JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Many of you in the metro are learning for the first time that your favorite license plate frame could be a violation under Mississippi law.
Bailey Hickman, a resident of Mississippi, told us, “As long as you can see that the date is correct and you can see the number, I don’t see any reason why it should be illegal.”
Darnika Mayfield of the Mississippi Highway Patrol says a law was passed as early as 2023 that would make frames illegal in the state.
“A lot of people may have a fraternity, a sorority, a connection to the college they went to, or something like that for fashion reasons, but that is strictly illegal.”
After our research, 3 on your side has determined that the law is actually listed in Mississippi Code 27-19-31.
It states: “Anyone who defaces, covers or obscures any part of a license plate by stickers, decorations, paint, markings, license plate brackets or holders or any other thing or device in such a way that the letters and legally required stickers on the plate cannot be read is guilty of an administrative offence.”
According to Trooper Mayfield, these glasses prevent her and her colleagues from seeing important information as they approach your vehicle.
“It’s very important that we see that on the label or whatever. Often times we can’t see the expiration date there or we can’t see the county.”
What confuses most Mississippians is why car dealerships and auto shops still sell these items even though they know they are now illegal.
“You know you can go to any auto store and buy a couple of license plate covers or grilles and think, ‘Well, I bought it at the store so it must be legal,’ but in reality it’s not and it’s never communicated to the public that it’s not legal. So to me that’s a bit of a catch,” Bailey Hickman said.
Any driver caught violating the law faces a $25 fine.
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