Brooksville, FL – Drivers in Hernando County are being urged to double-check their vehicles today after deputies stopped a motorist for having a license plate cover that made the tag unreadable, resulting in a criminal citation under Florida Statute 320.061.
According to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, the statute makes it illegal to alter, cover, tint, spray, or otherwise obscure any part of a Florida license plate. Even reflective materials, frames that block lettering, or products sold at auto parts stores can violate the law if they interfere with a plate’s visibility. Deputies emphasized that the offense is more than cosmetic—violations can be charged as a second-degree misdemeanor.
The Sheriff’s Office says plate-obscuring devices create major issues for toll-by-plate systems and hinder the identification of vehicles involved in hit-and-runs or other criminal investigations. If a deputy cannot clearly read a tag from any angle, the driver may face legal consequences.
Deputies added that some drivers assume aftermarket covers or tinted shields are acceptable if commercially sold, but Florida law strictly prohibits anything that impacts how the tag is read. If the plate’s legibility is compromised, authorities say it is a clear violation regardless of the product’s origin.
The agency encouraged drivers to step behind their vehicle and confirm whether their plate is fully readable without glare, tinting, obstruction, or distortion. If it is not clear to a deputy, officials noted, “neither can anyone else.”
Residents are encouraged to report safety concerns or questions to local law enforcement.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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