ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions twice per week in a segment called “Ask Trooper Steve.”
Trooper Steve on Tuesday answered this question: “I got pulled over because that little light above my license plate was out. Is that legit?”
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All this talk about license plates lately has people taking a second look at the back of their vehicles, and that’s not a bad thing.
The answer to the question above is: yes.
It might seem like a minor issue, but under Florida Statute 316.221, your rear license plate must be clearly visible from at least 50 feet away when it’s dark. The law specifically requires that a white light illuminates your plate whenever your headlights are on.
Why does that matter? Because that light helps law enforcement and other drivers identify your vehicle at night.
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It’s a small but important part of your car’s safety equipment. If it’s not working, it’s the same as driving with a broken taillight or headlight, and yes, that’s a valid reason for a traffic stop.
So here’s your quick Trooper Steve tip: before you hit the road tonight, take two seconds to check your tag light. It’s one of the easiest and cheapest fixes you can make to stay safe and avoid an unnecessary ticket.
Sometimes, that tiny $2 bulb can make all the difference.