Florida Drivers Face $60 Fines for Customized Plates as Crackdown Intensifies

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Florida drivers could face a $60 fine for altering their license plates, with recent enforcement efforts resulting in a dramatic 98% increase in citations. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has intensified its crackdown on customized license plates, citing safety and visibility concerns as the primary reasons for the stricter enforcement.

Why the Crackdown?

The state law prohibits any modifications to license plates, including airbrushing, vinyl-wrapping, or other types of customization. These alterations are illegal because they can affect the plate’s reflectivity and make it harder for law enforcement to read the plate, especially in low-light conditions. The Florida Highway Patrol aims to remind drivers that these modifications are against the law and can lead to hefty fines.

As the FHP stated, “We want to ensure drivers are aware of the rules regarding license plate alterations and avoid unintentional violations.”

Consequences for Non-Compliance

Drivers found with altered plates will face a $60 fine and three points added to their driving record. Additional fees might apply depending on the county, and the specifics of the citation can vary. The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office warned that, “Having an altered license plate can result in a fine and points against your driver’s license.”

If a license plate is so modified that it cannot be returned to its original state, drivers must get a replacement plate from their local tax collector. Law enforcement officers also have the authority to confiscate altered plates, requiring drivers to go through the process of obtaining new ones.

Avoiding Penalties

To prevent fines, drivers should avoid any unofficial modifications to their license plates. Florida offers more than 100 specialty plates for various causes, which can be legally ordered. Personalized plates are also available at certain service centers. Ensuring your license plate remains in its original, unaltered condition will help you avoid unnecessary fines and complications.

Legal Background

According to Florida Statutes Section 320.061, it is illegal to alter or obscure license plates and related items, such as:

• Motor vehicle registration certificates
• Temporary license plates
• Mobile home stickers
• Validation stickers

The law prohibits any actions that change the color, appearance, or visibility of the plate. This includes applying substances or devices that interfere with the plate’s readability. Violations are classified as noncriminal traffic infractions and are punishable as moving violations under Chapter 318.

Wider Context: Ghost Plates

The issue of modified plates is not unique to Florida. In New York City, for instance, drivers using "ghost plates"—plates designed to be difficult to read by cameras—face substantial fines. A recent study revealed that these obscured plates cost the city around $200 million annually due to toll evasion and other traffic violations.

Florida’s heightened enforcement against altered license plates underscores the importance of adhering to state regulations. Drivers should keep their plates in their original condition to avoid fines and license points. For more details on specialty plates or compliance, visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.