JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says an update to a Florida law is now in effect, and drivers who hide or alter their license plates could face criminal charges.
Florida now considers it a second-degree misdemeanor to cover, tint, obscure, or alter a license plate in any way.
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
The law also applies to products that flip, blur, or block plates, including those sold online.
These tools are often used to avoid tolls, red-light cameras, or detection by law enforcement. But officials say using them is illegal.
What used to be a traffic ticket can now lead to a criminal record.
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
Penalties can be even harsher if the altered plate is used while committing another crime.
The message from law enforcement is clear: your license plate must be visible and easy to read.
“Your plate needs to be visible. If you cover it, tint it, or alter it, we will catch you,” JSO said.
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.