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Recently, a new law went into effect in Florida that prohibits any items that block, cover, or obscure a vehicle’s license plate. This includes tinted shields or covers, stickers or decals, sprays that distort visibility, and even decorative frames. The same decorative frames that cars come with from car dealerships, frames we proudly display to show our school’s alma matter or favorite sports team – these are now considered illegal under the law and carry significant penalties.
Although the law went into effect in October 2025, a large public education campaign is underway. I am doing my part to help drivers understand the rules and avoid citations that can carry hefty financial consequences. The law was designed to improve public safety by making all plates fully visible and easily readable, which is critical for law enforcement, toll agencies, and emergency responders.
Violating the law can result in serious consequences. Knowingly driving with an obscured license plate is classified as a second-degree misdemeanor, which can result in up to 60 days in jail or a $500 fine. Manufacturing or selling devices that obscure license plates is a first-degree misdemeanor, carrying up to one year in jail, and using an obscured plate while committing a crime escalates the offense to a third-degree felony, with penalties of up to five years in prison.
While enforcement is handled by law enforcement agencies, the initial focus is on educating the public. Obstruction includes any frame that overlaps or touches any part of the plate’s letters, numbers, state name, or registration decal, even if only slightly covered is now considered to be illegal.
Drivers are strongly encouraged to check their vehicles and remove any frames, covers, or other items that could obstruct their license plates. Taking this simple step can help avoid fines, legal complications, and court appearances.
By ensuring license plates are fully visible, this law helps keep Floridia’s roads safer for everyone and ensures that law enforcement and emergency responders
