License plate obscuring device prohibited; penalties.

(1) As used in this section, the term “license plate obscuring device” means a manual, electronic, or mechanical device designed or adapted to be installed on a motor vehicle for the purpose of:

(a) Switching between two or more license plates to permit a motor vehicle operator to change the license plate displayed on the motor vehicle;

(b) Hiding a license plate from view by flipping the license plate so that the license plate number is not visible;

(c) Covering, obscuring, or otherwise interfering with the legibility, angular visibility, or detectability of the license plate number or validation sticker; or

(d) Interfering with the ability to record the license plate number or validation sticker.

(2) A person commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, if he or she purchases or possesses a license plate obscuring device.

(3) A person commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, if he or she manufactures, sells, offers to sell, or otherwise distributes a license plate obscuring device.

(4) A person commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, if he or she uses a license plate obscuring device to assist in committing a crime or in escaping from or avoiding detection or arrest in connection with committing such crime.

(5) The use of a license plate frame or decorative border device is not an offense under this section, provided that the device does not obscure the visibility of the following:

(a) The alphanumeric designation or license plate number.

(b) The registration decal or validation sticker located in the upper right corner.