According to the Florida Statutes, it is illegal to attach one vehicle’s license plate or validation sticker to another. Doing so is a criminal offense with serious penalties, including fines and possible imprisonment. If you have received an unlawful tag ticket, turn to Florida Ticket Firm for help fighting it. We are a lifeline for Floridians who have found themselves tangled up with our state’s traffic laws. Throughout the years, our team has successfully defended clients against all kinds of criminal and noncriminal traffic violations. In fact, we have a 90% case success rate.

Learn how our Florida unlawful tag ticket lawyers can help you in a free consultation. Schedule yours by calling (813) 276-6000 or reaching out to us online. We serve clients across the state from offices in Tampa and Hollywood. 

How Can You Get an Unlawful Tag Ticket?

Law enforcement will issue unlawful tag tickets if a vehicle’s license plate or validation sticker is invalid, counterfeit, or unlawfully displayed.

Some common scenarios that can lead to this kind of ticket include the following:

• Using a fake or stolen license plate
• Using a counterfeit validation sticker
• Displaying an expired or invalid license plate or sticker

Altering & Obscuring License Plates or Validation Stickers

While similar to an unlawful tag offense, altering or obscuring a license plate or validation sticker is considered a moving violation—not a criminal offense. This means you will receive points on your license for the offense, but it does not carry the same penalties as an unlawful tag ticket.

Examples of this violation include: 

• Spraying paint on a license plate to obscure the numbers/letters
• Covering part of a license plate with tinted plastic
• Using a frame that obscures part of the license plate

The Penalties for an Unlawful Tag Ticket in Florida

This offense is considered a second-degree misdemeanor. Florida courts can punish these criminal offenses with fines of up to $500 and 60 days in jail or six months of probation. If convicted, you will have a criminal record that could interfere with job and housing prospects, among other important aspects of your life.

How Can a Lawyer Help with an Unlawful Tag Ticket?

If you have been issued an unlawful tag ticket, do not wait to seek legal representation. An experienced traffic lawyer like ours at Florida Ticket Firm can work to defend you against this charge and see that you avoid the consequences of a conviction.

Our team can carefully evaluate the circumstances that led to your charges, noting any possible errors by law enforcement. We can then strategize for your defense, leveraging unparalleled experience handling traffic cases.

Ultimately, we may be able to:

• Have your charges reduced or dismissed altogether
• Negotiate with the prosecutor for alternative penalties such as probation or community service
• Rectify violations of your rights by law enforcement or other parties

Speak with one of our Florida unlawful tag ticket lawyers about your case. Call (813) 276-6000 or reach out online to request a free consultation.