New HB 253 Act I turned the road Florida imposes penalties for any alteration or tampering Vehicle license plates. Since October, after the rule was passed in the Legislative Council and afterwards Signed by Ron DeSantisthe Sunshine State imposed an even stricter scheme than that turns into crimes Acts that were previously considered minor crimes.
The Florida Legislature approved HB 253 to address a problem that, according to authorities, has been increasing in recent years: The systematic use of plates, covers, electronic mechanisms or special materials that make license plates almost unreadable.
This measure aims to fill legal loopholes and prevent the use of these tools to hide cars in cases ranging from administrative violations to criminal activities. The text indicated this The proliferation of devices that change the visibility of a license plate justifies harsher penalties and more stringent classifications.
The rule Reshaping several sections of state laws. For example, Section 320.061 has been amended to: No change Registration certificate, official license plate, temporary license plate, verification sticker, or home vehicle sticker It becomes a second-degree misdemeanor.
This turned a Lack of traffic A criminal offense that could lead to imprisonmentThis is an important change for drivers who until now viewed these practices as minor violations.
Legislation Any interference that affects the appearance, readability or detectability of the license plate is strictly prohibited. The regulations clarify that it is not permissible to place any material, paint, luminous device, or substance – whether transparent, reflective, or otherwise – that obstructs the view or recording of the main data of the plate.
Text of the law Precisely defined what kind of interventions become criminal He left no room for interpretation of the prohibited acts:
the law Completely reorganize the fines and penalties system. Actions that were previously listed as administrative offences They became crimes with criminal consequences. The change has affected everyone from those who modify a license plate to those who acquire, market or use devices intended to conceal them.
Establishing a new penal system Different levels according to the severity of the behavior.
The legislation emphasized this License plates are owned by the state, not the driverso It must be returned under different conditions.
When someone stops using the vehicle, suspends their insurance, or sells the unit, they must surrender the license plate to the motor vehicle office or… Tax collector.
It can also be mailed to the official address of Division of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles In Tallahassee.
Return the plate Avoids license suspension To maintain an active record without coverage, It prevents third parties from using it illegally And it is allowed Get credit for future registration If the previous registration has already been paid.