Florida makes license frames illegal

[YY1]

My mom, of all people told me about this.
My wife confirmed it.

Really?

I've seen a few that I thought were pushing it by partially covering the expiration sticker.
Some cover the county stamping at the bottom, but that was made optional a few years ago.

The only thing I can think of is making it hard to read for the new "toll by plate" toll road billing, since they fired all the booth operators.
(There was no panic about red light cameras being affected by this when those were a hot topic a few years ago)
Most of that toll money goes out of state- gee we have to prioritize that, right?

It was apparently effective immediately.
Huh? The 1st infraction for cell phone use while driving took 10 years to go fully into effect.
Which is more of a safety issue?

The only one I have is a Shelby Motorsports frame on my Dakota.

At one stop light this morning, I could see six cars in front of me.
Five of them had license plate frames.

Any other states do this?

 

[YY1]

Additionally, I haven't heard a radio spot, seen a billboard, or seen/heard any kind of PSA.

...and FHP put out a PSA for toll text scams a couple of months ago.

 

[toolmanmike]

My mom, of all people told me about this.
My wife confirmed it.

Raelly?

I've seen a few that I thought were pushing it by partially covering the expiration sticker.
Some cover the county stamping at the bottom, but that was made optional a few years ago.

The only thing I can think of is making it hard to read for the new "toll by plate" toll road billing, since they fired all the booth operators.
(There was no panic about red light cameras being affected by this when those were a hot topic a few years ago)
Most of that toll money goes out of state- gee we have to prioritize that, right?

It was apparently effective immediately.
Huh? The 1st infraction for cell phone use while driving took 10 years to go fully into effect.
Which is more of a safety issue?

The only one I have is a Shelby Motorsports frame on my Dakota.

At one stop light this morning, I could see six cars in front of me.
Five of them had license plate frames.

Any other states do this?

Here. Iowa law requires license plate frames or covers to allow full, unobstructed view of all letters, numbers, and the county name printed on the plate, meaning frames that cover any part of the plate, including the county, are illegal and provide a valid reason for a police stop. Even tinted covers are prohibited if they prevent clear visibility, as the state's Supreme Court has affirmed this law provides a basis for traffic stops, making it safest to remove any frame that obscures any part of the official plate information.

 

[Jeff Peterson]

I imagine every state has some kind of law concerning frames.

"In Illinois, license plate frames and covers are illegal if they obstruct or cover any part of the license plate, including the state name, number, and registration stickers. The law requires that plates be clearly visible and legible, and operating a vehicle with obscured plates can result in a fine. This applies to both tinted and non-tinted covers or frames".

 

[MiradaMegaCab]

This ProCharger frame is illegal in NYS

 

[YY1]

That actually looks like a video screen that can be changed.

Pretty sneaky.

 

[Triplegreen500]

FL ditched the county text years ago, to help prevent theft and "targeting" of out-of-towners.

MD has the "cannot obstruct" rule, but it is only a secondary offense - i.e. they can't stop you just for that, but if you get stopped for something else, they can also cite you for the frame if it blocks anything.

 

[Don Frelier]

Why do you need a license plate frame?
As long as I can screw it on something I'm good to go.

 

[440 4 speed]

Dealers supplied them as an advertising feature.

 

[mmissile]

In Mi.....all personal or advertising devices attached to the license-plate, is illegal. Has been since I was a teen in the early 70's.

 

[WileE]

 

[QuickBpBp]

My son's frame on his Truck had to be removed so they could put the inspection sticker on it... This has been in effect for years.

 

[YY1]

Dealers supplied them as an advertising feature.

We discussed that.

I'm kind of surprised the car dealers lobbing body didn't pour money and free dinners/vacations into making it not happen.

 

[copper67sat]

They were illegal in FL but not really enforced from what I could tell - I got a warning once - and then I thought they changed the law to make them legal a few years ago. Apparently they are illegal again.

 

[3sloppydogs]

I'm curious, why does a state list the county on the plate also?
We don't have that in Md

 

[YY1]

I'm curious, why does a state list the county on the plate also?
We don't have that in Md

I always thought that was kinda odd.

My thoughts were generally- so LEO can tell if your in your own neighborhood.
Not crazy about that.

 

[YY1]

They were illegal in FL but not really enforced from what I could tell - I got a warning once - and then I thought they changed the law to make them legal a few years ago. Apparently they are illegal again.

It's a newly worded, strengthened law as of October 1.

 

[Ray70Chrg]

I imagine every state has some kind of law concerning frames.

"In Illinois, license plate frames and covers are illegal if they obstruct or cover any part of the license plate, including the state name, number, and registration stickers. The law requires that plates be clearly visible and legible, and operating a vehicle with obscured plates can result in a fine. This applies to both tinted and non-tinted covers or frames".

this pretty much is the same in AZ. Also, we only have rear plates.

 

[Richard Cranium]

In Massachusetts, frames are ok, but you can't have a clear cover over the plate.

 

[Dennis H]

Legal.