State lawmaker clarifies HB253: targets devices that obscure plate number or validation sticker

Representative Doug Bankson visited the Apopka City Council on Dec. 17 to explain HB253, commonly described in social media as the "tag flipping" bill, and to distinguish it from a separate 2015 statute about decorative license-plate frames.

"This does not change the frame statute," Bankson said, describing HB253 as focused on anything that covers, obscures or interferes with the legibility, angular visibility or detectability of the plate’s primary alphanumeric number or validation sticker. He said the bill strengthens penalties for people who use such devices while committing a crime.

Bankson noted that the 2015 cases (Morris, Pena and Williams) clarified that motorists may use some perimeter frames and styling that do not obscure the essential plate data. "What this dealt with was, basically the primary information, your alphanumeric number and the sticker," he said, urging residents to avoid coverings that hide those features and offering his office as a point of contact for anyone who believes they were improperly cited.

Why it matters: local law enforcement and drivers had expressed confusion after viral posts conflated the two statutes; Bankson said that clarification was the main reason he requested to speak. He encouraged law-enforcement agencies to disseminate guidance to prevent inconsistent enforcement.

The representative also described examples of products sold online that can obscure plate numbers — including curtains, occluding filters and angled privacy covers — and said the statute is aimed at those that prevent clear identification of the plate or its sticker. He emphasized the bill targets interference with the plate’s core features, not decorative perimeter frames.

The council did not take formal action on HB253 during the meeting. Bankson closed by inviting anyone who believes they were wrongly cited to contact his office for assistance.