SB 1198 Summary

• Prohibits applying any covering, substance, electronic device, or electrochromatic film to license plates that obscures numbers, characters, year validating tabs, or the name of the issuing jurisdiction from any angle, unless authorized by the department.

• Requires license plates to remain clearly legible and maintains existing requirements for securely fastening plates at least 12 inches from the ground and in a clearly visible position.

• Maintains the requirement that the state name at the top of the license plate cannot be obscured.

• Establishes civil penalties for violations: $30 for a first violation and $100 for violations within 12 months of a prior violation.

• Clarifies that peace officers cannot stop or cite drivers solely for license plate visibility violations unless there is reasonable cause to believe another motor vehicle law violation exists.