DRIVERS are facing four brand new law changes coming in October as lawmakers crack down on certain road behaviors.
Violating road laws could now lead to fines up to $5,000 and even years of jail time, according to the new legislation.
Under new lighting laws, impersonating police officers can result in fines up to $5,000 (Stock Photo)[/caption]
Four new house bills will impact drivers after October 1 (stock image)[/caption]
There are 30 new laws coming to Florida in October.
Four of them are establishing major changes to traffic across the state.
The traffic-related reforms are creating harsher penalties for existing laws.
One of the laws will land rule-breakers with a consequence much worse than a simple traffic ticket.
LIGHTING RULE
House Bill 253 is cracking down with new punishments for lights on your car and covering your license plate starting October 1.
Impersonating cops with lights to pull people over will now lead to a third-degree felony charge instead of a first-degree misdemeanor, according to state law.
The felony charge could lead to five years behind bars and up to $5,000 in fines.
Charges have also been upgraded for drivers who obscure or alter their license plates.
While covering up your license plate used to be just an infraction, violators will now be slapped with a second-degree misdemeanor.
This means drivers with customized plates could face up to 60 days in jail and a fine up to $5000.
NO RUNNING FROM COPS
Another law has ramped up the minimum penalties for fleeing the police in Florida.
Under House Bill 113, anyone who hides or runs from law enforcement will now face more prison time for the third-degree felony.
State Representative Ryan Chamberlin filed the bill after the death of Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Zachary Fink, who was killed in a crash with a semi-truck during a police chase in February 2024.
This revision will also increase the punishment for repeat offenders.
What does Florida’s license plate law say?
Driving on a public roadway with customized license plates is illegal in Florida.
Florida House Bill 253 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 HB 253 and alters or sues obscure license plates can be slapped with second-degree misdemeanor charges.
Using fake license plates while committing a crime results in third-degree felonies.
Even a non criminal traffic infraction where a person alters or covers up license plate and vehicle registration could result in a second-degree misdemeanor.
PROPERTY CRASHES
Under House Bill 479, drivers who crash into a property or another car and flee could now be forced to pay for the damages.
If a driver damages land or a vehicle and leaves the scene, the new law allows the court to force them to pay for the specified damage.
However, this only applies to crashes that damage a vehicle or property — not in cases where someone was hurt.
TRENTON’S LAW
Beginning next month, Trenton’s Law will give harsher penalties for those convicted of manslaughter while driving or boating under the influence.
Under House Bill 687, the maximum sentence for repeat offenders for DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicides will be doubled to 30 years in prison.
This legislation is named after Trenton Stewart, an 18-year-old football player who was killed in a DUI crash in 2023.
Plus, refusing a breath or urine test after a DUI arrest will now get you a criminal penalty.
The first time you say no to the test, you’ll be slapped with a second-degree misdemeanor.
Refusing a breath or urine test two or more times will bring on a first-degree misdemeanor.
