Florida's New Motor Crimes Law: Fake Lights and Obscured Plates Now Criminal Offenses (HB 253)

Starting October 1, 2025, a new Florida law (HB 253) takes effect, creating a wave of new criminal liability for drivers. What used to be dismissed as "minor equipment violations" — like decorative lighting or a partially covered license plate — can now be charged as criminal offenses.

The message from the legislature is clear: Florida is tightening control over vehicle modifications and traffic enforcement, and prosecutors now have another tool to pile charges onto drivers.

Florida highway traffic scene representing new criminal enforcement under HB 253

Florida's highways are now subject to increased criminal enforcement under HB 253, transforming routine traffic stops into potential criminal investigations

What HB 253 Does

Under HB 253, Florida law now explicitly criminalizes:

Fake or unauthorized lights on vehicles (for example: undercarriage neon, police-style strobes, or altered headlights/taillights not approved by the DMV)
Obscured license plates, including tinted covers, frames that hide numbers, or even dirt and damage that makes a plate unreadable
Aftermarket devices designed to avoid tolls, obscure plate readers, or interfere with red-light cameras

Each violation can now be charged as a criminal misdemeanor, not just a civil citation.

❓I have LED underglow lights on my car - are they now illegal in Florida?

It depends on the color and installation. If your underglow lights are blue, red, or flashing (resembling police vehicles), they're likely criminal violations under HB 253. White, amber, or other colors may still be legal, but officers now have discretion to charge them as 'unauthorized lighting equipment.'

Close-up detail of vehicle equipment that could violate HB 253

Common vehicle modifications that are now criminal violations under HB 253 include undercarriage lighting, tinted license plate covers, and aftermarket devices that interfere with traffic enforcement.

Why This Law Matters

On the surface, HB 253 looks like a public safety bill. But the real impact is far broader:

A routine stop for a "license plate cover" can now escalate into arrest and criminal charges.
This creates probable cause for law enforcement to search vehicles, run records, and investigate for additional crimes.
A simple traffic stop could easily spiral into DUI, drug, or firearm-related charges.

In other words: HB 253 isn't just about lights and plates. It's about giving police more entry points into your life.

❓My license plate frame covers part of the word 'Florida' - can I be arrested for this?

Yes. Under HB 253, any frame, cover, or obstruction that makes your license plate partially unreadable is now a criminal misdemeanor. Even decorative frames from car dealerships can result in arrest if they obscure any part of the plate or state name.

HB 253 violations provide law enforcement with probable cause to conduct vehicle searches, turning routine equipment stops into comprehensive criminal investigations.

Police officer inspecting vehicle during HB 253 enforcement stop

⚠️ The Stakes Are Higher Than You Think

These cases are not "just tickets." They are criminal charges that can lead to:

Arrest and jail time
Permanent criminal record
License suspension
Insurance spikes
Immigration consequences for non-citizens

Most drivers — and many defense attorneys — will underestimate these cases. That's exactly how people end up with avoidable convictions.

❓I got pulled over for tinted license plate covers - will this show up on background checks?

Yes. HB 253 violations are criminal misdemeanors that create permanent criminal records. This will appear on employment background checks, professional licensing applications, and can affect housing, loans, and immigration status. It's not just a traffic ticket.

🚨 Case Alert

Critical Reality: HB 253 violations are criminal misdemeanors, not traffic infractions. They carry the full weight of Florida's criminal justice system and create permanent criminal records.

Close-up of hands reviewing legal documents

"These cases are not 'just tickets.' They are criminal charges that can lead to arrest, jail time, and permanent criminal records that follow you for life."— Aaron M. Cohen, Principal Attorney

Charged Under Florida's New Motor Crimes Law?

If you've been stopped for lights, plates, or aftermarket devices under HB 253, you need a defense strategy that treats the case seriously from the start. At AMC Defense Law, we don't play defense — we go on offense.

We fight to suppress illegal stops, dismantle weak charges, and protect our clients from convictions that never should have happened.

❓Can I fight HB 253 charges if my modifications were legal when I installed them?

Possibly. If your vehicle modifications were legal under previous Florida law, you may have defenses based on due process, retroactive application, or lack of notice. However, HB 253 applies to current violations regardless of when modifications were installed, so you need experienced legal representation to explore all defense options.

Aaron M. Cohen providing expert legal defense representation

Aaron M. Cohen brings decades of criminal defense experience to HB 253 cases, treating these charges with the seriousness they deserve

If you or your loved ones have been arrested or charged under Florida's HB 253 motor crimes law, call Aaron M. Cohen, 24 hours a day to get help.

Florida's New Motor Crimes Law: Fake Lights and Obscured Plates Now Criminal Offenses (HB 253)

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Part 1: Introduction