Tallahassee, FL – Florida drivers have new clarity on which license plate frames will remain legal when a new visibility law takes effect on October 1, 2025.
According to a memo released this week by Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Executive Director Dave Kerner, the statute prohibits “license plate obscuring devices” but allows plate frames so long as they do not block key details.
According to the memo, frames are permitted if they do not obscure:
- The alpha-numeric plate identifier, or
- The registration decal located in the top right-hand corner of the plate.
Kerner emphasized that the department “does not consider information at the top of the plate to be a primary feature,” meaning decorative or dealership frames remain legal as long as they don’t interfere with the tag number or decal visibility.
The update references a 2019 Fourth District Court of Appeal decision that similarly upheld the use of certain frames under comparable statutes.
The law—Florida Statute 320.262—was enacted to help law enforcement ensure clear visibility of plate identifiers for safety, tolling, and traffic enforcement purposes. Violations could lead to citations once enforcement begins next year.
Drivers are encouraged to check that any plate frame or cover leaves both the numbers and decal fully visible before the law takes effect.
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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