In October 2025, Florida dramatically increased the penalties for concealing, altering, or obscuring a license plate through the passage of House Bill 253. What was once a minor traffic infraction has now become a criminal offense, sometimes even a felony, depending on the type of device used and the intent behind the obstruction. Prosecutors and law enforcement view these cases seriously because obstructed plates prevent identification of vehicles during traffic investigations, toll violations, and criminal incidents.
If you’ve been accused of covering, altering, modifying, or using a device to block your license plate, you are facing more than a simple traffic ticket. You may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony that carries jail time, fines, and long-term consequences to your driving and criminal record. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney defending your case is essential.
Melbourne Criminal Defense Lawyer for License Plate Obstruction Charges
At Germain Legal, we defend clients charged under Florida’s newly updated plate-obscuring laws. These cases often arise from routine traffic stops, toll-plaza encounters, or police suspicion that a driver is attempting to avoid identification. Unfortunately, many motorists are charged even though they had no intent to commit wrongdoing and no knowledge that their plate frame, cover, or accessory violated the statute.
Our attorneys analyze the device, inspect the plate’s visibility, evaluate whether the stop was lawful, and determine whether the alleged obstruction truly meets the legal definition of a criminal violation.
Call Germain Legal at (321) 775-3559 to discuss your case and begin preparing your defense.
Overview of Plate Concealing and Altering Charges in Florida
- House Bill 253 and New Criminal Charges for License Plate Concealing and Altering
- Examples of Conduct That Can Lead to Criminal Charges
- Prohibited Devices Under Florida’s License Plate Obscuring Law
- Common Mistakes That Lead to Accidental Violations
- Penalties for Concealing or Altering a License Plate
- Defenses to License Plate Obstruction Charges
- Role of a Florida License Plate Obstruction Defense Attorney
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Additional Resources
House Bill 253 and New Criminal Charges for License Plate Concealing and Altering
House Bill 253 significantly strengthened Florida’s enforcement against any attempt to obscure or alter a license plate. The law applies to both manual and electronic devices, as well as coverings, sprays, frames, or materials that interfere with the legibility or detectability of a plate.
Under the new version of Florida Statutes § 320.061 and related provisions, the following behaviors are now criminal offenses:
Covering or altering your license plate or registration
This includes applying any spray, tint, cover, reflective coating, substance, material, or mechanical device that interferes with plate visibility.
- Classified as a second-degree misdemeanor
- Punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a criminal fine
Buying, possessing, or installing a device intended to block cameras
Any device marketed or designed to hide a plate from toll cameras, red-light cameras, or police equipment is now prohibited.
- Classified as a second-degree misdemeanor
Manufacturing, selling, or distributing plate-blocking devices
Selling plate-flipping kits, reflective sprays, rotating plate holders, or electronic concealment devices is now a criminal offense.
- Classified as a first-degree misdemeanor
- Punishable by up to one year in jail and higher fines
Using a plate-blocking device while avoiding law enforcement or committing another crime
If prosecutors show the device was used to avoid police detection or conceal involvement in another crime, the charge escalates dramatically.
- Classified as a third-degree felony
- Punishable by up to 5 years in Florida State Prison
These changes mean that even possessing a device, even if unused, can lead to criminal prosecution.
Examples of Conduct That Can Lead to Criminal Charges
Common situations that now fall under Florida’s updated plate-obscuring laws include:
- Using a tinted plastic cover that reduces the readability of your plate
- Installing a rotating or flipping license plate holder
- Applying anti-camera spray or reflective coating
- Using a device designed to hide your plate when passing toll gantries
- Possessing a remote-controlled cover or mechanical shield
- Borrowing or purchasing a “stealth plate” accessory online
- Temporarily covering a plate with tape, paper, or an object
- Using a plate-concealing device during a theft, burglary, or police pursuit
Many drivers are surprised to learn that even simple aesthetic accessories can now result in criminal charges.
Prohibited Devices Under Florida’s License Plate Obscuring Law
Florida’s revised law under House Bill 253 specifically criminalizes the possession, purchase, manufacture, sale, or use of certain devices designed to hide or distort a vehicle’s license plate. These devices interfere with police identification, toll enforcement, red-light cameras, and automated plate-reading systems. Below are the most common devices now prohibited under the statute:
Mechanical Flip Devices –These devices flip the license plate to reveal a different plate or no plate at all, often using a switch inside the vehicle. They are commonly advertised for “privacy” or for avoiding toll cameras but are illegal because they intentionally prevent law enforcement from identifying the correct plate. Even possession of such a device is now a criminal offense.
Electronic Plate Covers – Electronic covers darken, blur, or shield the license plate at the press of a button, rendering it difficult or impossible for cameras to capture. These covers often use LCD-style tinting or electronic shutters, which can be activated instantly during police encounters. Because they are designed for concealment, they are treated as prohibited devices under Florida law.
Rotating or Two-Plate Devices – Some aftermarket kits allow a driver to rotate between two different license plates. These devices are frequently used by individuals attempting to avoid detection during toll evasion, street racing, or criminal activity. Florida law treats them as evidence of intent to obscure or falsify the identity of the vehicle.
Reflective Sprays and Anti-Camera Coatings – These aerosols promise to distort or reflect light in a way that prevents camera systems from capturing the plate. Although they sometimes fail to work as advertised, the intent behind applying them—impairing detectability—violates Florida’s statute. Any substance used for this purpose can support a criminal charge.
Tinted, Smoked, or Mirrored Plate Covers – Covers made from tinted or mirrored plastic often make the plate difficult to read at angles or in low light, causing toll and traffic cameras to miss key plate details. Even if the plate is partially visible, any obstruction that limits angular visibility or detectability is illegal. Many drivers unknowingly purchase these covers online, but unintentional use can still result in criminal allegations.
Stealth Plate Frames or Camera-Blocking Frames – These frames are designed to distort or block plate numbers when photographed by automated systems. Some feature angled edges that obscure plate digits at typical camera heights. Because their primary purpose is evasion, possession alone can lead to a second-degree misdemeanor charge.
Temporary Covers or Manual Obstructions – Items such as magnetic sheets, clips, hinged brackets, or removable covers used to quickly hide the plate also fall under the statute. Drivers sometimes use these devices when entering toll roads or parking garages, but Florida now considers this an intentional act to prevent identification. When used during a crime or police encounter, they can elevate the charge to a felony.
LED or Light-Distorting Devices – These include gadgets that emit bright LED light toward the plate to saturate photographs from enforcement cameras. Although less common, these devices impede detection by overwhelming camera sensors. Because they are specifically intended to prevent plate recording, they are prohibited.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Accidental Violations
Many drivers charged under Florida’s updated license plate obstruction laws had no intention of breaking the law. The statute is broad, and many everyday accessories or habits can unintentionally violate the new visibility requirements. The following are some of the most common innocent mistakes that now result in criminal charges:
Using Decorative or Aftermarket Plate Covers: Many people purchase tinted or protective covers online without realizing they reduce angular visibility or interfere with camera detection. Even clear covers can distort readability under sun glare or at night. What seems like a harmless accessory can now lead to a criminal charge.
Failing to Replace a Damaged or Clouded Cover: Older plate protectors may become yellowed, cracked, hazy, or scratched over time, making the plate difficult to read. A driver may be unaware the condition has worsened until stopped by law enforcement. Under HB 253, deterioration is treated the same as intentional obstruction.
Installing Plate Frames from Car Dealerships: Dealership-branded plate frames often cover part of the numbers, letters, or registration decal, especially on Florida plates with narrow margins. Even if the frame was installed by the dealer, the driver can still be charged. Partial obstruction, even by a factory-installed accessory, violates the statute.
Using Wrapping, Vinyl, or Aftermarket Brackets: Some drivers apply decorative vinyl overlays or use non-standard mounting brackets that partially cover the plate. Others unknowingly install aftermarket brackets that angle the plate downward, preventing camera detection. These aesthetic modifications can unintentionally qualify as illegal alterations.
Having Cargo or Objects Block the Plate: Bicycles, tow hitches, cargo platforms, and rear-mounted carriers can obscure the license plate during normal travel. Although accidental, officers may still charge the driver if the plate is not clearly visible from required distances or angles. Ignorance of the obstruction is not a defense.
Allowing Dirt or Debris to Accumulate: Florida’s weather and road conditions often cause dirt buildup, mud splatter, or salt residue that hides license plate numbers. While not typically intentional, failing to maintain plate visibility can lead to enforcement under the updated statute. Drivers are expected to keep plates unobstructed at all times.
Using Plate Covers Marketed as “Legal” Online: Many online retailers advertise products as “camera-proof” or “legal in all 50 states,” even though they violate Florida’s law. Relying on marketing claims does not protect a driver from prosecution. Possession alone may be enough for a misdemeanor charge.
Driving with a Temporary Plate in the Wrong Location: Placing a temporary tag behind glass, in a tinted window, or dead-center in a hatchback can interfere with visibility. Some drivers tape the tag in places that obstruct crucial information. Officers frequently treat this as plate alteration or obstruction.
Not Realizing Visibility Requirements Include Angle Detection: Florida’s law requires the plate to be readable not just head-on, but also from side angles and by automated systems. A driver may think their plate is visible when directly behind the car, yet still be in violation because the plate cannot be detected by toll, traffic, or law enforcement cameras.
Penalties for Concealing or Altering a License Plate
Under the revised statute, penalties vary depending on the specific behavior and device involved.
Second-Degree Misdemeanor Violations
- Up to 60 days in jail
- Fines up to $500
- Criminal record
- Possible probation
These include altering a plate, using unauthorized coverings, and possessing a plate-obscuring device.
First-Degree Misdemeanor
- Up to 12 months in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Possible probation and court-ordered conditions
This applies to individuals who manufacture, sell, or distribute plate-blocking devices.
Third-Degree Felony
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Up to $5,000 in fines
- Possible vehicle impoundment
- Permanent felony record
This applies when a device is used while fleeing police or committing another crime.
In addition to criminal consequences, a conviction may cause insurance rate increases, license complications, employment consequences, and difficulties with background checks.
Defenses to License Plate Obstruction Charges
Possible defenses that may apply to your case include:
- Lack of Intent: Many motorists are unaware that a frame, cover, or accessory interfered with plate visibility. Intent is a key issue in many cases.
- The Plate Was Legible From Required Distances: Sometimes the plate was readable, and the officer misinterpreted glare, dirt, or lighting conditions.
- The Device Was Not Designed to Obscure the Plate: Aesthetic or decorative covers are not automatically illegal unless they interfere with detectability.
- No Use of the Device During a Crime: The felony enhancement only applies when police can prove the device was used to avoid detection during another offense.
- Illegal Stop or Search: Traffic stops must be supported by reasonable suspicion; otherwise, evidence may be suppressed.
- Misidentification of the Device: Not all accessories fit the law’s definition of a “plate-obscuring device.”
An experienced attorney can often reduce the charges to a civil infraction or secure dismissal depending on the facts.
Role of a Florida License Plate Obstruction Defense Attorney
A defense attorney at Germain Legal will:
- Examine the plate, device, or accessory to determine whether it actually obscured visibility
- Review bodycam, dashcam, and toll-camera footage related to the stop
- Challenge the officer’s observations and technical claims
- Raise arguments regarding intent and the functionality of the alleged device
- Pursue reductions to noncriminal infractions or diversion programs
- Prepare a strong defense for trial if necessary
Our goal is to protect your driving record, keep you out of jail, and prevent a permanent criminal conviction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a clear plastic cover illegal now?
It can be, if it interferes with readability or detection from certain angles.
What if I bought a device online but never installed it?
Possession alone is now criminalized under the new law.
Can I be charged even if I didn’t know the cover was illegal?
Yes. However, lack of intent may help reduce or dismiss the charges.
What if my plate was dirty rather than intentionally blocked?
Natural debris or dirt is not a crime. Intentional covering is required.
Additional Resources
Florida Statutes § 320.061 – Altering or Obscuring License Plates – Provides the statutory language prohibiting intentional alteration or obstruction of license plates.
House Bill 253 (2025) – Establishes Florida’s new criminal classifications for plate-obscuring devices and related conduct.
Lawyer for License Plate Obscuring Charges in Brevard County
Germain Legal represents clients charged with any traffic violation in Brevard County, Indian River County, Volusia County, Osceola County, including the cities of Melbourne, Palm Bay, Titusbay, Vero Beach, Gilford, Sebastian, Deltona, Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Kissimmee, and Poinciana.
Contact Germain Legal by calling (321) 775-3559 or submit information pertaining to your specific situation in our online form.
