TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV\/WCJB) – Covering your license plate in Florida is now considered a second-degree misdemeanor.<\/p>\n
The law<\/a> went into effect in October and was signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on May 19.<\/p>\n The new law sets new penalties for people who have coatings, covers or devices designed to shield their license plates from traffic cameras and toll cameras. <\/p>\n The second-degree misdemeanor carries a penalty of up to a $500 fine, up to 60 days in jail, or both, meaning you\u2019d have to appear in court.<\/p>\n But the law itself isn\u2019t new. It used to only be a non-criminal traffic infraction.<\/p>\n The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles sent a memo to all law enforcement agencies on Dec. 12 regarding the new law. <\/p>\n Tallahassee Police are now weighing in on the new guidelines.<\/p>\n TPD Detective Michael Carter said having an unobstructed license plate helps law enforcement solve crimes.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s say you were involved in a hit-and-run \u2014 we may potentially be able to use that plate to get a lead to get a direction to start looking,\u201d Carter said. \u201cBut if someone is actively avoiding or putting something on their plate so it\u2019s not readable, where it can\u2019t be detected, that\u2019s hurting you, that\u2019s hurting me, that\u2019s hurting everyone.\u201d <\/p>\n To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n Copyright 2025 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n