A Florida man spent a night in jail after police arrested him for a license plate frame that covered the “S” in “Sunshine State,” raising questions about a newly clarified law.
Arrest and Reaction
Demarquize Dawson was pulled over by Davie Police and arrested for the frame on his rental car. He posted a photo on Instagram and said the officer cited the first “S” in “Sunshine State” as obscured. Dawson quoted the officer: “I’m arresting you because the ‘S’ on your license plate is obscured. The ‘S’ in sunshine.”
Updated Law Clarification
A memo released Monday by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles clarified that frames may cover the top or bottom of a plate as long as an officer can identify the state. Officer Julia Ross of Davie Police explained: “As long as officers are able to read your numbers and this registration sticker, you can have a frame. If it’s partially covering where you can partially see Florida or just halfway see ‘Sunshine State,’ you’re alright.”
Apology and Legal Context
Davie Police issued a statement saying the initial wording of the updated law was vague and that the arrest was invalid. They apologized to Dawson, who was later released on his own recognizance after a panic attack. The original law, effective October 1, made it illegal to cover or alter a license plate, but the penalty was upgraded from a non‑criminal infraction to a second‑degree misdemeanor, carrying up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Key Takeaways
- A Florida man was jailed for a license plate frame that obscured the “S” in “Sunshine State.”
- The state clarified that frames are allowed if the state can still be identified.
- The penalty for violating the law now carries misdemeanor consequences.
The incident highlights the importance of clear regulations and the impact of misinterpretation on law enforcement and motorists alike.
