Commissioner Diaz wants state lawmakers to clarify law against license plate frames

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY – Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz wants state lawmakers to clarify a little-known Florida law that recently got a local motorist fined for sporting a license plate cover in support of wounded combat veterans.

Florida law makes it illegal to obstruct “any feature or detail on the license plate.” Miami-Dade resident Robert Blades found that out recently when he was issued a ticket for his “Wounded Warrior Project” license plate cover. The license plate frame partially covered the words “The Sunshine State,” but all essential information, including his license plate number and registration sticker, was completely visible.

Commissioner Diaz, who is also chairman of the Miami-Dade Military Affairs Board and served in the Marines, thinks that’s wrong. He wants the Florida Legislature to clarify the law to permit license plate frames that partially cover non-essential features of a plate as long as they don’t obstruct or obscure the alphanumeric designation and registration decal. His colleagues on the Commission agree. On Sept. 20, Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution sponsored by Commissioner Diaz to urge the Legislature to act.

“The law really needs to be made clearer so well-meaning citizens who just want to help a good cause don’t get hurt unnecessarily,” Commissioner Diaz said.