Florida Cracks Down on Altered License Plates

A major change to Florida’s vehicle laws took effect on October 1, bringing tougher penalties for any driver who alters or obscures a license plate. Under House Bill 253, modifying a plate is no longer a simple traffic infraction — it is now a criminal offense.

What’s banned:
– Changing a plate’s color
– Applying sprays, films, coatings, or tints
– Using transparent or smoked covers
– Adding lights or reflective devices aimed at the plate
– Installing devices that flip, hide, or switch plates

Any alteration that affects how a plate appears or is read is illegal.

What drivers should do:
Keep plates clean, unobstructed, and fully visible. Check if dealer-installed frames cover any numbers or stickers and remove them if needed. Get rid of aftermarket accessories that alter the plate, and ensure the plate light works properly.

Penalties:
– Altering or covering a plate: Second-degree misdemeanor, up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
– Buying or possessing a plate-hiding device: Same penalty.
– Manufacturing or selling such devices: First-degree misdemeanor, up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
– Using these devices to aid a crime: Third-degree felony, up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.