Florida’s new law criminalizes alterations to license plates, such as plastic covers or tinted LED lights, by prohibiting anything that interferes with the legibility or detectability of plate details. While intended to improve visibility for law enforcement and automated cameras, the law’s vague language grants police broad discretion to pull drivers over, potentially increasing stops based on minor infractions. This discretionary power disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic drivers, who already face higher rates of stops, searches, and police misconduct, raising concerns about racial bias and unequal enforcement.

Critics argue the law expands police power under the guise of public safety without addressing real threats, instead creating more opportunities for criminalizing trivial behavior. This shift burdens individuals—especially those least able to afford fines or legal costs—and strains the criminal justice system. Rather than enhancing safety, the policy risks normalizing excessive state intervention and undermining civil liberties. Advocates suggest treating plate violations as civil matters and improving plate visibility through better lighting, emphasizing that policing minor infractions distracts from addressing substantive public safety issues.