The replacement for the wheel clamp - The Barnacle

Basically a big plastic blinder that sticks over your windshield by suction:

https://www.wired.com/2016/10/parking-enforcement-barnacle-boot/

It's obviously far more convenient than a wheel clamp in that it can be removed remotely, but it's also a lot easier to get around illegitimately. The manufacturer readily admits that Ace Ventura-style driving could be a workaround. Also, I think that a drill bit to the outer surface of the blinder right in the center of each suction cup will do the trick...stop when you hear the vacuum being released.

I wonder if tear-offs could work as a defense?

Edit: Just thought of something else, this thing uses some kind of remote communications, these are often not secure...it might be possible to hack a barnacle off of your windshield.

Yes, a drill seems like an easy way to remove that, and I have to wonder how well it would stick to a cracked windshield. The Ace Ventura driving, though, is the scariest possibility - I still remember how little of a token effort some drivers in Cleveland made to get rid of snow on the windshield, and I could easily see scofflaws driving around like that to get the car somewhere they have access to a drill.

I wonder if you could pass a slim-jim under the plastic and the suction cups to let air leak in.

What about a #008 guitar string?

chaparral wrote: What about a #008 guitar string?

Could work if used as a wire saw, although it might also scuff your windshield. I think the risk of collateral damage with the drill bit is lower.

Looking more at the hacking possibility, it seems that the unit doesn't have any remote comms itself, but just a keypad that accepts an unlock code which you must use your phone to get...smart move.

the real answer seems to be is have a jeep with a fold down windshield

I wonder if insurance companies will be able to deny windshield damage claims related to illicit removal. $0 deductible glass coverage is a nice thing to have.

Brian wrote: I wonder if insurance companies will be able to deny windshield damage claims related to illicit removal. $0 deductible glass coverage is a nice thing to have.

I was going to say what if you ask them to replace your windshield because a barnacle is on the current one?

$0 deductible windshield seems cheaper than paying the ticket.

I would think this would be ineffective in real world scenarios, especially compared to the boot/wheel clamp. I see drivers all the time who seemingly have no actual need to see anything in front of their car. And the appeal of trying to drive off, at least a short distance to get it removed, would be irresistible to most scofflaws who are the sort to accumulate unpaid parking tickets in the first place.

Let's all remember that a boot comes off real quick with a battery impact and a jack.

Just keep a used steelie and tire in your trunk.

Easy to defeat, sure. So was the boot. But they still know who you are unless you stole the car of a parking violator so destroying it is going to cost you.

Now, being a hero type and freeing others from the grip of the man for the hilarity of it would work as long as you don't get caught.

In reply to Robbie:

Don't most boots cover the lug nuts?

Wasn't there a vigilante boot remover running around London a few years ago with a gas powered chop saw? I think I recall videos of him dressed in a super hero outfit in action...

In reply to stafford1500:

Angle Grinder Man!

In reply to RealMiniParker:

Easily defeated with a battery powered sawzall

This http://www.clearviewvisionarmorllc.com/windshield.php

They have GPS on them and you need to turn them in when you pay your ticket in person.

Some newer cars have front-view cameras -- who needs to see out of the windshield? :)

Its times like this that miata really is the answer. That, or a sunroof.

In reply to codrus:

I believe I did see that movie.

Actually turned out to be really good, for a movie I never heard of and only watched because of Movie Theater Roulette. (Go to theater at random time, pick next showtime. Mulligan accepted for kids' movie or 3D showing) It was well written, had an internally-consistent plot, believable characters, and there was a gearhead who invented a way for vampires to go driving during the daytime, and IIRC his first day conversion was a '65 Mustang.

I liked Daybreakers quite a lot actually. Interesting story idea

If I lived in a place that barnacled cars, I'd just keep a folding yellow plastic thing in my trunk and then park wherever the hell I wanted to and then place the yellow plastic thing on my windshield. Free parking.

T.J. wrote: If I lived in a place that barnacled cars, I'd just keep a folding yellow plastic thing in my trunk and then park wherever the hell I wanted to and then place the yellow plastic thing on my windshield. Free parking.

I'm sure I saw a movie or TV show where someone had the same idea and kept a fake wheel clamp for use on their own car.

How hot would you have to heat the windshield to get the air in the cup to expand and release?

RXBeetle wrote: How hot would you have to heat the windshield to get the air in the cup to expand and release?

Probably hotter than you'd have to heat the windshield to melt the suction cups...or the windshield seals.