A night in jail for a Florida rental‑car driver over a license‑plate frame has sparked confusion about a state law that took effect on Oct. 1.
Incident
Demarquize Dawson, a South Florida resident, was pulled over by Davie Police after he was driving a rental car with a frame on his license plate. He was arrested because the first “S” in “Sunshine State” was covered by the frame. “Something needs to be done because that’s not right,” Dawson said. He posted a photo of his plate on Instagram, noting the arrest was triggered by the obscured “S”.
Immediate Reaction
After the arrest, Dawson was taken to a hospital following a panic attack. He was released from jail on his own recognizance and later expressed that he never should have been arrested. “There was a big commotion in court on what’s right and what’s wrong about this new statute,” Dawson said.
Law Clarification
The updated memo issued Monday by Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles clarified that drivers may have a frame as long as the letters, numbers, and the registration sticker remain visible. The memo states that a frame can cover the top or bottom of the plate if an officer can still identify the state. This clarification was prompted by the vague wording of the original law.
Police Response
Davie Police issued an apology and a statement: “At the initial release of this updated law, the wording was vague, unclear and appeared to be open for misinterpretation. Since the release of a memo of clarification from the Florida Police Chiefs’ Association was provided to our department, our officers are educated on the application and use of this statute. Unfortunately, it appears this arrest was invalid and we extend our apologies to Mr. Dawson.” The department also explained the new guidance before extending the apology.
Official Guidance
Davie Police spokesperson Officer Julia Ross explained the new guidance: “As long as officers are able to read your numbers and this registration sticker, you can have a frame. If it’s partially covering where you can partially see Florida or just halfway see ‘Sunshine State,’ you’re alright,” Ross said. The Miami‑Dade Tax Collector also sent out a flyer for clarification, reinforcing that the frame is permissible if the plate remains readable.
Original Intent of the Law
The law that took effect on Oct. 1 was originally intended to stop tinted covers that make tags hard to read. These covers are often used for toll fraud and hiding stolen cars. The updated language aims to balance enforcement with the common practice of using frames.
Penalty Changes
A significant change to the law is the shift in penalty. The offense now carries a second‑degree misdemeanor designation, which can result in up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. This is a departure from the previous non‑criminal traffic infraction classification.
Community Impact
The incident has highlighted the need for clear communication between law‑enforcement agencies and the public. It also underscores how quickly a misunderstanding can lead to legal consequences for ordinary citizens.
Legal and Enforcement Implications
Law enforcement agencies are now better informed about the acceptable use of license‑plate frames. The Florida Police Chiefs’ Association has provided a memo to clarify the statute, and officers are being trained accordingly.
Public Perception
Public reaction has been mixed. Some residents support the stricter enforcement of the law to prevent fraud, while others view the enforcement of a minor detail as excessive. The apology from Davie Police may help to mitigate negative sentiment.
Key Takeaways
- A Florida rental‑car driver was arrested for a license‑plate frame that obscured the “S” in “Sunshine State”.
- The state clarified that frames are allowed if the plate and registration sticker remain visible.
- The penalty for violating the law now carries a second‑degree misdemeanor, up to 60 days jail and a $500 fine.
The incident serves as a reminder that even small details on a vehicle can have legal ramifications, especially when laws are updated and not fully understood by the public. Police departments and the state have taken steps to clarify the regulations, and the public is encouraged to review the latest guidance before using a license‑plate frame.
