Florida Drivers Alert: Don’t Alter Your Tags—Strict Enforcement in Place

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is cracking down on illegally altered license plates, issuing a stern warning to drivers who modify their Florida tags. This includes airbrushed, vinyl-wrapped, or customized plates that violate the state’s legal requirements for reflectivity and safety. Learn how to stay compliant and avoid fines.

What You Need to Know

Modifying your license plate is not just a cosmetic change—it’s illegal in Florida. Whether your plate has been wrapped in vinyl, painted, or otherwise customized, you could be breaking the law.

“Such alterations violate the legal tag requirements under Florida law for reflectivity and safety enhancements and can potentially impact the yellow validation stickers,” warns the FHP in a release. “Driving on a public roadway with these altered plates displayed is against the law and violates Section 320.061, Florida Statutes, which prohibits the unlawful altering of a Florida License Plate.”

Since 2020, citations for unlawfully altering license plates have skyrocketed by over 98%. If convicted, you face a moving violation with a $60 state fine, three points added to your driving record, and additional county-imposed fees. In some cases, troopers may seize the altered tag, requiring you to obtain a new license plate.

What to Do If You’ve Altered Your Plate

If you’ve modified your Florida license plate and can’t restore it to its original condition, you’ll need to replace it. You can obtain a new plate from your local tax collector’s office. If you want to be different, Florida offers over 100 specialty license plates and personalized plates that meet legal standards. Specialty plates support causes across the state, so there are plenty of legal ways to show your personality through your license plate.

For more details on personalized and specialty plates, visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Helpful Tips If You Get Pulled Over by Authorities

If you’ve already altered your tag or are worried about being stopped for another reason, here are some essential tips to follow if you’re pulled over:

• Stay Calm and Pull Over Safely: Once you see the police lights, activate your turn signal and pull over to the right side of the road in a safe spot.
• Remain in Your Vehicle: Unless instructed otherwise, stay in your car and keep your hands visible, ideally on the steering wheel. Avoid making sudden movements, as this can increase tension during the stop.
• Have Your Documents Ready: Keep your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance information in an easily accessible place. Inform the officer before retrieving them if they are in the glove compartment or center console.
• Be Respectful and Cooperative: The officer is doing their job, so be polite and follow their instructions carefully. Arguing or becoming confrontational will only escalate the situation.
• Ask Questions Politely: If you’re unsure about why you were pulled over or what the next steps are, ask respectfully.
• Comply With Requests: Provide the requested documents and accept any citations issued without argument. Handling the situation respectfully avoids unnecessary complications.

Being respectful and compliant will make the process easier for both you and the officer. Following these steps will help ensure your safety and avoid further legal complications.

Drive Safely and Avoid Costly Fines

Avoiding fines and legal trouble for something as simple as altering your license plate is just one part of being a responsible driver. Staying safe on the road requires even more awareness and skill.

Stay safe on the road and avoid costly fines by taking our Florida-Approved DriveSafe Online Mature Driver Course. Whether you need to lower insurance premiums or simply enhance your driving skills, our easy-to-access courses have you covered. Enroll now to protect yourself and others while driving with confidence!