New ‘license plate’ crackdown in US state with fines of $116 – and it’s all to do with the colors
Drivers who alter their license plates have been cautioned to repair their tags to prevent receiving fines exceeding $100.
People with customized, vinyl-wrapped, or painted license plates are being targeted by the Florida Highway Patrol.
A new rule that went into effect in August forbade any modifications to normal, state-issued license plates.
This implies that you are unable to add airbrushed patterns or modify the color of your license plate.
According to police, the changes are unlawful since they may impact the plate’s safety features, reflectivity, and yellow validation stickers.
Following the revelation that citations for unlawful changes have increased dramatically, police have recently increased their enforcement of the rule.
READ MORE ROAD LAWS
According to ABC affiliate WPLG, FHP’s Lt. Alex Camacho stated, “We are attempting to halt the current trend that we are seeing.”
We will confiscate the tag if you place it on your vehicle.
“You are going to get your vehicle towed and get an infraction for it.”
Camacho cautioned, It is more significant than those who claim it is not.
Using license plate covers, lighting devices, or anything else that makes it difficult to view the details on a plate are examples of license plate modifications.
Due to a 98% increase in citations for these infractions since 2020, FHP is cracking down on illicit plates.
New September 1 law sees crackdown on illegal car customization ghost license rule violators face instant $200 fine
Anyone who disobeys the rules may be committing a non-criminal traffic infringement, depending on the jurisdiction.
According to county regulations, the consequences are as follows: a $60 fine, three points on the driver’s license, and other costs.
According to police, drivers in Flagler County and other Florida counties may be fined $116 for the infraction.
The driver must obtain a new Florida license plate from their local tax collector if the previous plate has been altered and cannot be restored.
What does Florida’s license plate law say?
In Florida, it is against the law to drive on a public road while wearing a customized license plate.
The illegal alteration of a license plate is prohibited per Florida Statute Section 320.061.
According to the law, it is unlawful to change or obscure the following:
- Motor vehicle registration certificates
- License plates
- Temporary license plates
- Mobile home stickers
- Validation stickers
Drivers are not allowed to deface, mutilate, alter, or change the plate’s color in any manner.
Additionally, you are not permitted to apply or affix the following on the license plate:
- Substance
- Reflective matter
- Illuminated device
- Spray
- Coating
- Covering
- Other material interfering with the legibility, angular visibility, or detectability of the license plate
Nothing should obstruct the recording of any detail or feature on the plate.
“A person who violates this section commits a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation as provided in chapter 318,” according to the legislation.
A $60 fine, three points on the driver’s license, and additional county costs are the consequences for the infractions.
Additionally, state troopers have the authority to seize altered license plates and require the owner to apply for a new one.
You may still make your license plate stand out, though.
SPECIALTY PLATES
For distinctive groups, Florida provides more than 100 specialty license plates.
Purchases of specialty plates support the causes they stand for.
Additionally, certain authorized repair centers allow drivers to obtain personalized license plates; the only thing that could result in penalties is illegitimate plate painting.
Read More on The US Sun
Some criminals alter their licenses to evade police, while some drivers illegally change their plates for personal or aesthetic reasons.
FHP has been contacted for comment by the U.S. Sun.
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