A newly proposed bill in Florida aims to enhance road safety by mandating that drivers affix two license plates to their vehicles—one at the front and one at the rear. The bill, known as SB-92 or the Lilly Glaubach Act, is named after a 13-year-old girl from Tampa who tragically lost her life in a hit-and-run accident while returning home from school.
Introduced in December, SB-92 seeks to aid law enforcement in identifying drivers who flee the scene after an accident. One of the key provisions in the Lilly Glaubach Act mandates that for accidents resulting in damages exceeding $5,000, repair shops must obtain a written accident report before commencing any work on the vehicle. This report would provide crucial details about the owner, the vehicle, and the damages, aiding authorities in tracking down hit-and-run drivers.
State Senator Joe Gruters, a Republican from Sarasota, emphasized that increasing the accountability of repair shops is intended to deter hit-and-run incidents. "We want to prevent people from having work done under false pretenses," he stated.
During a Senate committee meeting this week, Gruters introduced an amendment to the bill that would require all vehicles in Florida to display plates at both the front and back. This measure would make it easier to identify vehicles involved in hit-and-runs, as traffic cameras often miss capturing the rear plate of speeding vehicles.
The proposal raised questions about whether drivers would face an additional fee for a second plate. Gruters clarified that there would be no extra charge, as drivers would continue to pay a single registration fee, with the state responsible for providing two plates.
The committee unanimously approved the amendment, and the bill now advances to another committee before a full Senate vote. A similar bill has been introduced in the Florida House of Representatives. Should the legislative initiative be enacted, it would take effect on July 1, aligning Florida with 29 other states that already require plates on both ends of a vehicle.
This potential change could play a crucial role in curbing the actions of drivers who flee accident scenes, marking a significant shift in vehicle registration regulations within the state.
FAQs about Florida's Proposed License Plate Changes
What is the purpose of the SB-92 bill in Florida?
The SB-92 bill, also known as the Lilly Glaubach Act, aims to improve road safety and assist law enforcement in identifying drivers involved in hit-and-run accidents by requiring two license plates on vehicles.
Will Florida drivers have to pay extra for a second license plate?
No, drivers will not face additional fees for a second license plate. The state will provide two plates under the current single registration fee.
When would the new license plate requirement take effect?
If passed, the requirement for two license plates would become effective on July 1.