The bill amends existing Florida statutes to enhance penalties related to offenses involving motor vehicles, specifically focusing on the use of license plate obscuring devices. It reclassifies the offense of driving a vehicle with certain prohibited lighting as a third-degree felony, replacing the previous classification of a misdemeanor. Additionally, it prohibits the use of license plate obscuring devices, which are defined as any manual, electronic, or mechanical devices that interfere with the visibility or legibility of a license plate. Violating this prohibition can result in various degrees of misdemeanor charges, depending on the nature of the offense.

Furthermore, the bill establishes criminal penalties for individuals who purchase, possess, manufacture, sell, or distribute license plate obscuring devices. It also introduces enhanced penalties for other crimes committed while using such devices or while improperly attaching or obscuring license plates. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen enforcement against the illegal use of obscured license plates and improve road safety.

Statutes affected:
H 253 Filed: 316.2397, 320.061