TAMPA, Fla. — If you've altered your license plate after you got it, the Florida Highway Patrol has a message for you: You're breaking the law and could be fined.
FHP and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) say its troopers are cracking down on what they say are illegal alterations done by some drivers in Florida.
License plates that have been airbrushed, vinyl-wrapped or customized after receipt violate "legal tag requirements" under Florida law for reflectivity and safety enhancements. FHP says such alterations can impact the yellow validation stickers.
According to FHP, tag alterations like the ones described above are "frequently found" in communities across Florida. To combat the commonality of the illegal practice, troopers say they are "being proactive" in raising awareness about the law.
"This is to ensure that individuals who may not realize they are breaking the law by altering their tags are informed," a release from FHP said.
Unlawful tag alterations have reportedly increased since 2020 by 98 percent. If you're caught with an illegally altered license plate, you could be slapped with a moving violation. The consequences include a state fine of $60, three points off your license and an accompanying fee set by the county where the citation was given.
What to do if you have an altered tag
First, see if you can return the license plate to its original condition. If you can't do that, FHP says drivers will need to get a replacement Florida license plate from their local tax collector's office. You can find the one closest to you by clicking or tapping here.
If a trooper finds a car with an altered tag, they can reportedly take it and require the driver to get a new license plate.
What are the alternatives?
For drivers looking for more than the standard license plate, FHP says there are more than 100 specialty license plates from a bunch of different organizations. Proceeds from these specialty plates go directly to the causes they represent, FHP said.
To be even more unique, drivers can also order a personalized license place. Find more information about what to do by clicking or tapping here.