Related videos:
A new law in Florida has generated confusion among drivers, dealers, and even police forces.
Following the enactment of a law that tightens the regulations regarding license plates, many residents have begun to wonder: are decorative or protective frames for vehicle license plates still legal?
The official response arrived this week.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) issued a direct clarification: yes, frames are still allowed, but with very clear conditions.
A necessary clarification following the public confusion
The law came into effect in October with the aim of enhancing the readability and security surrounding vehicle license plates, especially in contexts where identification is crucial, such as police investigations or traffic checks.
However, its wording generated widespread confusion among citizens and even among the officials responsible for enforcing it.
“After widespread confusion among online users, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issued a clarification on Monday,” reported NBC Miami, emphasizing that decorative frames remain legal “as long as they do not cover key identifiers.”
What parts of the tuition cannot be covered?
The clarification from the FLHSMV specifies two elements that can never be obstructed by frames, covers, decorations, or any other accessories:
The alphanumeric identifier of the license plate, that is, the unique numbers and letters that allow for the identification of each vehicle.
The registration sticker, located in the upper right corner of the plate, indicates the temporary validity of the registration.
Any frame or covering that completely or partially obscures these elements is now considered a violation of the law.
It's not just an infraction: It can now be a crime
One of the most significant changes in the new regulations is the tightening of criminal penalties.
What was once considered a mere traffic violation can now escalate to a criminal offense, especially if accessories are used with the intent to evade controls or commit crimes.
The law now expressly prohibits:
-Change the original color of the plate.
-Apply aerosols, films, coatings, or dyes to it.
-Use clear or smoked covers, even if they allow partial visibility of the data.
-Install LED lights or other reflective devices that shine directly on the plate.
-Install mechanisms that rotate, hide, or switch between different plates, a common practice in crimes related to car theft or toll evasion.
Recommendations for drivers: Better safe than sorry
In light of this new legal landscape, the chief of police of Doral, Edwin López, suggests adopting a straightforward strategy: to completely remove the framework if there are doubts about its legality.
"Frankly, it's that simple. It's a recommendation I gave to my parents," López stated.
"I simply told them to remove the frame from the vehicle's license plate. It's much simpler this way. Instead of having to go around whether some items are hidden, others are blocked, and others are not," he added.
The Security Department also published a series of practical tips:
Keep the plaque clean, visible, and free from visual obstructions.
-Check if the frames placed by dealers cover letters, numbers, or the sticker. If they do, they must be removed immediately.
-Remove aesthetic or aftermarket accessories that alter or hinder the reading of the plate.
Ensure that the rear light illuminating the license plate is operational, especially during nighttime.
Fines and severe penalties
The violation of this law not only exposes the driver to fines but also to more serious legal consequences, depending on the use of the accessory.
The penalties range from $500 for covering or modifying a license plate to $5,000 and five years in prison if it is proven that the mechanisms were used to commit or facilitate a crime.
The end of custom frames? Not necessarily
Although the law does not completely prohibit license plate frames, it does require strict compliance.
Frames bearing the names of dealers, flags, or personal messages remain legal only if they respect the complete visibility of the elements required by law.
For many, this clarification represents a reasonable balance between aesthetics and legality.
However, the general recommendation is clear: if you're unsure, it's better to remove it.
Filed under: