The incident occurred this week in Zhangjiakou, Hebei. A couple exited their vehicle, and the husband used his phone to photograph another car's license plate on the street. The photo was then used to deceive security cameras, allowing the husband to drive his car through the gate. The parking fee was subsequently charged to the vehicle whose license plate was illegally used.

After viewing the video, many commented that this issue has been occurring for two to three years, primarily due to drivers exploiting security loopholes in parking systems.

In fact, since 2023, Chinese media has reported on numerous drivers deceiving parking lot camera systems to evade fees, causing innocent individuals to incur charges.

According to a report published in Guangming Daily in 7/2023, residents in Huli, Xiamen city, Fujian province, reported instances of parking fee evasion, stolen license plate information for monthly parking passes, and systems displaying parking times for vehicles not present in the lot. When reporters attempted to use license plate photos on their phones, some parking barriers immediately opened, while others remained closed.

A representative from a Xiamen law firm stated that using another person's license plate information, causing actual damage to the vehicle owner and parking lot operator, could constitute theft. If the total evaded fees exceed 1,000 yuan (147 USD), or if three such acts occur within two years, the perpetrator could face imprisonment for up to three years, temporary detention, public surveillance, and also a fine.

Even if the amount is small or violations are infrequent and do not constitute a crime, administrative penalties such as temporary detention or fines may still be imposed.

My Anh