A Florida bill aimed at aiding investigators in apprehending hit-and-run drivers may introduce a requirement for cars in the state to display two license plates.
Filed back in December, the legislation (SB 92) is named the Lilly Glaubach Act in honor of a 13-year-old girl from Tampa who was struck by a vehicle while riding her bike home from school.
Under the proposed law, motor vehicle repair shops would need to obtain a written crash report from customers before starting any repair work if the estimated cost is at least $5,000. This report would include details about the customer, the vehicle, and the damage, which could assist investigators in identifying potential hit-and-run drivers.
This legislation aims to deter hit-and-runs by enhancing the accountability of auto repair shops and preventing individuals from obtaining repairs under false pretenses, explained state Sen. Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota), one of the bill’s co-sponsors.
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During a Senate committee meeting this week, Gruters proposed an amendment requiring vehicles to have a license plate displayed on both the front and back. If enacted, Florida would join 29 other states that mandate two plates. Gruters argued that this change would make it easier for investigators and witnesses to identify vehicles involved in hit-and-runs.
The reason for having two license plates is that while people speed away from these incidents, numerous cameras are in operation, and they can’t always capture the rear plate, he stated.
However, Sen. Lori Berman (D-Boynton Beach) raised concerns about the financial impact on Florida drivers. Will residents of Florida have to pay double the fee for an additional license plate? she questioned.
We’re addressing that issue, Gruters replied. “Initially, I thought it would mean paying twice for registration fees, but the system operates on a single registration fee, and the state would supply two plates.
The committee ultimately approved the amendment and voted unanimously in favor of the bill, which still requires approval from one more committee before reaching a full Senate vote.
Should the bill pass and be signed into law, it will take effect on July 1.
