GA SB293

Upgrades the offense of illegally manufacturing, selling, or issuing license plates or revalidation decals from a misdemeanor to a felony

Increases penalties for license plate-related violations including a minimum fine of $750 (up from $500) and/or up to 12 months confinement for offenses such as altering plates, obscuring plates from surveillance, and improper transfers

Limits private use of dealer vehicles by employees to no more than six months per vehicle, defines "employee" as working minimum 36 hours per week at the dealership, and requires dealer plates to be made of stamped metal starting January 1, 2027

Elevates odometer tampering from a misdemeanor to a felony and increases civil liability for fraudulent odometer violations from $1,500 to $10,000 minimum damages

Increases required surety bond for used motor vehicle dealers from $35,000 to $50,000, adds new licensure requirements including residency/agent for service and completion of a board-approved training seminar, and authorizes Department of Revenue inspections of dealer premises