New penalties for license plate obstruction

As of October 1, 2025, a new state law in Florida significantly stiffens the consequences for drivers who obscure, alter, or otherwise tamper with their license plates. Under House Bill 253 (HB 253), what used to be a simple equipment violation or traffic ticket under Florida Statutes § 320.061 is now treated as a criminal offense, in many cases, a misdemeanor. Under the updated law, intentionally covering or obstructing any part of a license plate, whether by tint, frame, spray, coating, covering, or mechanical device, can now result in a second-degree misdemeanor charge. That means drivers face a fine of up to $500 and as much as 60 days behind bars. The law also cracks down on the manufacture, sale, or distribution of so-called “license plate obscuring devices.” Possessing or buying one is a second-degree misdemeanor. Selling or distributing such a device escalates the offense to a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Importantly, the stakes get even higher if someone uses an obscuring device while committing another crime, or attempting to avoid detection. In that scenario, the offense becomes a third-degree felony, which can carry up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Officials say the move comes in response to growing concern over devices and modifications designed to evade toll cameras, red-light cameras, or law enforcement, and to guard against criminals using “ghost plates” or other means to hide their identity. As of now, law enforcement agencies across Florida are reminding drivers to double- check their license-plate visibility and remove any wind-screen frames, tinted covers, or aftermarket modifications that might obstruct the plate.