds within 24 hours on business days.
Keeping Your Blackouts Running
- Keep both glass panels clean — wipe with a soft, dry cloth to remove road grime and water spots. Avoid abrasive cleaners or direct pressure washing at the panel faces.
- Test blackout/clear cycles monthly on both units — confirm both panels transition cleanly and simultaneously, especially between events when the vehicle sits.
- Check the power connection before winter — cigarette lighter ports loosen with temperature cycling. Reseat the plug if activation on either frame feels slow or inconsistent.
- Remote battery — if range drops noticeably, replace the CR2032 coin cell. Takes 30 seconds and resolves most remote issues.
Intended Use & Legal Notice
- Off-road use only — designed for car shows, track events, and photo shoots where the vehicle is not being driven on public roads.
- Legal disclaimer: Do not activate while driving on public roads. PlateVanish will not be held responsible for any legal consequences arising from misuse. Check your local regulations before purchase.