JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 Florida drivers who alter, cover, or obscure their license plates could now face criminal charges under a new law that went into effect on October 1st. <\/p>\n
What was previously a noncriminal traffic infraction is now a second-degree misdemeanor, an arrestable offense punishable by up to 60 days in jail and\/or a fine.<\/p>\n
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <\/b><\/a><\/p>\n Action News Jax spoke with a former Jacksonville Sheriff\u2019s Office officer about what the law means for everyday drivers and why motorcyclists in particular are being closely watched.<\/p>\n The law targets any device or material that prevents a plate from being fully visible. This includes tinted plastic covers, flip-up or rotating mounts, and reflective sprays often sold online.<\/p>\n \u201cYour tag is not worth going to jail,\u201d said former JSO Officer Terrance Hightower.<\/p>\n According to Hightower, who has more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, people who engage in illegal street racing or reckless driving are some of the most common offenders.<\/p>\n \u201cVarious people may tint their tags for different reasons,\u201d he said. \u201cSome do it for the aesthetics to look good and match their car.\u201d<\/p>\n Others, however, have more deceptive motives.<\/p>\n \u201cOthers will do it to hide their tag,\u201d Hightower explained. \u201cSo officers can\u2019t identify them or not identify them right away.\u201d<\/p>\n