In Florida, car wrap laws mandate vehicle owners to avoid wrapping vehicles in unsafe and deceptive ways, including covering license plates and safety equipment, adding obstructive graphics, and impersonating public service vehicles. Excessively reflective wraps are also illegal.
Keep reading to know the relevant rules, regulations, and legal requirements applicable to car wraps in Florida.
Florida Car Wrap Regulations
Remember the following do’s and don’ts before wrapping your vehicle. I’ll also discuss what types of car wraps are illegal in the Sunshine State.
1. License Plate Wrapping
Did you know covering your license plate with wraps to alter its appearance is illegal?
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has warned drivers will face fines if they airbrush, vinyl-wrap, or customize their license plates.
Citations for illegal alterations of Florida license plates have skyrocketed over 95% since 2020. Looks like Florida drivers have been getting a bit too wrapped up in customization!
Section 320.061 prohibits drivers from unlawfully altering their license plates. Penalties include a $60 state fine plus fees and 3 points on your license. These violations may lead to added fees and potential court appearances if unresolved.
The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) offers personalized license plates, which you can order at motor vehicle service centers if you want to customize the look of your plate.
Key Takeaway: Avoid reflectivity, license plate covers, and enhancements affecting the yellow validation stickers. Your license plate must always be easily readable and unaltered, no exceptions!
2. Covering Vehicle Safety Equipment
Under Section 316.610, Florida Statutes, law enforcers can stop and inspect your car if it looks unsafe or incorrectly equipped.
Make sure your vehicle wrap doesn’t cover the following, whether you’re wrapping a financed car to reflect your personal style or transforming your fleet into mobile billboards.
- Headlights
- Brake lights
- Turn signals
- Reflectors
Covering any of these safety features on your car will reduce your ability to be seen by other drivers and remain safe on the road, in addition to potentially leading to a citation.
Key Takeaway: Your wrap shouldn’t cover or impact any essential safety equipment. You could get in trouble if a wrap or decal hides any vehicle part that makes your car unsafe.
3. Window Tint and Stickers
Car owners must limit obstructions on the windows, including the tint and graphics, to maintain proper visibility, according to Section 316.2951 of the Florida Statutes.
- Window perforations, like see-through graphics, should comply with Florida’s window film and tint regulations.
- Avoid wrapping over windows that prevent the driver from seeing clearly out of them, especially when making turns or driving at night.
Key Takeaway: It’s illegal to cover or darken your car windows beyond legal limits. Driving safely at all times is a must!
4. Body and Appearance Modifications
Section 316.2004 of the Florida Statutes prohibits placing unauthorized signs and applying unsafe modifications to your vehicle.
- Your wrap shouldn’t impersonate official markings of public service vehicles, like police decals or emergency vehicles, to avoid confusing other drivers on the road.
- Avoid dangerous after-market modifications that compromise safety, like wraps with sharp protrusions or excessively reflective vehicle wraps that blind other drivers. Your car shouldn’t double as a disco ball!
5. Significant Color Changes
Can you wrap your car in whatever fancy colors and trendy patterns you want? Certainly! (As long as they are safe, of course.)
Various colors and designs are allowed, whether you want a matte black wrap with eye-popping neon accents or a midnight blue wrap with an aesthetic galaxy print.
However, the FLHSMV requires you to update your car’s color on record if your new wrap considerably changes your car’s original color. Remember that your vehicle’s color is a key identifying feature for law enforcement.
Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as soon as possible to update your vehicle registration description and keep it accurate.
Provide:
- Your license plate number
- Your vehicle identification number (VIN)
- A short description of your wrap’s new color or design
Work With a Trusted U.S. Installer to Stay Compliant With the Law
While you can add stylish flair to your car with stunning matte, satin, gloss, or metallic finishes, it’s crucial to keep yourself well-informed of the legal limits when it comes to car wraps.
At National Car Wraps, we know the ins and outs of vehicle regulations and provide top-quality wraps that ensure compliance with Florida car wrap laws, so you stand out on the road without getting in trouble.
Looking to wrap a fleet of vehicles that is compliant with laws across several states? Get in touch with us today to explore your options for fleet graphics!
Find out how long car wraps last in Florida to plan ahead effectively.
