Road safety doesn’t improve on its own; we know that. Sometimes it needs a push to bring about change, but sometimes that “push” we’re talking about turns into tragedy, and it’s only then that the authorities wake up from their slumber and get to work to improve the way we move.
Florida has been one of the states that has modified its legislation to try to improve the system. Until now, it allowed driving with only one license plate on the rear of the vehicle, but that has now changed.
With this change, they aim to help authorities and police departments better detect drivers who flee after being pulled over or who break traffic safety rules, but what laws are they going to implement?
The story behind the change
This initiative has been named the “Lilly Glaubach Act,” and it was named in honor of a 13-year-old girl from Tampa who was fatally struck while riding her bike to school. The driver fled the scene, and like in many other similar cases, the lack of a front plate prevented the vehicle from being identified.
So, as we said, this tragedy has made the authorities react and seek measures for improvement. In Florida, hit-and-run cases have become increasingly common, and traffic cameras and witnesses often only manage to capture the front of the vehicle, which leaves many victims without justice.
What has Florida proposed?
That vehicles be required to have two license plates, one on the front and one on the back, with the goal of making it much easier for authorities and possible witnesses to identify vehicles that flee after an accident.
This is what the bill says
The bill was introduced in December and has been revised to reach its current form. The final proposal is to add two plates to improve the identification of all vehicles, not just by recognizing the colour or model.
Will it cost more for drivers?
One of the main concerns among citizens is the potential increase in registration costs. However, Senator Joe Gruters clarified that drivers will not be charged double. They will receive two plates for the usual price of a single registration.
In addition, the legislation introduces new and innovative measures to protect both consumers and auto repair shops. When damage exceeds $5,000, a police report will be required before repairs begin, which will help prevent fraud and support investigations into automotive crimes.
The front plate as a tool against crime
Both authorities and law enforcement advocates say this measure will serve as a crucial tool to deter reckless drivers, track stolen or unregistered vehicles, and fight staged accidents for insurance fraud. How many accidents happen and remain unsolved? The simple fact that cameras can capture the front plate can make the difference between impunity and justice, and that’s what the State of Florida is trying to achieve.
When does it go into effect?
The law will take effect on July 1, and its implementation will place Florida among the 29 states that already require two plates. Although some opponents consider it an unnecessary expense, authorities are confident that this change won’t affect anyone’s convenience and insist it will help easily identify those who commit crimes.
Many changes are coming, but they’re changes to improve our safety on the streets. Lilly’s case cannot be repeated. No one should go unpunished after running someone over and failing to stop to help.
