NEW plans around registration plates will force drivers to change the front of their cars in a major shakeup to a historic rule.
New legislation coming to a US state will bring in a significant shift in vehicle registration rules.
A US state is changing its rules around registration plates which will force drivers to change the front of their cars[/caption]
According to a recent memo from the Pennsylvania State Senate, drivers will be forced to add a front license plate to their cars – potentially meaning they’ll need to change the front design or mounting of their vehicle.
This proposal would represent a change to the current practice and bring Pennsylvania, where the ruling will take place, in line with other states that have similar requirements.
Historically, Pennsylvania has only required vehicles to have rear license plates.
The purpose of the legislation is to enhance public safety by making it easier for law enforcement, witnesses and cameras to identify vehicles involved in crimes, hit-and-run incidents, or traffic violations.
It will also improve toll collection processes.
Many incidents only capture the front view of a vehicle, making identification difficult without a front number plate.
At present, 29 other states, including neighboring states like New York, New Jersey and Maryland, have similar requirements.
The memo adds that the speaker asks for support and cosponsorship from colleagues to help pass this legislation in Pennsylvania.
The intention is to align Pennsylvania with other states that already enforce the requirements, citing safety and practicality as the main benefits.
This comes as drivers in Pennsylvania recently discovered they risked being hit with a daily parking fee, even on weekends and holidays, under a controversial new “Doomsday” plan.
The move took effect Monday and applies to anyone leaving their car at lots or garages operated by SEPTA.
The change impacts dozens of locations across the state, including the Frankford Transportation Center and Norristown.
Parking, which was previously free on weekends and holidays, will now cost $2 a day at surface lots and $4 at garages.
The sudden shift is part of SEPTA’s newly approved “Doomsday” budget, aimed at closing a massive funding shortfall.
The SEPTA Board passed the fiscal year 2026 plan in June as the agency stares down a $213 million recurring deficit.
SEPTA officials voted last month to pass 45% in service cuts to make up for the deficit.
“This is a real doomsday scenario,” spokesperson Andrew Busch told ABC news affiliate WPVI of the budget ahead of voting.
What does Florida’s license plate law say?
Driving on a public roadway with customized license plates is illegal in Florida.
Florida Statutes Section 320.061 prohibits the unlawful altering of a license plate.
The law states that altering or obscuring the following items is illegal:
- Motor vehicle registration certificates
- License plates
- Temporary license plates
- Mobile home stickers
- Validation stickers
Drivers cannot mutilate, alter, deface, or change the color of the plate in any way.
You can also not apply or attach the following to the license plate:
- Substance
- Reflective matter
- Illuminated device
- Spray
- Coating
- Covering
- Other material interfering with the legibility, angular visibility, or detectability of the license plate
Nothing should interfere with the ability to record any feature or detail on the plate.
“A person who violates this section commits a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation as provided in chapter 318,” the law states.
The penalties for the violations include a $60 fine, three points on the driver’s license, and additional county fees.
