MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
A new Kansas law taking effect July 1 could require many drivers to remove or replace their license plate frames if they partially block information on their vehicle tags.
Senate Bill 403, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the Kansas Legislature and was signed by Governor Laura Kelly, makes it unlawful for a license plate frame or any other object to affect the visibility or legibility of a vehicle's license plate number, the state name, the month of expiration or the color of the registration decal.
Under the law, all required information must be "clearly visible" and "clearly legible" from a reasonably safe distance.
Violations are classified as misdemeanor offenses punishable by fines of up to $2,500 and possible jail time ranging from 30 days to six months. However, law enforcement officers may issue only warnings during the law's first six months.
Drivers are encouraged to inspect their license plates before July 1 and ensure frames do not block the plate number, state name, registration decal or expiration information. While officers will issue warnings during the law's first six months, citations and criminal penalties may be imposed after that grace period ends.