Florida Bill Pushes Two-Plate Rule For Drivers to Track Hit-and-Runs

The proposed legislation in Florida, named the “Lilly Glaubach Act,” is designed to address and improve the investigation and accountability of hit-and-run incidents in the state. The act is named after a young girl who was tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident, emphasizing the personal and community impact of such crimes.

Key Elements of the Lilly Glaubach Act:

1. Mandatory Crash Reports for Repairs:

• The bill requires auto repair shops to obtain a written crash report from any customer whose vehicle repairs cost $5,000 or more. This provision is intended to ensure that significant vehicle repairs, which could potentially involve hit-and-run incidents, are documented. The goal is to make it harder for individuals to anonymously repair vehicles damaged in such incidents, thereby aiding law enforcement in tracking down responsible parties.

1. Requirement for Dual License Plates:

• A significant amendment to the bill introduced by Senator Joe Gruters mandates that all vehicles in Florida must have license plates on both the front and rear of the vehicle. This change aims to increase the likelihood that vehicles involved in crimes, particularly hit-and-runs, can be identified from multiple angles. This is especially useful in scenarios where security or traffic cameras capture images or video footage of vehicles. The amendment aligns Florida with the 29 other states that already require license plates on both ends of vehicles.

1. Financial Impact on Drivers:

• Concerns were raised about the potential financial burden on Florida drivers due to the requirement for an additional license plate. In response, Senator Gruters clarified that the registration process would not require double fees; instead, the state would issue two plates for the standard registration fee. This clarification addresses concerns about increased costs for vehicle owners.

Legislative Process and Impact:

• After the amendment was added, the bill was unanimously approved by the committee and moved on to another committee for further consideration. It must pass through this additional committee before it can be presented for a vote in the full Florida Senate. If approved, the law would take effect on July 1. A similar bill has also been proposed in the Florida House of Representatives, indicating a concerted effort to tackle hit-and-run incidents more effectively across the state.

The Lilly Glaubach Act represents a focused legislative effort to enhance the tools available to law enforcement for investigating hit-and-run accidents, thereby increasing accountability for such actions and potentially deterring future incidents.