Many Mississippi residents in the Metro area are discovering that their favorite car tag frames could actually be a violation of state law. Bailey Hickman, a local resident, expressed surprise at this revelation, stating, “As long as you can see it’s in date and you can make out the number, I don’t see why it should be illegal.”
Darnika Mayfield, a representative from the Mississippi Highway Patrol, explained that legislation passed in 2023 made it illegal to use frames on license plates in the state. She noted that many people use frames for decorative purposes, such as displaying fraternity or sorority affiliations, college logos, or simply for fashion, but these frames are now considered illegal under Mississippi law.
According to Mississippi Code 27-19-31, it is a misdemeanor offense to deface, cover, or obstruct any portion of a license tag with a sticker, decoration, paint, marking, license plate bracket, or any other device that prevents the characters and legally affixed decals on the tag from being read. This law aims to ensure that important information on license plates, such as expiration dates and county identification, remains visible to law enforcement officers.
Trooper Mayfield emphasized the importance of being able to clearly see the information on license plates when approaching a vehicle. She explained, “It’s very important that we see that on the tag or whatever. A lot of times we cannot see the expiration date on there or we can’t see the county.”
Despite the law being in place, many Mississippians are puzzled as to why car dealerships and stores continue to sell these illegal frames. Hickman pointed out the confusion, stating, “You know you can go into any automotive shop and buy a decker of tag cover, or screens and you think ‘Well, I bought it at the store, so it’s got to be legal’ and it’s really not and it’s never communicated to the public that it’s not. So, it’s a little bit of a catch to me.”
Motorists caught violating this law could face a $25 fine. It is important for residents to be aware of this regulation and ensure that their license plates are in compliance with Mississippi state law.
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In conclusion, the use of car tag frames in Mississippi has been deemed illegal under state law, with the aim of ensuring that important information on license plates remains visible to law enforcement officers. It is essential for motorists to comply with this regulation to avoid fines and legal consequences.