Offenses Involving Motor Vehicles

Increased penalty for knowingly altering motor vehicle registration certificates, license plates, or obscuring license plates from a third-degree felony to a second-degree misdemeanor noncriminal traffic infraction.

Added new Section 2 to amend Florida Statute 320.061 to prohibit altering registration certificates, license plates, temporary plates, mobile home stickers, or validation stickers.

Added new Section 3 to create Florida Statute 320.262 specifically defining and penalizing license plate obscuring devices.

Changed the effective date section from Section 3 to Section 4, maintaining the October 1, 2025 effective date.

Reorganized bill structure by adding 'Engrossed 1' designation and updating page numbering from 3 to 4 pages.

The definition of 'license plate obscuring device' was clarified to specify that it covers devices that interfere with primary features or details, including the license plate number and validation sticker.

The bill was reclassified from CS/HB 253 to CS/CS/HB 253, indicating it has progressed through committee and conference amendment processes.

Added a new definition for 'license plate obscuring device' that includes devices that switch plates, hide plates, cover or obscure plates, or interfere with recording license plate details.

Modified penalties for license plate obscuring device offenses, adding enhanced penalties for using such devices to commit crimes or evade law enforcement.

Modified the penalty for violating vehicle lighting restrictions by adding s. 775.084 as an additional punishment option.

Added new criminal penalties for purchasing, possessing, manufacturing, selling, or distributing license plate obscuring devices.

Added an effective date provision stating the act takes effect on October 1, 2025.