It’s against the law in Florida to use license plate covers, illuminated devices, or any other substance that interferes with the ability to record or see details of the license plate.
Florida Statute 320.061
According to Florida Statute 320.061, it is unlawful to "alter motor vehicle registration certificates, license plates, temporary license plates, mobile home stickers, or validation stickers or to obscure license plates."
The Standard Florida License Plate
Below is a picture of the three standard license plate designs governed by the state of Florida.
Question
Can I personlize my Florida license plate?
Yes, you can through the DMV. These personlizations include a custom combination of license plate numbers and over 100 specialty Florida license plate designs.
Question
Can I custom-wrap my Florida license plate?
No, you cannot custom-wrap your Florida license plate in any way. Over time, a plastic clear cover fades and distorts the ability to see the license plate detail.
Airbrushed, vinyl-wrapped, or other types of similarly customized plates can lead to a $60 citation and three points on your driver's license. Your altered tag could also be seized, meaning you would then need to apply for a new license plate.
Airbrushed, vinyl-wrapped, or other types of similarly customized plates can lead to a $60 citation and three points on your driver's license. Your altered tag could also be seized, meaning you would then need to apply for a new license plate.
Question
Are license plate frames legal in Florida?
Yes, as long as they do not interfere with the ability to read any part of the license plate or decal. Although this Florida license plate law is rarely enforced, you can be pulled over and even fined for the violation.
Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Mark Wysocky says that "People may be stopped for it and maybe issued warnings or a corrective notice to let them know that it is against the law and to take it off the vehicle."
Getting caught with one of the prohibited plate trims in Florida could lead to a $115 fine, but no points will be added to your license. On the other hand, if you're pulled over for having a license plate cover that obscures the number to avoid red-light cameras, you could face a $165 fine and points added to your drivers license.
Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Mark Wysocky says that "People may be stopped for it and maybe issued warnings or a corrective notice to let them know that it is against the law and to take it off the vehicle."
Getting caught with one of the prohibited plate trims in Florida could lead to a $115 fine, but no points will be added to your license. On the other hand, if you're pulled over for having a license plate cover that obscures the number to avoid red-light cameras, you could face a $165 fine and points added to your drivers license.
Question
Can I have a second license plate on the front of my Florida-registered vehicle?
Yes, you can.
A related question is if it's legal to have an out-of-state license plate on the front of a Florida-registered vehicle. Again, yes, it's legal.
Former Florida State Trooper, Steve Montiero, makes this pretty clear:
"Here in the state of Florida, we do not recognize the front bumper for anything when it comes to traffic enforcement. So if you wanted your oldschool plate up front - you have some type of custom plate - that's perfectly fine. But at the end of the day...you just need to make sure that rear plate is properly placed, it is registered, it is visible...stuff like that."
A related question is if it's legal to have an out-of-state license plate on the front of a Florida-registered vehicle. Again, yes, it's legal.
Former Florida State Trooper, Steve Montiero, makes this pretty clear:
"Here in the state of Florida, we do not recognize the front bumper for anything when it comes to traffic enforcement. So if you wanted your oldschool plate up front - you have some type of custom plate - that's perfectly fine. But at the end of the day...you just need to make sure that rear plate is properly placed, it is registered, it is visible...stuff like that."
Question
How long can I use a temporary license plate in Florida?
Temporary license plates are provided by the state of Florida for a variety of reasons. The length of time a temporary plate may be valid ranges from 10 to 90 days. Common circumstances include:
30 Days
90 Days
30 Days
- A temporary license plate from the dealership is valid for 30 days in the state of Florida. This includes the date of issue, giving dealers enough time to apply for titles and registrations for customers.
- A temporary license plate from a private sale, whether you are an in-state or out-of-state buyer, is also valid for 30 days.
90 Days
- If you have submitted an application for a personlized or special license plate, your temporary plate will be valid for 90 days.
- If you are temporarily employed in the state of Florida, your temporary license plate will also be valid for 90 days.
Final Thoughts
If you have other license plate-related questions, feel free to contact us. We talk to people all the time about these types of rules and statutes. We don't want you getting fined or worse, so please reach out.
Wilkes & Mee is a personal injury law firm in Jacksonville, Florida. Our Jacksonville car accident lawyers can also act fast to get you medical help and compensation if you've been injured in an accident.