FLORIDA, USA — Florida Highway Patrol will have "strict enforcement" on illegally wrapped license plates after sending a warning to drivers on Wednesday.
FHP says license plates that have been airbrushed, vinyl-wrapped or customized, are frequently found in communities across Florida, according to its website.
"Such alterations violate the legal tag requirements under Florida law for reflectivity and safety enhancements and can potentially impact the yellow validation stickers," FHP's website states. "This [warning] is to ensure that individuals who may not realize they are breaking the law by altering their tags are informed."
Since 2020, citations for unlawful alteration of a Florida license plate have increased over 98%, according to FHP. The citation is categorized as a moving violation which includes a fine of $60, three points on your license and an accompanying fee set by the county in which the citation was issued.
If you have altered your Florida tag and cannot return it to its original look, FHP says you will need to get a replacement Florida license plate from your local tax collector; click here for locations. Troopers who encounter altered tags can seize the tag, thus requiring the owner to apply for a new license plate.
"Florida offers more than 100 specialty license plates for various organizations, with the proceeds from the sales going directly to support the causes they represent," the website states.