In one state, certain LED lights will automatically be considered felonies, as this state is declaring war on the use of fake police lights from October 1, 2025. The state is tackling the issue of motorists pretending to be police officers. According to the new law being passed, the unauthorized use of the white, blue, and red vehicle LED lights could be labeled a third-degree felony. According to State Rep. Doug Bankson, the new law helps reduce the problem of vehicle deception, aligning with the state’s overall safety goals and stringent law enforcement efforts.
The illegal use of red, blue, and white LEDs is coming to light
With the new House Bill 253 coming into effect, all citizens found with white, blue, and red LED lights in an attempt to impersonate the police will be said to be in possession of illegal lights. From October 1, anyone caught with these “illegal LED lights” will face felony charges and might even be punished by being placed in prison for five years.
Initially in the state, impersonating a police vehicle with resembling LED lights was seen as a misdemeanor of the first degree. However, it was seen that impersonating police with LED lights is a threat to public safety and sets the ground for more criminal activities. Illegal traffic stops conducted by fake policemen are not seen as being safe. These particular LED light colors are not just used for decoration, but to symbolize power and authority. Thus far, House Bill 253, which was authored by Bankson and passed with bipartisan support, is heading towards the Judiciary Committee for a final review.
Included in the law is a ban on tag flipping devices
As per House Bill 253, tag flipping devices are banned, too. Tag flipping devices are those devices that tend to mask license plates to evade toll cameras and other automated tracking systems. While these types of devices are sold throughout the state, the Highway Patrol for the state noted that the number of people using concealed plates has increased to 98% since 2020.
According to the Bill, a tiered penalty structure will follow for using the tag flipping devices:
- Possessing a plate-hiding device: Second-degree misdemeanor
- Manufacturing or selling of these tag flipping devices: First-degree misdemeanor
- The use of a device during a crime: Third-degree felony
By hiding license plates, law enforcement officials argue that criminal activity is assisted. The state is taking every initiative to prevent deception and assist in crime prevention endeavors on the roads.
Rep. Bankson’s proposal is gaining further acknowledgement
This Bill was spearheaded by Rep. Bankson in 2025 as the conservative lawmaker found that certain initiatives were important for economic reform.
However, Rep. Bankson’s legislative portfolio continues to grow and includes:
- HB 999
- HB 6021
- HB 293
All of the legislative promises put forward by Rep. Bankson show a keen focus on influencing the state legislature. By enforcing penalties on drivers who go against the law, various House Bills encourage drivers not to misuse technology. In Florida, recent legislation also saw that jail time was on the cards for offenders in the state who were caught speeding. When Florida approved the 50 mph speed limit law, first-time offenders feared the risk of jail time.
The state is curbing the problem of deception on the road
Florida House Bill 253 is a bill being passed in Florida, and it seeks to prevent drivers from using fake police LED lights and deals with the issue of concealing license plates while also evoking the message that forms of vehicle deception cannot occur on roads in the state. All offenders who wish to cheat the law and continue breaking the law will have to face a penalty if and when they are caught. October 1, 2025, will see this new law come into place throughout the state. Florida is keen on making sure roads are safer, and as of July 1, the state approved some feared measures, including $500 fines as well as jail time for all law offenders.
